Custom Built Exhaust
11-12-2009, 04:54 PM
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Custom Built Exhaust
I was reluctant to make the call as I assumed it would be significantly more expensive... but I did anyways. I called the local custom exhaust center here in Boise Idaho and was pleased to find out that he can build a custom exhaust, from scratch for the RX-8 for cheaper than nearly all of the pre-made systems.
His quote was:
Catback - $500-550
Full system (including cat) - $750
I don't know much about exhaust systems but it seams a custom built system would be nicer than a kit.
Has anyone out there done this? Or do you all go with kits?
His quote was:
Catback - $500-550
Full system (including cat) - $750
I don't know much about exhaust systems but it seams a custom built system would be nicer than a kit.
Has anyone out there done this? Or do you all go with kits?
11-12-2009, 06:02 PM
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11-13-2009, 05:42 PM
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Exhaust systems can be built in many different ways using an array of materials ranging from mild steel to very high-end inconel even.
I would check with that exhaust builder for a few things if you're spending that kind of money:
- Materials. What material are they using for their pipes? Is it aluminized steel tubing that is crush-bent at the facility (which about 95% of the exhaust shops do)? Or is is SS321 or SS304 grade stainless steel tubing that is mandrel bent?
- Welds. Most "exhaust" shops using MIG welders which do the job very quickly, but doesn't deliver those "nice" welds you see out of a TIG weld job. If you look at some of the nicer exhaust systems on the market, you'll see most of them use TIG welds that are very clean and free of bubbles.
- Design. Companies spend thousands and thousands of dollars to create a marketable exhaust system and to make it WORK. Even the larger tuning companies are guilty of sometimes producing something.....that doesn't do much in terms of power.
I've seen some private shops create very nice systems that are custom. To do it right and make it worth purchasing something OTC, it does cost more in the end.
I would check with that exhaust builder for a few things if you're spending that kind of money:
- Materials. What material are they using for their pipes? Is it aluminized steel tubing that is crush-bent at the facility (which about 95% of the exhaust shops do)? Or is is SS321 or SS304 grade stainless steel tubing that is mandrel bent?
- Welds. Most "exhaust" shops using MIG welders which do the job very quickly, but doesn't deliver those "nice" welds you see out of a TIG weld job. If you look at some of the nicer exhaust systems on the market, you'll see most of them use TIG welds that are very clean and free of bubbles.
- Design. Companies spend thousands and thousands of dollars to create a marketable exhaust system and to make it WORK. Even the larger tuning companies are guilty of sometimes producing something.....that doesn't do much in terms of power.
I've seen some private shops create very nice systems that are custom. To do it right and make it worth purchasing something OTC, it does cost more in the end.
11-14-2009, 11:38 AM
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I made my own exhaust system(welded it up myself). I can guarantee noone has an Rx8 that sounds like mine 
Full 3" stainless all the way from my turbo(top mount). I put a Borla XR-1 muffler in the midpipe section and split it to twin 3" magnaflow chrome tips.
I might have $250 in the entire system. Paid:
$70 for the muffler (barely used).
$30 for the tips.
$50 for the V-band clamps.
$100 worth of the stainless pipe I bought for my turbo/exhaust build.
I have some pics of the system in my Turbo build thread(see sig). Pages 6 and 7
Full 3" stainless all the way from my turbo(top mount). I put a Borla XR-1 muffler in the midpipe section and split it to twin 3" magnaflow chrome tips.
I might have $250 in the entire system. Paid:
$70 for the muffler (barely used).
$30 for the tips.
$50 for the V-band clamps.
$100 worth of the stainless pipe I bought for my turbo/exhaust build.
I have some pics of the system in my Turbo build thread(see sig). Pages 6 and 7
Last edited by Mawnee; 11-14-2009 at 11:45 AM.
11-14-2009, 07:09 PM
#16
Rotary Powered Countryboy
I have an OBX ( yes ebay special but i like it alot) and it was only 299 plus shipping....and has a good tone!...(but I need a midpipe to give it some more noise)...
11-15-2009, 10:39 AM
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I made my own exhaust system(welded it up myself). I can guarantee noone has an Rx8 that sounds like mine
Full 3" stainless all the way from my turbo(top mount). I put a Borla XR-1 muffler in the midpipe section and split it to twin 3" magnaflow chrome tips.
I might have $250 in the entire system. Paid:
$70 for the muffler (barely used).
$30 for the tips.
$50 for the V-band clamps.
$100 worth of the stainless pipe I bought for my turbo/exhaust build.
I have some pics of the system in my Turbo build thread(see sig). Pages 6 and 7
Full 3" stainless all the way from my turbo(top mount). I put a Borla XR-1 muffler in the midpipe section and split it to twin 3" magnaflow chrome tips.
I might have $250 in the entire system. Paid:
$70 for the muffler (barely used).
$30 for the tips.
$50 for the V-band clamps.
$100 worth of the stainless pipe I bought for my turbo/exhaust build.
I have some pics of the system in my Turbo build thread(see sig). Pages 6 and 7
And yes, I go to BSU.
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