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.

[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

[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