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.

[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.