S2000 RobMod Exhaust
By Rob Robinette
I began modifying my stock exhaust by replacing the stock
mufflers with Magnaflow mufflers which added a nice exhaust tone and dropped
about 30 lbs in weight. Next I replaced the stock catalytic converter with a
test pipe to add a few horsepower. Next I cut the exhaust off where it splits to
the two mufflers. In this configuration the exhaust sounded fantastic on the
track but was very loud, requiring me to wear ear plugs. With the stock
catalytic converter back in place the noise level dropped quite a bit and no
longer required ear plugs, but it was still too loud for the street. Plus if a
police officer noticed the exhaust open under the rear axle he'd probably write
a ticket.
I wanted a way to make the car quasi-legal and still sound good so I
ran a 2 1/2 inch pipe from the cutoff end of the exhaust to the end of the car
and added one hanger and a chrome turn-down. The car is surprisingly quiet from
the cockpit. I know the turn-down tip isn't for everyone, but it help keeps the
noise down (literally). Any type of 2 1/2 inch exhaust tip can be used. [Update:
I recommend adding a second hanger to keep the exhaust from moving
side-to-side.]
The stock exhaust was cut off where it widens and just before
it splits to the two mufflers. Cutting where it widens allows the larger 2 1/2
inch pipe to fit perfectly. I used the stock rear exhaust hanger perch to hang
the pipe.
2 1/2 inch exhaust pipe with 20 degree bend, hanger, and
chrome turn-down.
Very light weight and the antithesis of ricey
I got the 4 foot section of pipe from
Summit Racing for $14. They also sell a nice little
glass pack for $20 if you simply must have a muffler. I took it to my local
muffler shop and had them put a 20 degree bend about 12 inches from one end. It
would have been nice to have a mandrel bend but the standard pipe bend isn't too
bad. I bought a stainless steel hanger while I was there. I was planning to use
a clamp on style hanger but figured I'd try a weld on hanger to keep the pipe
clean looking.
I made sure the pipe angled slightly upward from where it joins
the stock exhaust to maximize ground clearance. I then bent the short end of the
pipe to an oval shape to match up to the stock exhaust. I bent the hanger to
conform to the pipe and tack-welded it in place. I then welded the pipe to the
exhaust, finished the hanger weld, then welded on the turn-down tip.
Enjoy your ultra lightweight single exhaust.
Rob Robinette
|