Editing Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums engine-mechanical-aa/MSA exhaust questions

{{ForumImport
|op_user=Qbrozen
|op_date=2009-06-29 18:05:18
|post_count=6
|archive_url=/Z31performance_archive/forum/z31-performance-upgrade-forums/engine-mechanical-aa/7791-msa-exhaust-questions.html
}}

'''Qbrozen:''' <small>(2009-06-29 18:05:18)</small>

I've read through many many threads, but I still have a couple of questions I was hoping someone could help me with. I've emailed The Z Store, but received no reply yet.

I'm wondering what their Performance Exhaust is like, and the differences between the 2 options they offer.

If I look at this page: [http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PEC26 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PEC26]

I get almost no info on the cheaper option.

However, it seems this is the page I was looking for to see details on the cheaper system:

[http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PEC06 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PEC06]

SO, I guess the basic question for the board is: Is the cheaper option really a performance upgrade at all?

Would going with the more expensive option on a bone stock N/A show any gains at all? I mean, with the stock Y-pipe up front, I would think not. Although, I definitely would like a meaner sounding car. Anyone know how the cheaper option SOUNDS?

Does anyone know the muffler used on the more expensive option? Could I just go with a stock midpipe and buy that particular muffler and achieve better sound than the cheaper kit?

Its not that I'm against spending the money on the more expensive kit, I just want to make sure it is not a foolish way to spend the cash if I get no added benefit.

Thanks for any and all help.

P.S. Maybe this needs to be in noob/newb thread, but I ain't gonna make that call.

----
'''MrFishHat:''' <small>(2009-06-29 23:36:47)</small>

Did you check out CMPerformance?

----
'''Qbrozen:''' <small>(2009-06-30 01:33:35)</small>

Yes, but they are almost the same price for their 3" exhaust, and it doesn't seem worth it to drop to the 2.5" system to save just $30. So given the choice of $255 for CM's 2.5", $290 for CM's 3", or $285 for MSA's 3", I'm going with the latter just because I've seen/heard the vids and love the way it sounds.

My other thought is to buy CM's 2.5" midpipe only. At $160, it seems damned pricey, though. Then pick up a $50 universal muffler. Probably not worth it, though.

----
'''Qbrozen:''' <small>(2009-06-30 19:45:28)</small>

Ah well. I couldn't get anyone on the phone over at zparts and still no answer to my email, so I gave up on them. I went ahead and ordered the 2.5" midpipe from CM. I'll find my own muffler. After thinking about it, I don't think I want a 4" diameter tailpipe anyway.

So my tally so far is:

stock style y-pipe and gaskets from Amazon = $70 shipped

Magnaflow direct fit cat from Ebay = $85 shipped

CM performance 2.5" midpipe = $175 shipped

I can't help but still feel I'm doing something wrong when I spend this kind of money upgrading a car that I only paid $1100 for to begin with. :-?

----
'''MrFishHat:''' <small>(2009-06-30 22:25:02)</small>

{{Quote|user=|}}

Welcome to an 80s Z car. I paid more for the stereo in my 86 then i paid for the car. I paid more for performance parts for my 87 before it died. and I'm about to pay more just to get it going again. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

----
'''Hitman Z:''' <small>(2009-07-02 16:38:21)</small>

Buy a Magnaflow muffler, its a good bargain and a great muffler.