The Cheap Ebay Exhaust UPDATED: TT-NA Test Pipes/Mufflers

[IonZ32]

Been browsing different exhausts recently and had decided on the Megan Type 2 exhaust, (quad exhausts look killer on Zs). While bored on ebay I came across a cheap 300zx catback with resonated H pipe from for $172. I figured I'd give it a whirl, cant be that bad right? I can fix the defects and modify it since Ive welded up countless exhaust systems, so I gave it a go and a week later it was on my doorstep. (Free shipping too!)
So here are some pics

Overall of the exhaust, doesnt look too bad to be honest. Its 2.5in piping

Close up of the H-pipe

Bends, some 90degree turns, not the best from a performance standpoint, but not too bad. The add listed them as mandrel bends.

The mufflers with the giant 5inch tips

Looking down the resonator pipe

This is where I was most impressed. The resonated H-pipe actually looks pretty damn good which surprised me.

8 Grade 8 bolts, 8 grade 8 locknut, and 4 exhaust gaskets were included.

Closeup of the flanges that bolt to the cats, these require some slight modification to fit properly.

Only hole that needed modification, a few minutes with a drill solved that.

Stock catback pulled

Stock vs aftermarket

Underneath the car, sorry for the weird angle. Makes the pipes look off. They actually fit quite well, and look pretty damn good for $170!

Not too bad. I'm actually not a huge fan of the melon launcher look, I prefer the quad exhaust look, but I can live with it for a few.
(yeah my Z was backed into when the previous owner had it, luckily the only damage on the car)

Another picture from the rear. Not too bad though for $170! Fits very well and both sides sit even. My Z needs a wash, its way dirty, tough to keep a black car clean in a dirt parking lot at work.

Overall verdict is I'm impressed. The exhaust is nowhere near deafening and has a great tone to it, no rasp either! It really screams in the upper revs, and doesn't drone on the freeway when cruising. It required some slight modification of that one bolt hole to fit properly on the exhaust, but that was it. All rubber mounts matched great and in general I was just really really impressed for the money. I expected it to be complete trash in need of heavy modification, so that could also be why I was impressed. Its not show car exhaust, but sounds pretty good and the price is stupid cheap.

We'll see how it holds up over time. I'll get a video of the sound up soon! If you'd like any specific pictures or questions lemme know!
PS I'm sure this is a little bland and missing some important parts, but I've been out drag racing my 64 Malibu all day, so I'm a little tired :P

[t.mcginley.jr]

I was actually looking into getting this same kit on ebay... the price usually hovers from $170 to $185. Great to hear that it's not actually half bad, just doesn't have a name brand. The one I was looking at has 4.5" tips though I think, but the pipe is the same 2.5". Do you happen to have the seller's name that you bought it from?

And a video would be awesome!

[IonZ32]

The seller is 4caroption on ebay, but yeah, definitely not too bad!

[mrmoose]

I was actually looking into getting this same kit on ebay... the price usually hovers from $170 to $185. Great to hear that it's not actually half bad, just doesn't have a name brand. The one I was looking at has 4.5" tips though I think, but the pipe is the same 2.5". Do you happen to have the seller's name that you bought it from?

And a video would be awesome!

thats the one i have, but the full megan system, i like it!

[dangeris]

Was this kit on ebay had the picture of the exhaust on the floor and the description read brand new, only opened box to take picture?

[IonZ32]

Nope, was a picture with the exhaust in front of a white 300zx, with a white backround. Looked similar to the picture youd see on a site

Well I uploaded a video of the exhaust but the sound quality is beyond s***. Sorry about that, I recorded it on a cheap kodak camera. I brought the revs to about 5500, nothin crazy, really screams at full throttle high in the revs.
http://s934.photobucket.com/albums/ad18 ... 0zx001.mp4

[t.mcginley.jr]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170896618189?ss ... 1423.l2649

This... more or less. Even with the crappy audio it does sound pretty good, especially for the price. Not at all raspy like a honda

[IonZ32]

Yep thats pretty much the same one!

[Keithh1]

I just ordered this exhaust based on your description and video! Was wondering how well its holding up and if you still like it. It sounds damn good for how inexpensive it is.

[t.mcginley.jr]

I ordered this same exhaust (basically, except 4" tips) and so far it's been awesome. It's all stainless steel, the welds are pretty nice, all gaskets and grade 8 bolts included, good fitment, etc.

I'm fairly happy with it, I'm sure you will be too

[t.mcginley.jr]

Plus I like that it doesn't stick out past the rear bumper like alot of "mellon launcher" exhausts do.

[Keithh1]

Yeah I'm a huge fan of the quad exhaust on Z's especially billy boats. But melon launchers don't always look so good on Z's due to the way they stick out awkwardly out the back. I do like how this one if fairly hidden. How is the exhaust tone? Does it have the similar kinda growl a greddy system has? Sounds like it does in the video above. You can't go wrong with 172 for a nice resonated exhaust for a Z really. I'm happy to hear you are satisfied!

[IonZ32]

Sounds excellent!
I'm still very impressed for the price. Has held up perfectly so far! My one gripe is I have a small exhaust leak where the cats meet the H-pipe, but thats an easy fix.

As long as the cat back is resonated in some form you'll be fine on the tone. Sounds very smooth and tasteful, good growl to it. As T.Mc stated, its not raspy and Honda-like.

[t.mcginley.jr]

On wednesday I might be able to get a good video of my exhaust note. I'm still putting it back together from a heater core replacement

[Keithh1]

Awesome that makes me really happy to hear! I was skeptical about ordering it and I couldn't make up my mind but after I saw your post I had to have it. Is it pretty loud inside the car? And I'm sure ill like it. s*** for 172$, you can't beat that!

A video would be awesome! My exhaust should be here soon.. It shipped so. When It comes in ill get a video for you guys.

[Keithh1]

Ooo heater core.. Bummer! That's never fun..

[Fearspect]

I was excited until I saw it's only for the coupe...

[IonZ32]

I just received my DNA Motoring 2.5in TT test pipes from concept Z performance and no name dual tip mufflers. I'll be showing whats needed to modify the TT test pipes to work on your n/a.

The test pipes are $75 from concept Z performance, and I'm actually quite pleased. They're honestly pretty nice, excellent bends, chrome, perfect welds, came with grade 8 bolts and lock nuts, and exhaust gaskets. They really look good. Should sound good combined with the rest of the exhaust.

Anyways stay tuned for some pictures and install coming in the upcoming weeks!

[t.mcginley.jr]

I just received my DNA Motoring 2.5in TT test pipes from concept Z performance and no name dual tip mufflers. I'll be showing whats needed to modify the TT test pipes to work on your n/a.

The test pipes are $75 from concept Z performance, and I'm actually quite pleased. They're honestly pretty nice, excellent bends, chrome, perfect welds, came with grade 8 bolts and lock nuts, and exhaust gaskets. They really look good. Should sound good combined with the rest of the exhaust.

Anyways stay tuned for some pictures and install coming in the upcoming weeks!

Awesome!! Can't wait to see this lol I'm tired of seeing how cheaply you can get TT test pipes, for an NA its like $300+

[IonZ32]

The same ebay exhaust I picked up for $180 is now on Concept Z, under the brand name "Top Speed" for $400. Gave me a good laugh. $220 markup.

So I picked up a set of "DNA Motoring 2.5" TT Test Pipes" off Concept Z Performance for $75. Since I like modifying stuff, and love welding I figured I'd pick them up and make them work for my NA!
Here's the pictures!


Pretty decent for $75. I sure wish I knew how to TIG weld! Or had a TIG welder for that matter haha

Flange

Included with the set

Picked this up at an exhaust shop. Mandrel bent 2.5"

Cut in half, one will be used for each side

Quick shot of some of our other toys. Teal 56 was completely restored by my dad, Ramjet 350 coupled to a T56 6 speed. It really scoots. The 57 Bel Air is my youngest brothers current project. My 64 Malibu is in the other garage. Trailer houses a Dragster!

Flanges cut off of the test pipes!

Fitting flanges on exhaust manifold and checking fitment

Some parts of the pipe cut up, right before welding. I used 2.5 ID pipe to couple the parts together

Driver side welded up. MIG welding normally isnt beautiful. But hey its functional and looks decent! Dont forget free flowing! The brown around the welds is just a dust/residue leftover from welding. It wipes right off.

Passenger side welded up, was much easier as you can see!

Heres the axle back ebay melon launcher. Time to fix that up!

New twin tip mufflers (courtesy of ebay to keep the tradition going) And old muffler mounts cut off the axleback using a cutoff wheel.

All welded up and lookin good!


Personally I think it turned out awesome. I'm thrilled with it. Tips sit the same length from the edge of the bumper, they're nice and straight, just looks good. Quad tips, best for the Z!

From the rear.

I'm pretty happy with the overall tone of the exhaust. Its soooooo loud, but sounds good. I was pleased to hear its not raspy as hell. Sounds great up in the revs. But cruising down the highway, the actual volume of the car didn't change! Still sounds the same down the highway as it did with just the catback.

If you have any questions or requests, let me know! I just went with a quick overview on the installation and modification of the test pipes. Yes, its not the easiest method of putting test pipes on ones Z, Megan makes a cheap set of test pipes for the NA, but I enjoy welding exhaust and working with metal, so doing it myself was what I decided to do! I'll get a video/audio up soonish!