My 2003 350Z stock exhaust recently rusted out at the part where the 2 flanges connect the mid-pipe and muffler pipe . Exhaust tape didn't work, which I figured. So I thought possibly it could be welded back together. No such luck. Monro Muffler said they couldn't so they would have to order the whole muffler part. I would hate for the the rest of the muffler system to rust out in the near future, even though Monro said they saw no other spots that were prone to happen anytime soon.

My question is, would it be worth upgrading to the Nismo Catback instead of replacing it with stock muffler/exhaust system? I saw that the Nismo setup is stainless steel. Would it be less prone to rusting itself apart like the stock exhaust?

I will have this done at Nissan just to make sure everything is done right.

 

I recommend that you:

a. Set a budget.
b. Decide which configuration single or dual best suits your needs
c. Listen before buying

 

Well I finally was able to have someone weld my muffler pipe back to the flange it rusted away from, which then connects to the mid-pipe. This was on a 2003 with 46,000 miles. Luckily it was a clean break. The Nissan dealership didn't have a welder but their accessory shop did and $50 later I'm back in action. I was just shocked that Monro tried to get $600 out of me when the so-called "stealership" was actually the honest one with me.

Nissan said they have about 2-3 Zs come in every month and they never see the exhaust pipes rust where it did like it did on mine. Just some fyi for others who have/haven't had this happen.

 

I would pickup a used stock exhaust from a my350z member, they can usually be had for cheap or even free. Installing an exhaust can be done by anyone, if you want it to be done "right" just get new gaskets and bolts.