Trying to figure out a custom exhaust on the cheap.

[Vicarious]

So i need to fix up my exhaust. I just bought this car a few days ago and it has a new pipe from the headers to the cat, the cat looks new as well. But its really loud and annoyingly raspy. The previous owner says when they were building it they mgiht have accidentally dropped a bolt or somethign in there, which is making that sound. This means i need a new cat.

Now, i live in NJ where im pretty sure you will fail inspection without a cat. So going catless, as much as id love to, is a problem.

So im trying to figure out a hi-flow cat, maybe resonator less for more flow, into a new less restrictive muffler like a dynomax exhaust.

I'll be taking these parts to a local exhaust shop to put it all on.

What are your guys thoughts on this, experiences with m42 exhausts?

[Bill-B]

I replaced the cat with a resonater, and replaced the muffler with a Dynamax Super Turbo. 5 people have told me it sounds like an E46 M3 now:bow:and it has really smooth powerband

[StereoInstaller1]

Dynomax ST is the best sounding muffler there is for a 4 banger, IMO.

Luke

[KenC]

Bill, which Dynomax ST did you buy? Can you give me the model #? I need to buy one soon. Could you use the same mounts as the OE one?
Thanks,
Ken

[gearheadE30]

I'm using the magnaflow 11265 muffler, and it is great. I have a resonator, but it is from the previous owner and I have no idea what it is. M42's tend to sound really bad without a cat, in my experience.

[Seth@AR]

I'm curious what adding a resonance chamber/tube would do to the sound of the exhaust. If you've spent much time around S2000's, they come with one stock and don't have any obnoxious 4 banger sound. A lot of aftermarket units don't have it and sound ricey.

Kind of surprised at the popularity of the ST exhaust among the M42 guys. Guess I'm just used to the M3 and 540 guys that are more into magnaflow (if they're building their own).

[gearheadE30]

Resonators reduce the high frequency sound of the exhaust, i.e. rasp. S2ks are probly the best sounding 4-cylinders around.

IMHO the ST's sound like crap. Even with a resonator, they still sound pretty bad. I personally like magnaflows, but mine is quite loud.

[steinkek]

Is there anything that is worth it on the M42?? Im not a huge fan of loud 4 bangers but would like a little more power. Seth what do do you think you could do for me?