This is why you should do your own exhaust at home:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_ima ... _large.jpg
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_ima ... _large.jpg
I took it to the local shop, ironically called "Exhaust Pro", and they basically hacked and butchered my stuff like a cow gone to slaughter. They CLEARLY could have cut the pipe behind the flange and left about 3"...and then slid the new muffler up onto that and tack in in place. But no....instead they leave the section where it necks down to 2.25" in place, and then piece it to the 2.5" inlet with slop.
And these guys are earning money doing this for a living. Wow.In any case... the straight pipe worked out good for about 6 months, but it was getting a little annoying. I searched for a cat-back kit but the cheapest one I found was $151 plus shipping from 4WD Hardware. So, I went to the local Advance Auto Parts, and picked up a Thrush Turbo muffler with 2.5" inlet and outlet for $27.99!!! Then I had it welded on for $50. I wasted my $50 however, so I will clean this up and fix it the way it should be later.
First impressions:
Low end torque = much stronger
Overall noise = much lower
Coasting ability = about the same
Turbo whistle = about the same or slightly more quiet
Am I happy with it? = H*** YES
I spent 100% less than the cheapest cat-back kit on the market, 200% less than most people are spending on theirs, and my enjoyment level went up 300%. Not a bad deal. The low end torque is noticeably better than with the straight pipe, and the Jeep sounds almost stock again.
Going to report back later once the ECU "learns" the new flow...and I will check MPGs as well. The Jeep feels a lot "tighter" now than it did with the straight pipe. It feels more natural.
Still lovin' it....
