Full Exhaust System Is it Worth it?

simonr · 21-10-2005, 12:53 PM

I have been to two places to get an idea on getting an exhaust system.
First place Lambros Hitech Mufflers in Darlinghurst,
i spoke to Lambros himself and he said that he could custom make the header/extractors and all up would be like under 2grand..
He mentioned he had done Marcus's from infocusmotorsport and some others from Herrod Motorsport..
Next i went to the local place in Bathurst. they couldn't get extractors either (as expected) but they also said that their is no point getting a new cat and they said they would just put a 2inch cat back system for 300 bucks + the new tip..
Anyway is it worth spending all that money for a few HPs? will it all be benefital once i get the intake and throttle body in there?
If i get extractors with the stock cat will that be useless?

Im just after a lil bit more performance and obviously the sporty tone..

I wanna break the 100kw mark!! and possibly keep up with the gti golfs and peugeots n St170s :P

melbzetec · 21-10-2005, 01:55 PM

Simon,

I have the stainless cat back system from Herrod Motorsport (that I think you'll find Hi Tech manufactured).One of the few around

I am really happy with it. Cost $1000 installed. Not loud, deeper tone, and I think more power (but perhaps a little less torque down low???? Don't know )However, I have never had it dynoed (will do so at the Ford Forums Dyno Day in November) so I can't put my hand on my heart and tell you you'll make gains.

My understanding is however that the cat is not particularly restrictive, and the OEM "headers" are not bad.

If you have the money, I'd go Hi Tech to build the whole system. And it will help if you get more air flowing in.

Bang for bucks? I'd get Hi Tech just to build you a cat back system (2 1/4" inch I'd think rather than 2").

Personally, I wouldn't pay the lower price for someone to "guess" what'll work on the car.

In terms of dollars for gains, most things for Focus will only give you a few extra kW's. Apart from forced induction (I so want a Powerworks Supercharger!!!), there really is no one item that will give you massive gains by itself. Rather, it is through a series of upgrades you can perhaps make modest gains. But exhaust is a good place to start.

Hope that helps

b2tf · 21-10-2005, 02:24 PM

Was always (and still is) my plan to do the whole lot to see what I could get out of it.

Probably end up going with FC shorty headers from USA (via Infocus) and a 2.25" system from cat back, custom made etc etc.

How wide is the Herrod one?

melbzetec · 21-10-2005, 04:21 PM

2.25"

Fast Eddie · 23-10-2005, 04:46 PM

Simon,

I have heard Marcus (Infocus) car at a car exhibition and I think it sounded grouse. It reminded me of a V8 Ferrari. But everyone's ear is different! So if you ever get a chance to listen to it personally, that'd be the go.

melbzetec · 24-10-2005, 03:48 PM

I'd also consider the Ford Racing header for the Focus

Teki04 · 24-10-2005, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

Simon,

I have heard Marcus (Infocus) car at a car exhibition and I think it sounded grouse. It reminded me of a V8 Ferrari. But everyone's ear is different! So if you ever get a chance to listen to it personally, that'd be the go.

AGREED! Saw it at the Holden v Ford Show..... lets just say that when he started it, people were running towards it! Sounded HOT

Fast Eddie · 25-10-2005, 02:51 PM

Teki04,

That's the show I saw it being displayed. At the time of the show I wasn't aware of the EUROFORDCLUB.

It might be a co-incidence, but when you heard the car it might have been at the time that I was looking over it and I asked politely if I could have a listen to it. Marcus' Dad (I think from memory) was "manning" the display and he duly obliged. Although he thought he'd get "shot" by the organisers for it!!

orsest170 · 26-10-2005, 11:40 PM

Simonr,

Unless you just want more noise, forget the 2 inch cat-back, it will yield little or no gains. A 2 ¼ or 2 ½ inch cat-back may see a couple of horse power gained.

I have just had the Random Technology high flow cat fitted to my ST170 (I reckon ST200 would be closer to the mark now

) and it is awesome. They claim the cat gives around a 10 bhp gain. I’m not sure whether it’s that high, but it is very noticeable – let’s just say I now know what torque steer feels like! The car pulls very hard from 3800rpm to redline and both the power and throttle response seem smoother. The cat also increases the exhaust note, but in a good way – it’s not ‘ricey’ at all.

So if you are looking to get extra power and a bit more of an exhaust note, you may want to consider a high flow cat. A performance header will also yield very good gains.

I reckon an SVT/ST170 header and RT high flow cat will set you back about $1000 including shipping. Unfortunately, neither the header or cat will be compatible with your stock exhaust (larger diameter inlet/outlet), so you will need to get a cat-back as well - starting to get pricey. Still, horsepower rarely comes cheap and I reckon a full system like this would give you around 15 -20 bhp.

There may actually be a high flow cat that is compatible with the stock zetec exhaust system or a header that bolts up to the stock zetec cat. You can email Ray at mcnews@mcnewsautomotive.com to find out.

simonr · 26-10-2005, 11:48 PM

Im probably gonna get the catback now, headers and cat later time.. is this possible.. what is the better size to get( in thinking bout gettin the cat/header later). 2 ¼ or 2 ½ inch.
Thanks for all your input ppl

orsest170 · 27-10-2005, 12:11 AM

That will depend on which cat / header combo you intend to get. For example, if you intend to get the ST170 header and SVT/ST170 RT cat, you should get a 2 1/4 inch (58mm) cat-back exhaust. I'm guessing that the 2 1/4 inch will be cheaper than the 2 1/2 inch and I don't think there is much to be gained by going to a 2 1/2 inch cat-back anyway.

Teki04 · 27-10-2005, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

Teki04,

That's the show I saw it being displayed. At the time of the show I wasn't aware of the EUROFORDCLUB.

It might be a co-incidence, but when you heard the car it might have been at the time that I was looking over it and I asked politely if I could have a listen to it. Marcus' Dad (I think from memory) was "manning" the display and he duly obliged. Although he thought he'd get "shot" by the organisers for it!!

Argh yes... this was a while back, but i even remember talking to him about how much he had spent etc etc. Really nice guy. Same... didnt know about Euro Ford Club at that time....

zetec · 30-10-2005, 11:07 PM

Tim and I hadn't started it then!!! I'm assuming you mean about 2-3 years ago. From memory the club was started in 2003, late 2003.

Teki04 · 30-10-2005, 11:55 PM

Yep... it was AGES ago. Before i had my Ls i think.... WOW, i was already looking at Fords then! :| It must have always been in my blood....

BTW Simon, Listen to Matt's Zetec on his link... It sounds great!