93 legacy sedan exhaust input needed

[mellow65]

ok here we go. I am looking to upgrade my exhaust on my 93 legacy. I have read that headers for the most part are worthless on the 2.2. I have also read that it's that uneven header that gives that subaru sound.

That is the sound that I want to come out more.

I read a review about some one putting a magnaflow muffler on his car and it sounding great. Low and mellow at an idle and driving but loud and gnarly sounding when getting on it. That's what I'm searching for.

He didn't say what model of magnaflow he put on there or if he had done a cat back exhaust. He only said that it was a 2.25" muffler

So I just want some input on what people think is the best bang for the buck.

So tell me what you have and if you like it or not. I'm not looking for any kind of strait pipe, i am going to drive this for a normal car so it has to be something you could ride in and not have to have ear plugs.

But I would like to replace most every thing behind the factory header.

[Binford]

The turbo actually acts as a muffler in itself, so a straight pipe isn't all that loud. You should be able to go to a local exhuast shop and have them run new 2.5" from the downpipe back for under $100 ($68 in my case) and if you decide it's too loud you can add a muffler of some sort. I would like to hear what a flowmaster would sound like personally. Of course, if you plan on upping the boost, an aftermarket downpipe would help performance and since the WRX downpipes are a little shorter now would be the best time to add one.

[mellow65]

well dont have a turbo so that wont make it any quieter. I was thinking about a 2.25" from the factory header back. Anyone know how big the outlet is on a factory header.

The turbo actually acts as a muffler in itself, so a straight pipe isn't all that loud. You should be able to go to a local exhuast shop and have them run new 2.5" from the downpipe back for under $100 ($68 in my case) and if you decide it's too loud you can add a muffler of some sort. I would like to hear what a flowmaster would sound like personally. Of course, if you plan on upping the boost, an aftermarket downpipe would help performance and since the WRX downpipes are a little shorter now would be the best time to add one.

[Binford]

Sorry, I guess sometimes I assume stuff. I need to quit doing that. But I do think the factory exhuast is 2.25".

[mellow65]

thats ok i wish i had a turbo but not in my cards right now so i make do with what i got.

And huh, I guess i need to climb under there and measure and see what size the stock exhaust is. I cant think going any bigger then 2.25" would be worth it. In the 2.5" range I would think you would start losing back pressure.

Sorry, I guess sometimes I assume stuff. I need to quit doing that. But I do think the factory exhuast is 2.25".

[monty's legacy]

I'm in the same boat, I had a small exhaust leak until I hit a decent sized bump the other day and it got very loud. I am kind of enjoying it at idle (a nice burble) but once I hit the gas it's annoying as hell. I tried to find in past threads about the magnaflow part #, and other ideas for my subie. a 93 Legacy L, was just looking for a little better sound than stock. Also I know mandrel bent tubing flows better, but would crush bending create more back pressure that is good for NA engines???

[n2x4]

A non turbo Legacy, with no muffler at all, actually sounds decent. I really wouldn't worry about losing the boxer rumble with whatever exhaust setup you use. It still should sound good. I've got a cheap Summit Racing "turbo" muffler. It was 14 bucks, doesn't sound bad. I've never heard a bad sounding suby.

Stock NA exhaust is just 2". Turbo exhaust is 2.25".

I won't get into the whole performace gains/backpressure deal, it's just really not worth putting the money into a NA exhaust unless you have other mods that can benifit.

I would definately change out the muffler. It's fun. Start out with something cheap, and work your way up if you're not happy. Sometimes you can go to junkyards and get mufflers that they cut out of junked cars. I've seen a pile of used stainless magnaflows sitting at the last shop I was at.

[monty's legacy]

A non turbo Legacy, with no muffler at all, actually sounds decent. I really wouldn't worry about losing the boxer rumble with whatever exhaust setup you use. It still should sound good. I've got a cheap Summit Racing "turbo" muffler. It was 14 bucks, doesn't sound bad. I've never heard a bad sounding suby.

Stock NA exhaust is just 2". Turbo exhaust is 2.25".

I won't get into the whole performace gains/backpressure deal, it's just really not worth putting the money into a NA exhaust unless you have other mods that can benifit.

I would definately change out the muffler. It's fun. Start out with something cheap, and work your way up if you're not happy. Sometimes you can go to junkyards and get mufflers that they cut out of junked cars. I've seen a pile of used stainless magnaflows sitting at the last shop I was at.

thanks man, I will replace the front pipe first since thats the one thats rotted out. Then go from there