What a day, what a day...
Just came back from an extended test drive, everything turned out great! The tone deepened quite a bit more, a smidge louder too. SOTP impression is that there is a definate gain. idle to 2300 rpms is almost the same, but after that you feel the car gain power and it pulls a little harder now.
Finally Done!!!
The first start up was horrid. The computer was having a grand ol time relearning all the modifications, it was stumbling and hesitating quite a bit. I let it idle for a while until it calmed down.
There are no leaks so far. I went with gaskets
bbk came with due to the fact i thought i could get some copper/aluminum ones at the local auto parts stores. None carries them. I can spin it and say i want to test out these gaskets for you all, see the lifespan until leaks develop, hehe.
The trouble areas:
trying to tighten all the bolts( Must have a variety of small wrenchs and crowfoot types are great)
putting the k-member back on(goes smoother when there is 2 people, but solo is possible)
finding out that the A/C line is too close to the header on intial testing. Ouch!
I had to scrap off some of the netting and patch the line with some thick hose+hose clamps. Weird thing is that I guess that the header heated the a/c line enough to create v. high pressure and shot out steam(maybe it shot out all of it?). After the patch i didn't try to see if had A/C or not, as it was v. dark by this time and i had enough. All i know that line is sealed and hopefully i can replace it soon. This is the only mistake that happened, I consider it a good trade off considering all the work involved.
Conclusion
money well spent? For me personal i say yes. I know you don't get a huge gain, but for the tone, the value of DIY, the looks, the emmisions(this one is just strecthing it a bit), and the fact i wanted my catted x-pipe, it all evens out. I had a great time just tearing the car apart, can't beat that.
P.S.
Tomarrow I will try and get a video posted for the grand finale. I think i have the quietest aftermarket exhuast combo?
bbk tuned length ceramic shorties-
magnaflow catted X- regular magnaflow catback
Grand Finale
She's a great ten footer if you ask me....
http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j224/mijo_latino/header/?action=view¤t=chuyscar.flv
The audio is a little low for some reason. I may try again with some drive arounds...