Melophile

My original plan was to purchase the Motordyne catback, but my buddy whose going to be doing the install wants to do a custom exhaust.

He said he could do an entire custom catback for $500. He kept trying to sway me from the aftermarket exhaust because I was going to be "spending $1.8K for 5-10 extra HP".



How do you guys feel about custom vs. aftermarket?

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

Good luck getting 80 HP from intake, headers, exhaust and a tune.

A custom fabricated exhaust can be great if it's done by someone who genuinely knows what they are doing. But how certain are you that it will have the same research, quality of materials, workmanship, fit and finish, and aesthetics of the MD system? I'm 99% certain it won't.

Ricio1991

Definitely won't be like the motordyne exhaust. I would suggest you take a look at other options too but Motordyne is one of the best exhaust systems for our cars. I would actually take in consideration ARK as well a little cheaper and buy some high flow cats or test pipes. Yes a exhaust won't give many hp gains the hfcs and test pipes will give you the most horsepower gains but not as much like 80hp. I can see you running 350 whp full bolt on with headers

WillCo1

Does Ark still hang low and scrape on everything if you are lowered?

I think I remember hearing that the newer, updated version of the Ark doesn't hang as low as the older model.

It sounds good and looks good though.

WillCo1

And in my opinion, a Cold AIr Intake, Headers, Full Exhaust - including High Flow Cats, and a Tune will net you about 30-40 rear wheel horse power.

SonicVQ

Custom is good when you want a low cost exhaust. You won't know how is sounds, how loud it is, or how much power it makes.

Aftermarket (like Stillen, Motordyne, etc) do cost more, but they have many hours of R&D, dyno testing to max gains, and generally better build quality & fitment.

What do you value?

JM Auto Racing

iTrader: (8)

ARk V2 does not hang low. That issue was fixed

4doorfury

iTrader: (1)

I typically pass when someone can not use proper grammar when speaking or texting me.

On that note, custom exhausts are fine just get a reputable shop to make it for you.

Surge Shamray

I already have a catback system but for ****s and giggles:

what would be worse an exhaust shop customer built or an ebay no name catback system?

4doorfury

iTrader: (1)

The one built at a shop will likely last longer however make sure it is mandrel bent. The eBay one will probably make more power but sound worse.

Surfnazi

Last custom dual with x pipe and resonators and magnaflow exhaust cost me 900 and I got to pick double walled tips. This also allowed me do custom bending the way I wanted

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

If done right, custom is the way to go IMO. Get a unique sound for an affordable price. Even if there is a HP discrepancy, it will be so minimal you wont notice. Like others have said: Mendrel bent NOT crush bent. Most after market systems are 2.5'' I believe GTHaus is 2.25'' the stock system is 2''. Others can correct me but you can use that info as a reference. I believe the most common I see, that others have mentioned, are: ARk, FI, and Motordyne. All have unique qualities and styles. All sound fantastic and are within $300 of each other pending where you buy. There are also some great systems not mentioned including the Rochester dubbed "Sport" exhaust made by Stillen if going for a moderate sound

The most expensive of those three, according to my records is the Motordyne @ $1,70x.xx. Listen to clips and decide from there. Sedan section has an entire thread dedicated to this...

Lastly, All the bolt-ons in the world will not net you 80 rwhp but I can appreciate your friend dreaming big lol.