i wanted to get some advice on adding a cat back exhaust system to my 2.4L 1996 sedan.

1st off all as far as buying online i noticed these two below ones cheaper then the other by alot.

i believe the borla is also a 2.25" upgrade, the pacesetter does says it is 2.25" piping.

going from 2" to 2.25" i just don’t know if its worth the upgrade, i would radar go to a larger size like 2.5" to make a big difference.

if going to a 2.5" the right thing to do radar then wasting money on a 2.25” then i can go to a local place and have them make me custom 2.5" system.

if not then will one of these two do it work just fine?

i don’t want it for racing, just minor upgrades to improve over stock.

$176
PACESETTER EXHAUST 1996-98 CHEVY CAVALIER 2.4L
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=021&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=310010213052&rd=1

$536
BORLA EXHAUST SYSTEM CHEVY CAVALIER 2.2/2.4L
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=8058612573&rd=1



~1996 Cavalier LS 2.4L (auto)

2.25" is the most used size for replacements systems on the J-Bodies. It will maintain the exhaust gas velocity at the lower rpms and not significantly hinder the flow at upper rpms. This is especially true with a stock or mildly modified motor (i.e.-bolt ons). Lager isn't necessary unless you move the power band up or boost it. Another thing to consider is most after market exhaust systems are usually load and raspy on our cars and the larger the system the louder it usually is going to be.

As for the systems you've listed, the PaceSetter system is very loud and raspy and is you live in the rust belt will rust out fairly quick. The Borla system is better, since it's a stainless steel system. I've hear some say the resonator could be a bit bigger, to mellow out the sound slightly more, but it's not as loud as the PS system.

There are other systems available from the various vendors on this site (see the FAQ at the top this forum and the vendors in the Group Purchase forum) , that are just as good and more reasonably priced, or you can choose you own muffler and resonator/glasspack (similar function as a resonator) and have the pipes bent for you, usually for less than what the kits cost.

The FAQ's at the top of this forum can answer some questions you may have concerning J-Body performance.

The Pacesetter on my 96' OHV isnt all that loud untill i get up in higher RPMs, but then it still isnt bad. And the only rasp i get is when its cold, but after it warms up it sounds fine. And yes it does rust just like the stock exhaust. The exhaust isnt bad for the price, but the only issue i had was with installing it. They didnt weld the "stop washer" on in the correct spot on the hanger located over the axle.

their are ebay stainless steel catbacks with 2.5" piping. just replace the muffler and put in a resonator . still cheaper than teh borla system or just go to the local per shop and have them do one for 400.

Dude, go to www.customtubesinc.com and get thier aluminized steel 2.5" exhaust I got it for $185 shipped, looks awesome then just but a muffler of your choice ~$50 -$75 and call it a day, CTI is great to deal with and the system looks really nice.