RRoberts

I have just installed a SuperSprint X-pipe and Dinan "mufflers". Throttle response is much improved, and the weight difference must be more than 50 lbs., but this setup is LOUD. The noise is not intrusive when cruising on the highway, or even around town with the windows rolled up. But full throttle will be noticed. Maybe it's my imagination, but I swear I can notice the absence of all that heavy stuff moving around under the car. I'm still considering whether this was a completely smart move, but I love the improvement in acceleration. I may add a couple of bullet mufflers to the X-pipe to take out the harshness.

BTW, the exhaust noise is much more pleasant to my ear than the former single-mass flywheel rattle. Also more pleasant than Civics with fart cans.

With regard to making your own X-pipe, this obviously can be done. I work part-time in a race shop these days, and know what the charge rate is. The SuperSprint part is sufficiently inexpensive and well made that I think you will end up paying about the same for a custom made duplicate. The attachment to the cats is particularly well designed, the tubing is flattened where it needs to be, has the factory hanger tabs, is constructed of 304 SS, and fits perfectly. In addition, 2.5 inch 304 tube material is not cheap. You could use carbon steel, but everything else in the exhaust system is SS. I always elect to buy the part if it is well made, and the purchase price is near what would be required to make it myself.

Regards, Dick Roberts