Exhaust confusion

[Sacko]

I've been meaning to upgrade to a 3" downpipe and saab sport catback, but i'm a bit confused as to what exactly i need for this upgrade.

specifically, in addition to a 3" downpipe and the saab sport catback, i'll need a flexpipe correct? what is the diameter of the stock flexpipe? will it restrict flow? will i have to get a new flexpipe, or is the stock one good to use?

[Tweek's Turbos]

I went with a JT unit, which comes with the flex pipe, and transition peice to meet up with the smaller dia saabsport.

I think some of the new downpipes, like the one from genuinesaab are similarly equipted. Email and ask.

[DFroelich]

I am not sure myself, but have you considered just a full 3" turbo back? You can get one at genuine for ~550 then a decent cat plus install for another 150.

Depending on which DP you get, that may be cheaper with max performance benefit. The obvious downside is no stainless piping.

[Sacko]

Originally Posted by DFroelich

I am not sure myself, but have you considered just a full 3" turbo back? You can get one at genuine for ~550 then a decent cat plus install for another 150.

Depending on which DP you get, that may be cheaper with max performance benefit. The obvious downside is no stainless piping.

i've also heard that the jt cat's aren't very high-flowing, which concerns me a bit.

i was considering the jt full 3", but aside from living in new england and seeing the benefits of stanless steel, i'm affraid full 3" might be obnoxious.

any thoughts?

edit -- what is the stock exhaust size? 2.25"??

[griffen nut]

Here's the deal....

You want a 3'' DP from GenuineSaab, JT, or Jak Stoll. Then you want the saab sport catback which can be found on ebay for $320 brand new. You do not need a new flex pipe, and this is why.

In chronological order from the turbo to the tail pipe...

1.)3'' DP from turbo the the flex pipe (the DP reduces to 2'' or so to match up with the flex pipe.

2.) The Saab Sport Catback also reduces to 2'' to meet the flex pipe

Cliffnotes:

-You need a 3'' DP and a Saab Sport Exhaust

-You do not need a new flexpipe

-You may want to order new exhaust clamps for like $10 because yours may be rusty


Hope this helps

[touche6784]

thanks griffen nut. i was pretty sure about what you wrote but it is good to read and affirm what i was thinking. what do people use to raise the car for installation? ramps, stands?

[Palmer1980]

Jackstands.


The exhaust diameter on my 00 9-3 is 60mm.

[ParaMedic_Saab]

could you not go to a local exhaust shop and have them fit a 3" flex pipe in there for super cheap ? Or would that not work.

[Palmer1980]

60mm is close to 2.5"


3" is huge compared....

[griffen nut]

Originally Posted by ParaMedic_Saab

could you not go to a local exhaust shop and have them fit a 3" flex pipe in there for super cheap ? Or would that not work.

yea, but i dont think any Downpipes are made to fit up to a 3''flexpipe...most are made to fit to the size of the flexpipe. so i just say keep your flex pipe if you do DP and catback...if you want the 3'' flexpipe, just get a full 3'' JT if you live where they dont salt the roads

[griffen nut]

if you plan on ever lowering your car, jack stands wont work when you do...i would just by a nice floor jack and a set of jack stands

[Sacko]

Originally Posted by griffen nut

if you plan on ever lowering your car, jack stands wont work when you do...i would just by a nice floor jack and a set of jack stands

i'm assuming you meant ramps*

but thanks everyone for the replies!! clears things up a lot.

it's a little dissapointing that i have to reduce to the flexpipe after the downpipe, but if it will give me the performance gains that everyone else has i'll take it

[Palmer1980]

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Then:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku


Now you have a 3" flexpipe. Anyone who welds should be able to deal with that...

Am I off on the goal here?

[sleeper9kt]

One option is going for a 3" intermediate pipe after your 3" downpipe, it could be done quickly by any exhaust place for super cheap - especially if you supply the flex pipe and straight 3" tubing!

[griffen nut]

Originally Posted by Sacko

i'm assuming you meant ramps*

but thanks everyone for the replies!! clears things up a lot.

it's a little dissapointing that i have to reduce to the flexpipe after the downpipe, but if it will give me the performance gains that everyone else has i'll take it

haha yea i meant ramps

[stromer]

A few points....

The JT cat has been shown to have issues. To get around that, buy the dp without the cat and have one welded in at any exhaust shop. You can get just the cat from summit and you'll save some cash.

Downpipes do typically have a reduced at the end to 60mm, but they can be ordered withouth this end so they would bolt to a 3" system.

The saabsport is able to handle power up to levels way up in the 350+ range. So considering this, its good price, stainless constructiong, and easy fitment, it is a good option. Pair this with a 3" downpipe from genuine or wherever. I'd say just keep your original midpipe/flexpipe section. If you want to replace later you can get your own made or buy this part from eeuroparts.com

[Sacko]

Originally Posted by stromer

The saabsport is able to handle power up to levels way up in the 350+ range. So considering this, its good price, stainless constructiong, and easy fitment, it is a good option. Pair this with a 3" downpipe from genuine or wherever. I'd say just keep your original midpipe/flexpipe section.

yup, that's exactly my plan (now). thanks for the info. as always, very helpful and informative. i'll get the exhaust on as soon as money permits