Exhaust System for 7A-FE, Ballpark prices Options

[Espo]

So I've had my Celica for over a year now, and about a month ago I noticed my exhaust manifold had started to crack, right in the middle. I would say between the number 2 and 3 cylinders but I'm not sure that's the correct terminology. (Cylinder numbers go in order of firing order, right?)

Anyway.

Two days ago, I start up my car, and nothing sounds off as it idles. And then I start driving, and I hear a rattling sound much like that of my buddy's Firebird. The problem with that? His Firebird's catalytic converter is hollowed out. And now mine is too, it seems. Same sound, and my engine sounds a tad bit different at certain throttle positions or rpms.

Thus I'm going to replace the entire system, headers, hi-flow cat, and exhaust, but I have no idea where to start as this will be my first-ever performance related modification to a car. So I have a few questions.

Firstly, how much is a hi-flow cat going to run me? I hear prices in the range of $200 which isn't too bad.

Secondly, I have no idea how an exhaust system runs under the car. I know where my cat is and what it looks like, but after that, nothing. So what will I need for new exhaust piping? I would love to order a Tanabe Medallion but they only come in packages for certain cars. Can I just buy a cheap Medallion for say a civic, have a shop cut the old piping and weld new piping in for my car and call it a day? Or is there something more to these to get the correct sound out of it? I want something with a deep hum or a low rumble to it. My friend's STi has a Blitz Performance system that sounds great, but I know the 2.5 Boxer doesn't necessarily sound like a four cylinder.

Thirdly, are there any tuned headers for a 7A-FE? I'm scared to look on EBay, I always see people going "don't get cheap EBay headers" but I have no idea where to start. According to my Dad, I'll need tuned headers (each pipe being the same length as he explained it) in order to see any performance gains from it. If there aren't tuned headers I suppose I could go with...untuned? headers but either way I need something to replace my manifold before it splits completely.

[HectortheRican]

I just bought.... untuned? (lol) headers for my ST from ebay for $84. I've been looking around, and a decent Magnaflow cat with flanges on both sides (score) is about $100, but I'm actually thinking about a de-cat, that is if I can find someone who'll do it. As for muffler, I dunno. I've got my GReddy SP2 and I don't plan on changing it, I just want a header and new cat. But when you do the piping, make sure it goes over the rear axle. It's better

This post has been edited by HectortheRican: Jul 27, 2010 - 2:07 PM

[mgnt232]

The only "made" exhaust systems for our cars I believe is the greddy sp2, but they arent made any more and could cost like 700+ for the cat back. (or at least one auction i saw)

And if your not doing the work your self, go to a shop first! and make sure they can bend piping, and will do the work for a reasonable amount. I know when I was planning on a cat back, I didnt know that no where around me bends piping, so I was left with a new res. and muff. which still gave it a nice sound.
But exhaust if you or who ever is doing it, doesnt do custom all the time, it can turn into a big "hack and weld" experiment.
Headers are cheap, but you do get what you pay for, mine came a foot short, 1/4 wide, and all the holes needed to be drilled out.
I would be prepared to spend at least 500-600 on a "full exhaust"

[cheela]

There are no headers made for the celica 7AFE, only corollas. And each and everyone of us who has an ST and put those headers on had to add the extra few inches underneath. They were made for corollas and since corollas are shorter so is the pipe. The ebay ones work fine. Just a little bit of work. I have them on mine and they work fine after having the shop do that little work on it. As far as exhaust, yeah, pretty much custom work.

[Espo]

There are no headers made for the celica 7AFE, only corollas. And each and everyone of us who has an ST and put those headers on had to add the extra few inches underneath. They were made for corollas and since corollas are shorter so is the pipe. The ebay ones work fine. Just a little bit of work. I have them on mine and they work fine after having the shop do that little work on it. As far as exhaust, yeah, pretty much custom work.

Well good, I have a Corolla 7A-FE in my car lol I know that means I still have a Celica exhaust though.

So would that be my downpipe that would have to be extended? Since I'm not turboed I hear 2.25" piping would be best from reading around. Or actually, since it's custom piping...does it really matter? Side note, I googled downpipe and it seems to be a turbo related accessory so I'm not sure...



Also, does anyone know what I need as far as an exhaust system? Like I said I'd really love to throw a Tanabe Medallion on and have custom piping made for it - I don't know how that relates to what I need as far as muffler, resonator, etc. go.

[HectortheRican]

So would that be my downpipe that would have to be extended? Since I'm not turboed I hear 2.25" piping would be best from reading around. Or actually, since it's custom piping...does it really matter? Side note, I googled downpipe and it seems to be a turbo related accessory so I'm not sure...

Header has 2 pcs. The 4-2 part and the 2-1 part, I call it a downpipe anyway. I'm probably wrong, but whatever, it's easy for me to remember. And yeah, you'll have to extend that part. And I've heard that 2.25" and 2.5" will work great, but anything above 3" on a N/A and you'll lose necessary back pressure.

[95CelicaST]

High flow cat - look for magnaflow spun cat. 2.25". Should be right around 100 bucks.

Piping - don't worry about it. Take it to an exhaust shop and tell them 2.25" piping. They'll do the rest.

Header. Singular. Not headers - because you only have one. Buy an ebay one. You won't be getting any more than 5hp from this whole system. The aforementioned exhaust shop will extend the b-pipe to work. Look on ebay for a 93-97 corolla header.

Muffler - all up to you. I personally think Honda mufflers are tiny and will look like crap. I suggest looking at some vibrant performance mufflers. They can be had for cheap on ebay. I bought a $250 vibrant muffler off of ebay for $40 shipped.

Resonator - Vibrant ultra quiet resonator.

This post has been edited by 95CelicaST: Jul 27, 2010 - 5:39 PM

[Bitter]

2 inch is fine and plenty for the 7afe actually, 2.25 is bordering on too large.

[Espo]

High flow cat - look for magnaflow spun cat. 2.25". Should be right around 100 bucks.

Piping - don't worry about it. Take it to an exhaust shop and tell them 2.25" piping. They'll do the rest.

Header. Singular. Not headers - because you only have one. Buy an ebay one. You won't be getting any more than 5hp from this whole system. The aforementioned exhaust shop will extend the b-pipe to work. Look on ebay for a 93-97 corolla header.

Muffler - all up to you. I personally think Honda mufflers are tiny and will look like crap. I suggest looking at some vibrant performance mufflers. They can be had for cheap on ebay. I bought a $250 vibrant muffler off of ebay for $40 shipped.

Resonator - Vibrant ultra quiet resonator.

Thanks for the help, that's excellent. Yeah I know header, I have a bad habit of saying headers. Should just buy a v8 and then I can say headers

Tanabes can go on everything, I just looked and they have a universal setup for about $300. I didn't think they were considered Honda mufflers. They're by no means tiny. Also, does this mean it'll come with it's own resonator or will I still need the extra one?

And really, only 5hp? I do have an intake and will be converting to a short ram instead of my short cold/warm air intake.

Edit: I do want a really deep, non-raspy tone. The Medalion Touring sounds great on a 2.0T Genesis Coupe, but the Universal Tuner sounds slightly ricey on an Integra - videos I'm referring to below:

Genesis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl1auV2wR-Y

Integra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M7Crnws_gI

I'm worried about how it's going to sound coming out of my 1.8...

Then again, the Vibrant Performance stuff sounds very bassy - I don't want to be too quiet though, obviously to street legal levels but loud enough where it's obvious it's not stock. Also I know Vibrant isn't quiet - not sure how I could word that better.

This post has been edited by Espo: Jul 27, 2010 - 9:10 PM

[mgnt232]

I dont know from experience how any setups from the 7A really sound besides my own. But I have headers and a magnaflow res. and magnaflow muffler.
It was really deep but not too loud before the headers (installed the res and muff like 6 months previous)
After the headers, it was not as deep (and have heard this from other members) but its louder. Still plenty deep of a tone, but it does become less deep with header"s" lol

And you wont get much performance out of a 7A short of turbo, and even then you only boost like 4-10 lbs. But I got a LONG CAI and the exhaust, and it sounds "fierce"! (or so ive been told) you will defiantly get a nice sound even out of the small 1.8 7A
I get "raced" all the time because my car look fast with the kit, and what not. I never race...because well I have a 7A lol, but if we are stopped i will REV up and they often say i'd smoke them or back out lol. Just because of the sound. Cold Air intakes sound soooo nice IMO. Mine is routed down to behind the blinker

[HectortheRican]

Mine is routed down to behind the blinker

Right where the stock resonator was? I was actually thinking of doing this. Any problems with hydro-locking?

[95CelicaST]

its fine, but I put an aem air bypass on my intake just in case


Op - you can't compare the exhaust on the genesis and integra. Two completely different motor architectures. Straight through (N1 canister style) mufflers are going to be REALLY loud. This is why I recommend the vibrant resonator. It'll cut the rasp and the cat+ resonator will help quiet it down.

[HectortheRican]

its fine, but I put an aem air bypass on my intake just in case

How does it bypass air and how can I put one on?

[mgnt232]

they are like $50 and air just install direct in like in the intake, idk how exactly they work, but if your intake encounters water it wont go into your engine. IMO as long as you have your "mud splashs" on the bottom of ur car and you dont plan on going mudding in your celi you'll be fine lol.
My intake is really low but the splash gaurds keep it dry , I never had a problem and didnt buy a bypass. But I guess they are a good investment precautionarily

[HectortheRican]

they are like $50 and air just install direct in like in the intake, idk how exactly they work, but if your intake encounters water it wont go into your engine. IMO as long as you have your "mud splashs" on the bottom of ur car and you dont plan on going mudding in your celi you'll be fine lol.
My intake is really low but the splash gaurds keep it dry , I never had a problem and didnt buy a bypass. But I guess they are a good investment precautionarily

That'd be fine, but the part of the fender liner that extends to almost the bumper area, i.e. The part of the guard which would protect the filter, seems to be misplaced. I don't know what happened to the 2x4 piece of plastic.

[95CelicaST]

The bypass takes the place of one of the rubber couplers. Super simple.

[Espo]

its fine, but I put an aem air bypass on my intake just in case


Op - you can't compare the exhaust on the genesis and integra. Two completely different motor architectures. Straight through (N1 canister style) mufflers are going to be REALLY loud. This is why I recommend the vibrant resonator. It'll cut the rasp and the cat+ resonator will help quiet it down.

See, I didn't know this. I have no idea what N1 means either lol. I'll go with a Vibrant setup then, and see how it goes from there - I don't particularly like the look of the Tanabes anyway, just the sound they make.

So my list is:

Magnaflow Hi Flow Cat/Dual Flange - $100

Vibrant Performance Ultra Quiet Resonator, 2.25" - $100

Vibrant Performance TPV Universal Muffler w/ 4" Round Angle Cut Tip (2.5" inlet - 23" long) - $160
(P.S. Is that going to get me the sound I want?)

Corolla Headers - $85

So about $445 for parts and then more for piping and welding by a shop...oh boy. Gonna take a few weeks of saving lol

Edit: Just looking at EBay headers...it seems I have two options. Does anyone have experience with either of these?

Header 1:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-96-97-TO...sQ5fAccessories

Header 2:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOTA-CELI...sQ5fAccessories

I'm a little sketchy on the second one - it seems to be the same thing but four bucks cheaper for no apparent reason - and the whole design layout just kinda screams scammy to me.

This post has been edited by Espo: Jul 29, 2010 - 1:00 AM

[95CelicaST]

$445 + ~$200 for piping and labor.

What is the size of the body on that muffler? My vibrant was 7" round and it was the perfect size.

Like I said before - it isn't the muffler that creates the noise, it is the motor layout and all inline 4cyl motors will sound about the same. The setup you're looking at should sound great.

Buy whichever header you want. The first one looks to have better gaskets.

[Bitter]

they're all the same EXCEPT you need to make sure your upstream O2 is the same kind that the header will use. flanged or thread in.

[Espo]

$445 + ~$200 for piping and labor.

What is the size of the body on that muffler? My vibrant was 7" round and it was the perfect size.

Like I said before - it isn't the muffler that creates the noise, it is the motor layout and all inline 4cyl motors will sound about the same. The setup you're looking at should sound great.

Buy whichever header you want. The first one looks to have better gaskets.

Here are the specs:

Inlet Diameter: 2.5"
Tip(s) Style: 4" Round Tip, Angle Cut (Single Wall)
Muffler Size: 6.25" Round Muffler Body, 15" Long
Overall Length: 23" (including tip)
Tips Length: 8"

Just realized though they don't sell a 2.25" inlet size - will the increase in size affect anything there?

[GriffGirl]

From what I understand, I wouldn't even bother w/a high-flow cat, our exhaust systems are so small anyway that a high flow cat is just pretty pointless. I've been told by a few different exhaust shops that a cat is a cat, the only thing that makes it high-flow is a larger in and out port. Since you can't go above 2.25" anyway, the added expense just isn't worth it.

On the other hand, you can reasonably expect to pay around $100 for a cat anyway, so 95CelicaSt's suggestion on the Magnaflow cat is a good one.

[95CelicaST]

Its what I put on the mr2.

And 2.5" is fine. They can taper the pipe to fit.

[Espo]

From what I understand, I wouldn't even bother w/a high-flow cat, our exhaust systems are so small anyway that a high flow cat is just pretty pointless. I've been told by a few different exhaust shops that a cat is a cat, the only thing that makes it high-flow is a larger in and out port. Since you can't go above 2.25" anyway, the added expense just isn't worth it.

On the other hand, you can reasonably expect to pay around $100 for a cat anyway, so 95CelicaSt's suggestion on the Magnaflow cat is a good one.

http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic_conve...universal=50005

It's like $200 - a direct OEM replacement is almost $300 though lol.

Edit: I lied - I don't think that's what I need, would this be it though?

http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic_conve...universal=54955

This post has been edited by Espo: Jul 29, 2010 - 2:59 PM

[Joe_1985]

well my stx is my beater but ill give it some love because though it aint rwd its still a celica.

my manifold was cracked like u said so heres what i did

bought a alpha werks header for a 7a corolla from ebay, $42 dollars
bought a big oval polished aluminum muffler from craigslist, $30 dollars
took off the 2nd cat to inspect it, clogged, gutted it (no emmisions here)
test fitted the 7a header, fit good but was too short to reach the cat and the header doesnt have the 2nd o2 bung for your sensor
cut the section of pipe after the flex pipe on the stock manifold/pipe assembly off
cut the flange off the rolla header,scrapped it
cut the flange off the stock mainifold pipe but left a bit of pipe on (enough to weld to)
went to the exaust shop and had them weld the stock pipe onto the header to the cat but had the pipe rotated so that the 2nd o2 bung is on its side instead of strait up. $25 dollars
forgot the damn muffler so its still not on yet but was told id be $50-75 for the piping to be welded on (since i have my own muff and looking for a resonator)
went to autozone bought a new o2 sensors
went home and extened the wires for them
enjoyed my fun test drive

if u need pics i can take em 4 u

[95CelicaST]

This one http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.a...mp;autoview=sku

Or this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MPE-5995...mp;autoview=sku

[Espo]

Thanks again, 95. You've been a great help. Looks like I'm all set then - I only have one cat I assume right? Because I read somewhere recently about a second cat - don't know if that's just a gt thing or what though.

[HectortheRican]

Thanks again, 95. You've been a great help. Looks like I'm all set then - I only have one cat I assume right? Because I read somewhere recently about a second cat - don't know if that's just a gt thing or what though.

There's 2 cats. stock exhaust manifold goes 4-1, pre cat, downpipe, then 2nd cat, but if you're getting an aftermarket header, you only need to worry about the one cat before the exhaust.

[Espo]

Definitely getting an aftermarket header. Thanks Hector.

[Bitter]

yea, that ebay header honestly sort of 'wakes up' the 7A and gives what I felt like was a much stronger midrange and cured that top end fade, it felt like mine wheezed out much closer to rev limit than it used to.

[Joe_1985]

espo i made a thread for you and others about moddiing the rolla header.

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=75318