exhaust comparison

[Charles L Depenning <cldepenn@iastate.edu>]

Recent events concerning my '84 4kq and its nonexistent exhaust reminded me
of something I wanted to share with the list.  I've had a chance to do a
little case study comparing three different specimens of cat-back exhaust
systems for my '83 5kt.  Here's what happened:

I bought the car in Dec. '93 with original exhaust in pieces.  I choose to
go to the local Midas shop to have them put in a new system, using a middle
of the line muffler and their aluminized pipe.  I was poor at the time so
this was my best option.  Cost: ~$190.  I was amazed at the speed at which
it rusted out.  The system lasted until mid-April of '94, at which point a
weld on the front of the muffler broke.  I took it back and they replaced
the muffler and pieced the rest of the system back together.  In two months
the pipe just after the cat rusted out and eventually broke.  At this point
I decided to scrap the whole system and order something a little better.

I bought a Bosal aluminized bolt-on factory exhaust that a local mechanic
ordered for me.  I paid ~$230.  All the same types of hangers and couplings
as the factory system.  The system fit very well.  The quality of the pipes
and muffler was good.  I performed the installation myself, and was pleased
with the results.  Sound was good- deep, rumbling, not too loud.  This
system stayed on the car until March '97, when I was rear-ended, which
unfortunately ruined the Bosal system.  Enter system #3.

I used the insurance money to buy an OE Leistritz cat back system (from
GPR, I believe)for about $240.  I decided to go this route because the
Bosal system was beginning to get a little thin in some spots and the
muffler had a hole in it.  This system is excellent- the gauge of the pipes
is the thickest I've ever seen.  Installation was easy and the sound is
great.  And, finally, there is absolutely _no_ rust on this system, even
though it is an aluminized system like the others.  Still going strong, 18
months and 27,000 miles later.

Anywaaaay, I just thought that someone who might be trying to decide which
way to go for a new system might find this data useful.  No affiliations
with any of the named companies, just my experiences.

CDePenning
'84 4kq
'83 5kt