MSA exhaust questions

  • #1

    MSA exhaust questions

    I've read through many many threads, but I still have a couple of questions I was hoping someone could help me with. I've emailed The Z Store, but received no reply yet.

    I'm wondering what their Performance Exhaust is like, and the differences between the 2 options they offer.
    If I look at this page: http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PEC26
    I get almost no info on the cheaper option.
    However, it seems this is the page I was looking for to see details on the cheaper system:
    http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PEC06

    SO, I guess the basic question for the board is: Is the cheaper option really a performance upgrade at all?

    Would going with the more expensive option on a bone stock N/A show any gains at all? I mean, with the stock Y-pipe up front, I would think not. Although, I definitely would like a meaner sounding car. Anyone know how the cheaper option SOUNDS?

    Does anyone know the muffler used on the more expensive option? Could I just go with a stock midpipe and buy that particular muffler and achieve better sound than the cheaper kit?

    Its not that I'm against spending the money on the more expensive kit, I just want to make sure it is not a foolish way to spend the cash if I get no added benefit.

    Thanks for any and all help.

    P.S. Maybe this needs to be in noob/newb thread, but I ain't gonna make that call.
    '85 5-speed N/A
    other rides: '07 GTI, '85 MR2, '09 Mazda5 (wife's)
  • #2
    Did you check out CMPerformance?
  • #3
    Yes, but they are almost the same price for their 3" exhaust, and it doesn't seem worth it to drop to the 2.5" system to save just $30. So given the choice of $255 for CM's 2.5", $290 for CM's 3", or $285 for MSA's 3", I'm going with the latter just because I've seen/heard the vids and love the way it sounds.

    My other thought is to buy CM's 2.5" midpipe only. At $160, it seems damned pricey, though. Then pick up a $50 universal muffler. Probably not worth it, though.
    '85 5-speed N/A
    other rides: '07 GTI, '85 MR2, '09 Mazda5 (wife's)
  • #4
    Ah well. I couldn't get anyone on the phone over at zparts and still no answer to my email, so I gave up on them. I went ahead and ordered the 2.5" midpipe from CM. I'll find my own muffler. After thinking about it, I don't think I want a 4" diameter tailpipe anyway.

    So my tally so far is:
    stock style y-pipe and gaskets from Amazon = $70 shipped
    Magnaflow direct fit cat from Ebay = $85 shipped
    CM performance 2.5" midpipe = $175 shipped

    I can't help but still feel I'm doing something wrong when I spend this kind of money upgrading a car that I only paid $1100 for to begin with. :-?
    '85 5-speed N/A
    other rides: '07 GTI, '85 MR2, '09 Mazda5 (wife's)
  • #5
    Qbrozen wrote:

    I can't help but still feel I'm doing something wrong when I spend this kind of money upgrading a car that I only paid $1100 for to begin with. :-?
    Welcome to an 80s Z car. I paid more for the stereo in my 86 then i paid for the car. I paid more for performance parts for my 87 before it died. and I'm about to pay more just to get it going again. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
  • #6
    Buy a Magnaflow muffler, its a good bargain and a great muffler.
    Straights are for Fast Cars. Turns are for Fast Drivers.
    Life Starts at 1.3Bar(17Psi).