I have a '88 FC non-turbo, bought it not too long ago and it's pretty much stock. I found a huge rip in the underside of the exhaust, on a part I think is called the resonator?

Anyways this car has to pass inspection to get insurance, so I was thinking I might as well change the whole exhaust and get some performance gains out of it, as well as make it look nicer.

Being pretty new to this stuff, do you guys have any suggestions as to a good exhaust systems for a S4 NA? I am on a bit of a budget here, I'm just looking for something that is an improvement over stock, but isn't too over the top pricey or loud. Thanks

 

You can't go wrong with Racing Beat, although they are a little pricey (but worth it IMNSHO).

When you say "resonator", do you mean the section of the exhaust about half-way back just behind the tail of the transmission? On a stock system there should be a catalytic converter there. Did the previous owner remove the emissions system (is there still an air pump in the engine bay?).

What do you currently have on the car in terms of exhaust? The stock system consists of a heavy iron manifold attached to the engine. Bolted to that is a series of catalytic converters (are there more than one on an S4?). After that, just in front of the rear axle is a Y-pipe that splits the exhaust and goes back to two mufflers exiting the car on both sides of the back end.

It may just be easier to take it to a local muffler shop and have them weld up something to cover/replace the damaged bit. Then you have the time to look into different exhaust systems and compare them w/o being rushed to buy something.

Good luck,

-b

 

Point to where the rip is. Also RB is a really nice exhaust but you can probably get away with getting one of their headers and getting a custom fabricated exhaust at an exhaust shop.

 

[nevermind - duplicate]

 

Ya, looks like its the silencer.

Ok, so I took some pictures, and it looks like the rip doesn't actually penetrate the metal.... I wonder if this still needs to be fixed for inspection?

 

The exhaust is completely stock.
And Yep the Air pump is still there. Basically this is going to be my daily driver, so I need to get it inspected, insured, and registered as soon as possible...if the silence doesn't need to be replaced or fixed then I only need to install door handles and I'm pretty much set.

 

Yes, that is the main silencer, more commonly known as a muffler. It looks like an aftermarket exhaust, as the stock exhaust has chrome tips. I think it will probably pass inspection, but it should be replaced soon anyway. If the rest of the exhaust system looks OK, you can just buy a "cat-back" exhaust system which consists of the two mufflers and the Y-pipe. The Racing Beat cat-back exhaust is very well made, and is supposed to add 5-7 hp.

 

looks pretty stock to me..... I have a very similar "rip" in one of my mufflers and his tip looks near identical to mine (ie not chrome/shiny). My exhaust is 100% stock.

 

after 20 years, I think all exhaust will rot lol

Racing beat = good stuff

 

Well I found some info on a racing beat catback today...it's a bit more than what I want to spend right now ($900+). So I think I will keep it the way it is and hope it passes the insurance inspection! Thanks guys.

 

look into a Borla cat-back, they are about $200 cheaper than Racing Beat's cat-back. Though Racing Beat's build quality is very nice I must say.

 

just keep the duals on the fc they look so much better

 

Remember to also check the forums for sale section as they usually come up for sale and if you can usually get a good deal.

 

I got this, and it sounds pretty good. Still stock from manifold to cat.

Attached is what I had when I bought it, and the second and third pics are of the new catback. I had to get bigger hangers from Canadian Tire to drop the tips away from the bumper (with stock rings the tips were mashed against the bumper).