stock exhaust system question

[safemode]

On some cars exhaust system upgrades mean bigger exhaust removes the stock restrictive exhaust and you get more horse power and louder sound. On the grand am (2001 and up) is the exhaust all that restrictive? I know on some cars people upgrade the exaust and it's just for looks and sound even when they say it's for better performance (magazines love to do this). I'd like to know because i dont want loud and therefore, a police attracting exhaust system but if the stock one is robbing the engine of significant (greater than 5hp) then i may change my spending priorities.

[SilverEcstasy]

Well, I have heard that when getting an aftermarket exhaust, you are doing a few things. You're freeing up the exhaust flow for increased top-end, you've turned up the volume slightly (depending on what exhaust), and you've lost some weight. Someone had informed me that the stock exhaust is almost 60lbs, when for example, a Borla, made out of T-304 is lighter and stronger (right?) Don't hold me to these facts but this is what I have been lead to believe.

[AaronGTR]

The stock exhaust is deffinitly restrictive. The muffler is the worst part, but it also has some bad bends and kinks were it goes over the rear suspension. Expect anywere from 10 to 15hp from a new exhaust. If you want something quieter go with the borla, or a single magnaflow and new piping and keep the resonator (chamber behind the catalytic converter and flange). That should do it.:)

[safemode]

I'd definitely rather have something quiet. Would aftermarket exhaust systems have to go under the rear suspension instead of over it? Wouldn't this make the clearance over the ground too low? Why does gm go over ?

[Greed4Speed]

Aftermarket exhausts go over the rear also. If you want quiet get a "turbo" style muffler. (ie: Borla, Dynomax Super Turbo)

[safemode]

what makes them quieter ? just smaller diameter output or something special with the muffler?

[phantom505]

Borla has a muffler, from what I can tell the SLP isn't much of a muffler. I have had pretty good luck with the Borla, but my plan is to get a cut out too.

[Greed4Speed]

The design makes them more quiet.

[Alkaholik]

So is Borla the recommended exaust??
Does anyone know results from Borla or the RSM exaust??

[SilverEcstasy]

I know that people have commented that Borla supplies a full-filling power increase throughout the entire RPM band. The RSM exhaust is all custom, and is geared towards having a 2.5" setup so you can have the max output from the exhaust when running their SC.

[Greed4Speed]

Personally, I'd just go to a muffler shop and have one fabbed. There can't be more than a 5 hp at the flywheel difference between pressure bent compared to mandrel bent, and when you look at it as HP/Dollar it isn't worth it. Now if you're buying it because you want stainless that is different. If you don't care if it is stainless, get a Dynomax Super Turbo muffler for $40 and have it installed w/2.5" pipe $100-$150 cat back and tips of your choice $50-$100. I have 112000 miles on the stock aluminized pipes and they're still solid. You could also buy a stainless borla muffler and tips and get them installed. A complete Borla system is $600. With shipping and installation it'll be over $700. Ya, it has a million mile waranty, but are you going to keep your car long enough for it to pay off?

If you have the $ and plan on keeping your car for 5 yrs or more, ya go stainless. I'd definately go stainless w/the tips though because they are visible.

[safemode]

what about going true dual exhaust? Has anyone done that?

[Alkaholik]

Ya men that's what I'm saying, but it would probably involve a crap load of work and money, unless you do it yourself

[safemode]

any pictures of such an exhaust system on a grand am gt?