Exhaust system for an 86 400 CSQ

[ejfluhr@wc101.residence.gatech.edu]

Steve posts:
>Last week, as I went around a bend, the pipe that is connected to the
>resonator broke free. So today, I had a place look at it. He said that
>the whole system (from catalytic converter back) is shot and I will need
>to replace it. He patched the pipe for now, but he doesn't think it will
>pass inspection. Anyway, the price he got for a new system was $707. Now,
>this seems VERY high to me. I figured it would be around $400, not $700.

>  So I guess my question is this. What brand exhaust system is recommend?
>I would like something good, but I don't want to pay too much.  I figure
>at the least, I could buy a system and have them install it for me.
>(Unless I think I could handle the job)

I was looking for an exhaust for my '85 GT last winter.  Leistritz didn't make 
a performance one specifically for the Coupe/4000, although I found out later
that you can get one for a GTI (??, maybe Scirocco?)  and have it modified
slightly to fit (I think it needed hanger brackets welded on).

I ended up buying a system from Eurorace (I think they have changed their
name, now) that replaced the original system from the cat back.  It is
supposed to be more freely flowing than the original.  It came with 4 pieces:
2 connector pipes, a dual-tipped end pipe, and a Walker Dynomax muffler. 
The muffler I received was not correctly prepared, and I had difficulties 
getting the system on.  To make a long story short :-(, they sent me another
Dynomax muffler that was correctly flared.  The dumb system still doesn't fit
quite right, and every once in a while makes a knocking noise at idle or 
when quickly letting off of the gas in (it rubs on the rear bumper, and I think
it is hitting the heat shield).  It did seem to slightly improve the power at
higher RPMs, although at the expense of low-end torque (I think I prefer the
torque).  If you have a muffler shop install the system (as did someone else
on the net), it will probably fit nicely.  The system cost $140;  I've just
been too lazy to take it to a muffler shop and have them re-fit it.   It is not
as beefy as the factory muffler setup, so I expect to replace it in another
two or three years.

You might try calling PAP.  I think they quoted me around $125 for the center
muffler, and $100 or so for the rear muffler (these are for the OEM Leistritz 
mufflers). Then all you would need is the center pipe, which shouldn't cost
more than $50.

Good luck,
Eric