Holy Crap! Need entire exhaust system

[CamryMan100]

First off, my search of 'exhaust' with additional keywords did not help...

I have a '99 Camry LE 4cyl with 128k miles. Over the past couple of months, I've noticed the exhaust sound getting progressively worse and worse - I've put it off for as long as I can, and now it's time to pay the piper... no pun intended...

So far, I've gotten one estimate from my local wrencher, he quoted me $850 to do full replacement - this is from manifold all da way back.

Has anyone else had to do this, and are there any recommendations? I've also thought about going to the local Monro hacks, but I'm not too fond of them. Also thought about trying a local muffler guy, but I'm not too sure what others may have done. I'm trying to do this as economically as possible, as this will be my son's car in a year or so. Also, should I replace the O2 sensors while I'm at it, or do you think I can get away with leaving the originals in place? Any recommendations are appreciated tremendously..

Thanks
Eric - PA

[kpszar]

Replacing the O2 Sensors would be a good idea. If you have some experience and have some car stands, go buy the parts and do it yourself. If you do it yourself spray special high heat and rust prevented on them if you drive bad roads. $850 is a decent price, A guy quoted me $500 just to do the bottom of the manifold to the cat, which is like 4 feet of pipe!

[the94camryman]

you could do it yourself and use the extra money you would save and buy an obx steel header, and a greddy evo or other exhaust. give you a nice note and maybe a little more power.

[cykaaro]

By worse and worse what exactly do you mean?

Is there a hole in your muffler? or the cat toast? [it'll start making a rattling sound if it's shot]

If it's just the noise that's getting worse, which is usually a sign of an exhaust leak, it doesn't necessarily mean necessarily the exhaust system needs replacing.

Last winter I straddled a chunk of ice which caused the flanges all to knock the rust out. Sounded just like a shot muffler. Took it in and was quoted over $750 to fix it. Took it to my mechanic I usually go to, and cost me a mere $60. Simple cut off the flanges, and the exhaust is now straight welded in with no flanges. My jeep was done the same way. Much better, and no parts to rust out and cause issues.

You'll notice a lot of times the exhaust piping is lifetime warranty? That's because they are, but the flanges that are the parts the rust out aren't, and when they do, most muffler shops etc. will quote you for installing brand new piping which really needed, instead of cutting out the flanges and welding them in. Just something for you to consider.

good luck!

[dollarbill425]

I've got a full exhaust system for a 95 thats still on the car, besides the manifold, I don't know if its fits a 99 but I live in missouri and I can ship it if you want it....

[chazmck]

I also have a '99 4cyl camry LE that had an exhaust leak. The problem was the flex coupling/joint had rusted out. It sounded like the UPS delivery truck. This morning I took it to an independent muffler shop and they cut out the old flex joint and welded in a new one. Total cost was $125 with 1yr warranty. It now sounds like a new car!