So nearly a month late my new ebay exhaust arrived today. Well packaged and looked good.
I'd stripped the old one off last month in anticipation of its arrival but because of the delays I had to reinstall the old one. A pain but at least I only had new nuts and bolts to undo at the manifold today.
I fitted the front two sections together off the car then offered it up to the manifold. I used some wood and padding to hold the middle section up whilst fitting the exhaust to manifold bolts finger tight. Then refitted the plate under the exhaust which the exhaust then bolts onto. Finally fitted the rear section. Fit was good, the only fettling I did was push some of the underbody heat sheild in a little to avoid any knocks. This was only precautionary and in one spot.
Tightened everything up then started her up. I'd been a little worried that with my current exhaust blowing a little, it might've been getting progressively louder and I wouldn't appreciate this new one so much. WRONG.
Initial start up and short drive. Definately sounds louder but not obnoxiously so. Its more the fact it sounds deeper and richer that bought a smile to my face. Infact at idle I'm not sure it is any louder than standard, but definately sounds nicer. Some nice pops and burbles on overrun.
Full throttle definately sounds much, much better. Think I'll likely be replacing at least the small section of foam back in the resonator now. I'll take it for a proper blast shortly. If you couldn't tell I'm very pleased with it for now. I'll have to see if dones on the motorway as its my daily but so far, so good!
South Lanarkshire