Cascade Crew

[Jadon]

So I know it's a very common topic to talk exhaust but I'm a noob so i'm gonna bring it up again. I've actually been reading on thirdgen for a while.

I've got an 83 Firebird with a 350. I basically want to go "all out" with exhaust. I'd rather pay more now then more later because I tried to be too cheap. First off, I know basically nothing about cars. I just think they're pretty. Just trying to learn what certain parts even are is a task, let alone knowing how to work on them.

Anyways, so from my research, it seems I want new headers, new high flow cat, and a new muffler (and new pipes?). I have no idea what is on the car now. The car that owned it before me did some stuff so it's probably not stock. Perhaps I don't even have to do as much as I think but I don't know how to tell what I already have (perhaps one of you smart peeps could meet up with me sometime and take a look).

I'm doing exhaust pretty much just for sound. Performance is always nice but I don't race so not necessary. Better gas mileage is always nice but not necessary as my car is a toy. I like loud beefy V8 sounds. At one point some exhaust gasket or seal broke and my car sounded so freakin loud it was amazing. I found a guy on craigslist who said I better get that fixed because exhaust would be leaking into my cab and because of where the gasket broke, the exhaust could cause a fire. Anyways, he did some quick fix that fixed it but he did say that it was temporary. That was a couple of months go. Just recently, I think it's starting to break again as it's getting a little louder (and there is an ugly little rattle like before). So I thought I might as well just get my exhaust done.

So...yes I know I"m talking alot here (feel free to tell me to shut it). Hooker headers, Magnaflow high flow cat, and Spintech muffler? Sound good? Seems like what I would want. There is one small problem that I have no idea what "size" to get for any of this stuff. If I need different or new piping, etc etc.

I've always wanted to be part of a car "group" like this so I'm glad I found you. Like I said, I'm a noob that knows nothing but always willing to learn. Considering a few months ago, I didn't even know what a header was, I think i'm doing ok . So, with all that said..what do you think about the parts? And is there a local shop that will throw all this together for me? I have no idea on the cost for labor for something like this. Any ideas?

Thanks so much all!

[aaron_sK]

Loud pipes save lives but tinnitus lasts forever.

-You don't have to pass emissions so any emissions equipment you decide to keep is out of the goodness of your heart.

-How far South do you come on a regular basis? I'm in Graham but I've got no problem driving out to look at a car.

[Jadon]

[Leejo2005]

Simply put, it is a federal requirement to keep all original installed emissions equipment. In all likelyhood it will never be checked unless you brag about it to the state patrol or something.

[aaron_sK]

Why yes, yes it is a Federal law.

[Jadon]

[aaron_sK]

You can replace a cat with an aftermarket:

http://www.epa.gov/oms/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf

[DBL_TKE]

[Leejo2005]

On any third gen by now they'd sure have hell of a time proving that the factory installed converter didn't need to be replaced

[Jadon]

so if I don't get a cat, what is put in it's place? just straight pipe?

[Alphius]

Yep.

[Jadon]

[Leejo2005]

[Jadon]

[Leejo2005]

Sorry. i meant to say that I replaced the cat with straight pipe. Still has muffler but is supstantially louder. Probably wouldn't be so dramatic though with a different muffler.

[aaron_sK]

[Jadon]

[Twilightoptics]

Borla for the win.

I've been dealing with them alot lately - mainly because I want stainless and things magnaflows are crap.

Sound is excellent and the build quality is top notch. Yes they are more spendy, but I wont buy anything else in stainless.

In steel - Hooker Aerochamber gets the win.

[turbo_jimi]

I have a flowmaster 80 series and it works great for me.

[aaron_sK]