HKS Axle back on I35

[SER-IS-Hell]

Hey guys, I have had my car for over a year (03 I35) and paid it off. Was not thinking about keeping it and really wanted to go back to something AWD w/ turbo (Spec B-Subaru) but just don't want and can't afford a payment right now. So, I have decided to start modding what I have again. So far I have only done an air filters, springs/struts but the bug has bitten me again...

I know some of you have gone this route already. Just curious if I will need to modify the muffler when bolting it on to the I35. I mean, I heard that the muffler on the Max (03) is a perfect fit but the I35 is a little longer and the tips might terminate before the bumper which could result in a melt down of the rear bumper cover? Has anyone had to deal with this? I thought about running a full Cat man set up but it pains me to think that I am going to pay some $500+ only to then take it to a shop to have it modified to fit. I had to do this on my 04 Forester and I do not really want to again unless there is no other option. Any clues?

Also a newby question even though I have had the car for over a year now but was the 03 I35 available in a manual transmission? Not that I have plans of converting mind you as that would just be a ton of money but was just curious.

Lastly, thinking about doing some sort of intake. I see there are quite a few true CAI's out there but wondering if I will need to cut a hole in the wheel well for it to pass through. I have not ripped out the old air box section or moved anything to take a look so was just wondering what I would be up against.
Modified by SER-IS-Hell at 9:54 AM 1/30/2008

[SER-IS-Hell]

Well, I guess I am one of the only people thinking of doing this sort of thing on here. The guys over at Max.org seem to have done it quite a bit. So, for those that do not know, Yes, you can bolt it right up. However, there is a chance that due to the tips terminating before the bumper cover that you could indeed melt your bumper. The solution is to have about a 1" extention put on the tips to extend them out some under the bumper. Just FYI for those interested.