So, I'm about to install a new exhaust on my 88 944. I've been hard at work upgrading and repairing everything I could on the car - basically getting it back to stock - just a bit better really. The only work I had a shop do was the timing belt/water pump and a good balance/alignment on a new set of tiers.

Anyway, I've read all of the catalogs but which exhaust do you guys like? The one I have now is stock - and in very good condition. I'm keeping the car street legal -- so nothing too loud and I have to keep the CAT.

The Car:


[IMG]local://upfiles/454/D52B4F4350B54767A45A4C0C8A8F68EC.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/454/6B72B39BE1874D839BC12DBFFBE3B365.jpg[/IMG]

 

Most performance exhaust systems are offered as "cat-back" so you should be able to keep your cat. Be certain you are purchasing a system for the 944 and not a 951, as the mount flanges are different. SFR (Speed Force Racing) has a nice looking set up. B&B offers a system as well.

That being said, if your stock system is in good shape, I would recommend to leave it alone. The stock muffler is one of the best out there in regards to flow and noise reduction. Furthermore, an aftermarket exhaust system really will not show much gain in regards to horsepower (if any). I have yet to see a dyno chart on the SFR and B&B systems on an 8V 944.

Basically it will get you some more noise, and maybe better looks (in the eye of the beholder). I personally think the stock muffler/tip looks perfect on our cars. Also, how many cars do you know of that still have the original exhaust (like mine) that are 20 years old? That stock system is some well made stuff! For comparison, my daily driver is a 1999 Pathfinder SE and I had to replace the entire exhaust already last year!

Good luck!

Nami

 

I have always been a big fan of Borla systems. Myself, I am having a skunk2 system bent to fit my n/a; not only for the flow but they have in my opinion the absolute best bolt-in silencers on the market. However that being said unless your exhaust needs to be changed the best bet is to remain stock as Nami stated. If however you are intent on changing be absolutely sure to go all out on a full cat-back. Cheep universal jobs will devastate your out put. Cat backs come relatively inexpensive as compared to some other performance parts, and are much easier to install. But don't expect this to yield massive results.

Just my 2¢

 

Thanks for the comments.

I was thinking about replacing everything from the headers on, including the CAT and the exhaust pipes it is welded onto. I still need one so I'm not looking for a straight pipe or anything. I recently replaced all of the gaskets and hangers on the exhaust of my car so I'm familiar with the system. Most "CAT Back" systems are kind of a pain for me to use because the 88 944s have a slightly bigger flange on the end of the exhaust pipes (where the "CAT back" portion starts). The pipe is the same diameter as earlier cars only the holes on the flange are spaced farther apart. I'd probably have to do some welding unless they have an 88 option. Anyway, I'm not really a fan of only replacing part of the exhaust. I've seen some ads for free flowing CATs, better headers and etc. I was wondering if any one had any success with these. I've heard plenty of negative remarks about many after-market headers. I also had a friend who bought a "free flowing CAT" only to discover that it was missing the third stage and thus flunked the NOx test in a BIG way.

 

The Porsche catalytic convertor on your car is about as free-flowing as it gets, unless it is clogged. Like I stated above, there really aren't a lot of gains to be had for ripping out your perfect exhaust system and replacing it with aftermarket, other than appearence, or worst case (if you should go to a larger ID system) you shift the powerband upwards a bit on the car and lose some low end grunt.

I have never heard that the 1988 8V exhaust is different than earlier 8V cars. That's a new one on me.[&:]

 

Yeah, emissions is a bitch. This was one of the biggest reasons I went with an '83 model. In '08 my car becomes "historic," therefore no more emissions tests, and free tags. This means only 3 more years having to deal. As for passing the test until then a local shop I frequent will pass your car for 100$.
Nami, I have to disagree with your comment about the Cat system, its pretty nice yes, but there are several better units. But I've never seen one that was half-assed like ZOD’s case however. It seems rather pointless. As long as you pay (key-word as always) a good price your unit should be adequate. If you go cheep you will always get burnt. And research. I bet sh944 knows of a few great units.

 

Everything is exactly the same pre 88 except for the spacing of the bolts on the flanges where the test pipe meets up with the "CAT back" portion. Even the donut style gasket at that joint is the same for all years.

The original engineering is, in-fact, excellent. I was just wondering if anyone had any practical experience with a newer after-market system. I'm sure that after more than 20 years my CAT is less free-flowing than new. That is part of the reason I'm keen on replacing a perfectly good system. I also thought it would be a fun project. I'm not in any rush though. If someone can recommend a great system I'll look into it. I'm not trying to save money - if OEM is better I'll stick with OEM. In that case I'll probably just replace the CAT and test pipes at some point. Bursh sells the headers, test pipe and after CAT exhaust. I was thinking about going for it, but I couldn't get any real info on what changes Bursh made to the original engineering. Wider diameter pipes, better bends, what?

You are lucky Mr P. - In California 1976 is, I think, the last year that will be smog exempt. Worst of all I live in an "enhanced" smog region. Makes me miss my 1973 914 2.0...

 

Heads up, I have seen a couple of dyno runs with well known after market exhaust "upgrades" that performed worse than the stock exhaust. I'd stay with a factory unit on an NA unless you are making a track car out of it, in which case I would run a straight pipe out the back with no mufflers.

Regards,

 

Too bad about the after-market exhausts. No straight pipes for me, this is my daily driver. I guess I'll just polish the old tip and order a new OEM CAT and test pipe at some point.

 

if you need new headers i have a set of bursche headers ceramic coated that i'll be able to sell sometime in the future...in early fall most likely.