Prizm Muffler Debacle!!!!

[MFCC08]

Hi. I just recently bought a new car, a 2001 Chevy Prizm Lsi. Now, since it has a corolla engine in it i was wondering if I could get some feedback here. My dad actually has a 2000 corolla, and since they are basically the same car, minus the radio and the body, I was wondering about exhausts.

They do have the same exhausts, and since I am a student trying to become a doctor...I really don't have a lot of money to spend on cars right now. I just bought a TRD strut bar for my car, and it is a beauty. I want to move to the exhaust. Tsudo racing makes an axel back system for the car. The Fireball axel back exhaust system! For 140 bucks, you can get a cheaper version of the 5zigen one...

My question is does anybody have this, and if so here are my questions....
1. How does the muffler sound?
2. Has it held up well/how long have you had it?
3. In general, have there been problems with the car after installing an aftermarket muffler?????

I'd really appreciate some input on this since I have wanted a muffler since I started driving 4 years ago. I just keep hearing contradictions about mufflers for this, and really all cars. Saying things like...."NO BACK PRESSURE IS BAD FOR ENGINES!!!" "ENGINES THAT ARE FREEFLOWING ARE BETTER ENGINES!!!"

I hope some one has the fireball or even the N1 to just comment upon it. Thank you!

[fishexpo101]

The term "backpressure" is one of those that is subject to various interpretations. For an efficient exhaust system - you have to juggle good exhaust scavenging and free flowing - basically exhaust efficency at high and low RPMs. An straight pipe is great for flow, but generally terrible for scavenging. A properly "tuned" (smaller diameter, or specific length) pipe is better for scavenging but generally more restrictive at higher speeds.

If your running a stock engine - most axle back system will net you minimal power gains at best. Typical intake, header,exhaust with a stock 1ZZ-FE, might be looking 5-10HP gains tops. You'll definitely gain a different sounding exhaust - if you do it for exhaust sound instead of performance, you'll probably be happier in the end.

I used to run a TRD exhaust on my car - sounds was deeper in tone - nice for awhile, but for long commutes, can be tiresome. Sold it for what I paid and haven't looked back.

[MFCC08]

Thanks Fish!!! Yeah I did some research, and come to find out.....that the stock muffler is the best for our cars. The power band is consistent throughout the whole RPM range. When you throw another muffler on you will see and increase at the top end but wont get the same power at low to mid (1 to 3.5/4 RPM). Thanks again for posting to this!!! I have another question for you if you don't mind too, but ill pm you about that!! Thanks!!