So, I've narrowed my exhaust choice down to either an HKS or Borla and will be purchasing within the next week.

My 2-part question here is:

1) How much is Midas/Meineke or any other mom/pop shop going to charge me to install either of these two systems on my Z? Any ballpark estimate or exact price YOU paid would be helpful here.

2) Would I have any problems with the exhaust system fitting in the back of my Z so that I can take it to the shop to have it installed?

Thanks in advance for any/all help you can provide.

 

I just fit a Tenabe hyper medallion cat back in my Z. The Y=pipe fits in the hatch and the mid-pipe and can in the passengers seat. Its a little cramped, but it can be done!

I dont know how much install woud be but I would take it to a mom and pop shop and offer to buy lunch for the guys working on your car. Its a simple bolt and go, and free lunch is always a good thing!

 

install it yourself, you need like 1 wrench and a jack. It is very straight forward.

 

lol. free lunch is definitely a good thing. Thanks - good to know I'll at least be able to fit the exhaust in the back.

 

I say DIY. I just installed my HKS a few days ago and it's not hard at all. Once you get the stock exhaust off it's super easy from there.

 

I would avoid Midas/Meineke. A local shop did mine for $80. Always ask in your regional forum for a shop recommendation.

 

DIY man its just exhaust

 

Just like the others have said, doing it yourself is your best bet (it's not hard at all). It is going to run you around $100 anywhere else, the HKS HI-Power is a good choice, I run it, and it sounds great.

 

i run the turboXS exhaust... costed me 100 bucks for install..... i have a fear of going under my car..... hahaha.. ur gonna need a lot of wd40 if u diy.. =) good luck!

 

dude get the borla and install it your self. legos are harder. i used to have the hks thats why i say get the borla save some money and get some HFC will make the sound perfect not too aloud at low rpms also no drone but when u step on it will perfect.

 

I would not pay more than 100 to install a catback exhaust.

 

Thanks guys. I've installed axleback exhaust and a header on a previous car I've owned but seeing photos of the Borla it looks like the pipes are in at least 10-12 pieces...seems like a whole lot of work to me. How long for a DIY...considering that I only have your standard floor jacks?

what about doing a cat-delete pipe and keeping the stock exhaust...would that do me any good? I've heard the exhaust on our cars is pretty efficient to being with...thoughts?

Thanks alot for those who've voice their opinions - lots of good info here.

 

Test pipes will yield more power than ANY catback exhaust with stock cats.

 

Thats very true Rob, however, I personally would consider running HFC's to eliminate the rasp of the TP's. The HP achieved from the test pipes is not that significant over the HFC's, but it is cheaper and that is a plus. I guess it all comes down to preference. I personally am running the HKS with BERK HFC's, hell can't go wrong with BERK either way... Just my .02...

 

Wow, I would totally think eliminating a cat completely would benefit alot more than a HFC. However, if the difference is really that minimal I'll def. go with HFC simply because of the emissions testing that have here.

what will make my decision for me:
So a HFC would perform better with stock exhaust then a new full catback with stock cat??

 

No, HFC's plus a aftermarket exhaust will yield better gains over a stock exhaust and HFC's.

Ultimately people stay away from test pipes since they induce rasp and engine light problems. There are not that many exhausts out there that sound good with test pipes with no rasp. If you do the HKS and TP's, your going to have alot of rasp.

 

LOL. The number of Borla pieces is absurd. Every connection is a potential leak.