Time for an exhaust system makeover - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Redline · 03-08-2006, 08:06 PM

The time has come to make a few "changes" to my exhaust system. Please note: I am NOT going all-out on doing up my exhaust system. i just need to replace some parts b/c circumstances have forced me into this position.

The skinny: I went to get an emissions test done, but was told that the test could NOT be performed b/c my front pipe (anything between headers and the cat) was leaking exhaust. I was told that I'll need to get it replaced before I could do the test. The leak/crack is probably a result of an accident not too long ago, where I was rear-ended. pipes prolly got pushed in (towards front of car).

Question: How far should I take the makeover? What is the BEST shop (in the northeast-end) to take my car to)? I was thinking only to replace the flexpipe and any other pipe b/w the headers and cat. Also, I have an aftermarket muffler just screaming to be put on, so I thot I could take this opportunity to do so. The muffler will require some custom cat-back piping done, as my gen3 camry stock muffler is side-inlet, where-as the aftermarket is end-inlet. I read from other posts that mandrel-bent is better (performance), but I've also read that it doesn't matter for my car if I don't plan on boosting it (which I don't).

Anyways, I hope someone out there can help me. BTW, I've made a list of the possible shops ppl have mentioned; T-Lex, Noyzboyz, Brullen, some other south-of-401 shops. If someone can tell me if "Car Wings Auto" (or other shops on Green Lane) is worth it, then I'd go there since it's closer to me.

thx in advance!

Redline

**EDIT: go to my LAST POST for latest question

Redline · 03-09-2006, 05:28 PM

BUMP

Anyone??? I need some advice fast, since the last day I can do my emissions test is Mar. 29.

Redline

AyzhenInvasion · 03-09-2006, 05:51 PM

if ur gonna do muffler, it'll only be for sound. gains are minimal. so do u only want the muffler for sound ? if thats ok, then do muffler and fix ur pipe.

if u want more performance u'll need a new header, a good cat that'll let u pass emissions and restrict flow minimum (is there a cat like that anybody ?) and then u do ur exhaust. but if u do that, u'll get more, but money-performance ratio will suck unless u go/will go forced induction.

dunno about shops sorry.

***Eye8Pussies*** · 03-09-2006, 09:42 PM

hmmm....well....the brullen shop actually isn't there anymore.....and t-lex...unless you're going to replace everything with basically stock parts, there's no point going to basil....he can do little things, but he can't fabricate an entire exhaust system for you....

I would say, keep looking around....and if you've been thinking about a performance exhaust, this may as well be a time to do it.....

or you can just walk into any exhaust shop and ask for a quote and then go from there

Hajoca · 03-10-2006, 07:49 AM

Go to Canada Custom Mufflers on 1211 Kennedy Rd. south of the 401, it is in Scarborough though. Very good service, and the only down side is that you have to get there early.

Great prices, and does not do unecessary extras.

***Knailgun*** · 03-10-2006, 04:32 PM

check around I say, most places price competitive

Redline · 03-10-2006, 08:52 PM

Hajoca: I might check them out, but only if I run out of places to go. It's a bit far for me. Heard any reviews on "EM Automotive" in Richmond Hill?

Ayzhen: mainly doing the muffler for sound/looks....not really performance.

Eye8: Yah, I've been calling up shops that I found on Yellow.ca.....some places do it, some don't. I've got a couple quotes, but I wanted to check them out on TN first, so here goes....

- "EM Automotive" tells me that it would be cheaper to get a full cat-back system installed rather than just do some custom piping for the muffler only. Is this true?
- Another shop tells me that I CAN do some custom piping just to mount the muffler only (he said it was the "axel-pipe"...is that right?)....said it'll cost me around $100 for the pipe. Dunno if this includes labour yet, tho.
- I need to get my flexpipe changed....what are the names of any pipes/parts between the headers and the cat?

Anyways, if anyone can clarify these questions for me soon, then I can take my car in to get this job done. Gonna get the flexpipe replaced too. Thanks in advance!

Redline

AyzhenInvasion · 03-10-2006, 09:00 PM

between header and cat is the down pipe (someone correct me ?)

after-muffler pipe is axle back. what u can do is get ur piping cut somewhere after the resonator (flex pipe, cat, resonator, muffler is the order of those bulges mufler is behind wheels (you know that but whatever)) and weld the muffler there, and get the axle back. (the pipe that goes after the muffler, past the rear axle, out the back)

i don't see the point in doing cat back cause u'll end up buying another resonator anyways caue the I4 apparently according to everyone else sounds like ass without resonator. if u have a v6 then that might be a option

Redline · 03-15-2006, 05:57 PM

ok, I've already decided on a place to get the flexpipe replaced. The only thing still bothering me is the expected result.

Currently:
- my car accelerates like ass...similar performance to a car with a punctured muffler/pipe.
- my car is loud as hell when accelerating
- can't do my emission test

Expected result after replacement:
- car will be quieter when idling or accelerating (back to normal, as normal as can be for a 13y/o car)
- car will regain some power during acceleration (it will actually move/haul when the pedal is to the floor).
- pass my emission test.
- the above results will remain that way for at LEAST a year.

Now, am I expecting too much from this replacement, or is that about right? Any insight to this? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Thx,

Redline

terrastrife · 03-15-2006, 06:17 PM

sounds about right. the longlivity will be down to the installation and part quality...but uhh.. how can you live going back to standard? =)

AyzhenInvasion · 03-15-2006, 07:48 PM

if flexpipe is the only thing messed up and u get a new one, everything should turn out fine..

if i were u, i'd do the flexpipe and

1. if the muffler goes at the end (like the ebay ones), just cut off the stock and weld the new one on..

2. if the muffler goes towards the middle of the car.. cut right after the stock resonator, put the muffler there, and do piping back from there.. (2.25 inch muffler if ur thinking of doing full exhaust in the future, that way u'd already have everything muffler and behind and all u'd need to do is header 2.25, hi flow cat 2.25 and resonaotr 2.25 =D )

terra- hot piping man.. just a little scratched up ? =P u got new headers in there ? or just new downpipes...