What I got:
5-6 year old Flowmaster 40 dual exhust system, 2.25" in fair condition...
Basically the pipes are solid, no rust but there is a small hole (1/4" round) in the weld around the H pipe. The pipes dump out behind the rear axle.

What I want:
Some nice tips running out the back.



My questions:
Trying to keep a budget...
Do I...
1) Buy the tips I want at 2.25" and run them out the back... (Probably $160 for SS MagnaFlow tips + ~$150 labor & misc parts??) = +$320
2) Order a new MagnaFlow system online ($450 + $160 Tips + misc. $50) = +$650

My thinking is that the existing Flowmaster system could last 4-5 or more years just fine. But does it make sense to add the nice tips to this exhaust or just buy and install the new MagnaFlow system & fancy tips? I do not weld but supposedly this exhaust does not require any welding to install...
http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...0A2569359.aspx

I would much rather spend the $300 at this point... What would you do?
Thanks!

Here are some pics... Just ignore the highlighted rear end...

 

Looks like you have aluminized tubing. I would just do the tips, and have an exhaust shop fab up new tailpipes to reach the back. Those tips may just be clamp on, but I doubt it. While you're at it have an exhaust shop weld up the hole in the h-pipe.

But if you will eventually want the Magnaflow system, might be better to just live with what you have and save a little longer for the kit.

Either way, get the hole welded up.

 

Thanks for the thoughts, TexasAx.

I guess my biggest concern with this thing is that if I get the MagnaFlow system in 2-3 years, I will want to transfer my tips to the new system.
But these tips are 2.25" and the MagnaFlow is 2.5" so I think my tips would be useless if/when i upgrade.... Right?

Cause that would suck to have to buy them twice, ya know?

 

Buy 2.5 inch tips and have them come out of the2 1/4 system. then when you upgrade swap the tips to the 2.5 system. problem solved and people will think you have 2.5 in exhaust now. plus the larger pipes at the end will act as a sort of resonator giving you a nicer sound. man I'm good!
Kip

 

Its just too easy. Makes sense... Thats what I am going to do. You are good!

 

I ordered these... I am stoked. But they didnt come in 2.5" so I will just live with 2.25"... It will be fine. The bottom line is that I will probably keep the existing flowmasters as long as I can get away with it. I will get that hole welded up when I get them installed. I did a photoshop job to see approximately what they would look like...



http://store.summitracing.com/partde...part=MPE-35170

 

you're going to want the GT valance about .01 second after you pick it up from the exhaust shop

 

No, I already do. But I have spent $14k cash on this car since August. I can only drop so much coin on the toy car, drop $2k/month rent and still fill up the tank every 100 miles at $4/gallon. And still manage to take the wife n kid out to dinner a couple times a week and party in style on the weekend... It's a balancing act and the rear valance is low on the priority list... but it is in the long term plan... Right after I make the final payment onan 08 Shelby GT500.

 

FWIW, i would replace the existing exhaust with 2.25 when its due.
you dont actually need 2.5 and the 2.25 results in higher exhaust gas velocity = noticeably crisper sound IMO.

Nice photoshop...its gunna look tough!!

 

I know you've said your car doesn't look as good up close as in pictures, but I still think that's one mean looking 'Stang.