Hey Guys,
Please see the following post for details. "Catback Exhaust Systems - Found New Company. Opinions?" under Performance forum
I've had to replace my original RKSPORT Magnaflow exhaust. This exhaust lasted me a long time and fit perfectly. I bought an SRS exhaust that DID NOT FIT my 2002 LS SPORT! OK fine, I send it back (still awaiting refund). In the mean time, I find an exhaust from www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com. Great quality and comes with a Magnaflow muffler. I finally get the exhaust last Friday, go to the muffler shop today and all hangers fit in the stock locations except the mandrel bent piping does not exactly fit. It clears the rear axle (SRS did not!) however, the piping rests on my brake line and top of piping hits the underneath of the car. Also, the piping after clearing axle bends to far to the right before straightening out for the straight piece to fit that connects to the cat. Its not too far bent, but far enough to where its off center. WTF. I find exhausts that say 95-05 cavaliers, some say, 98-2002 etc. How am I supposed to find one that fits? This particular exhaust from mandrel exhaust systems specifies 95-05 all engines. I am now about to go to VIBRANT and buy their exhaust system. Can anyone give me some feedback? I hear different years have different configurations (hanger locations etc). Even when I find an exhaust that says 2002 2.2L does not fit 2.4L, will it fit my ecotec? I didn't think the engine mattered; all cavys 95-05 are the same right. I could not get in touch with mandrel exhaust today to discuss the fitment issue. Probably will have to return this again! An exhaust shop to bend the piping and buy a muffler etc is costing me over $500. So, I rather buy a name brand system. Which exhaust will fit my 2002 LS SPORT ECOTEC?
Thanks!
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
So the bend over the axle is complete junk or what?
Any Pics?
If you are that picky on fitment then have a shop custom build you an exhaust.
its an old concept. time for something new to take the reigns. - Z yaaaa
I'm not picky on fitment. What I am buying is not fitting! I would, except its not cheap! Does anyone know if VIBRANT EXHAUST PART # 1719 fits my 2002 cavalier. Anyone have this exhaust on this year car? Its $400, what I paid for the 2nd exhaust pretty much.
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
Guess why a custom exhaust is pricey? Because it fits without any hassles. By the time you find an exhaust that fits to your standards it would have been cheaper and easier to have just gone the custom route.
its an old concept. time for something new to take the reigns. - Z yaaaa
Lets see some pics where its not fitting??
What about the Pacesetter system? There are a few people on here with that one, and I've not read any complaints.
2010 Honda Fit LX
My pacesetter fit fine, but it is just plain steel with a crappy paint coating.
PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
M45 + LD9 + 4T40-E, GO GO GO
I might have to go custom. I need 2.5 inch piping! I have pics, how do I post up pics? Never tried it before. How come my RKSPORT exhaust fit with no problems? I don't like the crappy paint on pacesetter, besides I think it is only 2.25 inch!
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
I really hope that when you return it they don't try to sell it to me when I go to order.
I'm gonna give it a shot and order it in late april and try it. I have some fabrication skills and a welder so I'm sure I can correct it.
Slocav, if you want me to send you pics I can. It can be corrected but I wasn't gong to spend the extra money for it!
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
Sure, Pm them to me or post them up for others to see too.
I have some 2.5" lying around so I'm gonna give it a shot I think, just don't want to get sold something that was already used once
too bad you are so far away... trying to sell my 2.5"
Tinkles wrote:Guess why a custom exhaust is pricey? Because it fits without any hassles. By the time you find an exhaust that fits to your standards it would have been cheaper and easier to have just gone the custom route.
Agreed. I dont regret my exhaust being custom made. Make sure its by a well known place too, you wouldnt want a hack job from an unknown shop. It was only $480 for my dual exhaust so dont be afraid to cough up a few hundred dollars.
Mike wrote:Call up Custom Tubes.
He will hook it up.
not expensive and fit great
custom is not neccesary unless it is cheaper than a magnaflow. ended up getting the magnaflow cat assembly so exhaust from header, the cat and connecting pipe and mating it to my srs catback on my sunfire now the SRS catback sounded good this sounds great magnaflow fit perfect super easy install especially after the joys of the SRS install
Or if you want something larger than 2.25". There are not many 2.5" systems. Frankly custom is the way to go because then you know it fits perfectly and has all of the components that you want to get the sound that you are after.
its an old concept. time for something new to take the reigns. - Z yaaaa
Tinkles wrote:Or if you want something larger than 2.25". There are not many 2.5" systems. Frankly custom is the way to go because then you know it fits perfectly and has all of the components that you want to get the sound that you are after.
This. Commercial cat-backs are a waste of time IMO, unless you like 2.25" and fart-can tone. Local place quoted us in the 300s for downpipe back, catless stainless 2.5" w/ resonator and muffler. I would have paid 500 and thought it a deal. Place does top notch work too.
Thanks for the opinions. I will call up custom tubes. I do like vibrant. Anyone know for sure if vibrant# 1719 fits? I am also going to call vibrant. Megan racing exhaust is out until april 13 th. Vibrant or Megan racing and now custom tubes are my options currently. A well known exhaust shop wants $ 550 for custom. Im going to see if mandrel exhaust will be able to sort this mess first.
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
I called Vibrant. Their exhausts fits a 2.4L only! Again, I thought the chasis was the same for cavalies 95-05, however they don't recommend using it on a 2.2L, not even sure about ecotec 2.2L! So, I guess that option is out unless someone has more information. Custom tubes built their cavalier exhaust based on a 1999 model. Can't say for sure whether it would fit 2002 but all cavy exhausts sold have not come back! His piping is $250 for SS 2.5 inch and I would buy the muffler and tip. Still, I don't want to take the risk. Man, custom piping seems like my only option!
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
Go look under any cavalier 95-2005, the exhaust tunnel is all the same.
SLOCAV wrote:Go look under any cavalier 95-2005, the exhaust tunnel is all the same.
This. The only difference in their exhaust is where the rear hanger is located and the engine option doesnt effect cat-back fitment.
its an old concept. time for something new to take the reigns. - Z yaaaa
CTI piping will fit an 02 with no problems. I had their 2.5" piping on my car for almost 4 years without a problem. There is also plenty of clearance where the CTI pipe goes over the axle.
AL1A5.. I appreciate that. We both have the same car, so that helps. What muffler did you use then? He wasn't able to tell me. It needs to fit just like yours does in you sig pic! As soon as you let me know, I can order it!
"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS DRIVE STOCK"
