Secondary Cat Bypass Pipes with Stock Exhaust?
 

Hi - Does anyone know if just replacing the secondary cats with the fabspeed bypass pipes (or something similar that an exhaust shop could probably work up for much less) would make any difference in exhaust note if using the stock exhaust?

i was thinking about doing that... bypassing the cats and keeping muffler stock, then maybe altering the stock muffler or putting an aftermarket muffler on there later-on. I heard that it does make a difference, sounds good too. I also heard it makes a big difference in sound and read a post where a guy said it made very little difference... You can always add an aftermarket muffler if you want to spend another $500 or save money and alter the stock exhaust.

when you say "alter the stock exhaust" what kind of alterations are you talkin' about? Like the Pedro thing, or something else. Just wunderin'.

I have Fabspeed bypass pipes on my 2002 S with a "Pedro style" modified muffler (actually, it is an Oettles from Germany, but basically the same thing). Sound is great, especially when the revs hit 3800; it just screams. Idle note is deep and louder than stock, but not obnoxious. The nice part is there is no resonance due to factory muffler set-up and not overly loud when just cruising.

I am doing a modWell if you want a real moded sound here's what you can do....

The Green areas can be cut out and disgarded.

The Red Pipes outlined can be added for a straight though design, now if you want a little quiet you can keep those dotted areas open but if not spot weld to close them up.

Should straight forward from the diagram here.....
on stock muffer right now. This is what I am doing.

Whats the best way to open the muffler?
 

How did you get the top cover off?