MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

I've been doing tons of research lately for aftermarket exhaust info for my '95 SC4.

In alot of the threads pertaining to local exhaust shop custom bent pieces, the prices paid by users normally ranged from $125-$300. Today I talked to a manager from Meineke (sp?) just for *****s and giggles, and he gave me a rough estimate of $400-$500 for a true dual system in stainless- assuming I supplied my own mufflers and tips. Maybe I shouldn't have started out with "I'm looking into a new exhaust for my Lexus..."

I don't get it. I know the price of steel has gone up since some of the threads I read were written, but that much?

I explained to him what I wanted (Which is very similar to LiveSC400's seen here ) and he seemed pretty confident in his info.

Would my location have anything to do with it? I don't believe steel is a big industry in VA.

I guess it'd be smart to look around more. Any info on steel prices nowadays?

TIA,

Bean

iTrader: (1)

Its because you went to Meinike...
don't go to a big company... go to some "mom and pop" muffler shop... there's a bunch around here and I'd bet there's plenty in VA...

Domestic guys usually use the local shops and know what shops are the best... but def dont go to a corporatized place, they charge WAY more...

Nomis

And make sure you get mandrel bent pipe - if you're gonna do it - do it right IMHO. I'm in the same boat now - looking for a shop to do stainless and mandrel bends. Good luck with your ride - let us know how it turns out.

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

That's kind of what I thought. I was hoping he'd be 'crooked' enough to do it after business hours and put the cash right in his own pocket as a favor. BTW, I didn't talk to this guy at his shop. He's friends with some of my coworkers and dropped by.

Yup, I'll definitely be looking for that. I was going to ask the Meinike guy if he used a mandrel bender or a crush bender (this is what it's called, correct?) but I didn't much feel like talking to him any longer after hearing the price quote.

Nomis

I can almost guarantee you, that they have a crush pipe bending machine. A mandrel bend has the same Inside Diameter throughout the bend - the crush will do just that - the section at the bend gets smaller - sometimes up to half and inch . Another option is to have your muffler shop order pre-made mandrel bent sections and have them cut them up to fit. But then my question was - "Does the exhaust shop have stainless welding rods/ tig wire" - why go stainless if they are just going to use standard - rust prone welds? Bottom line is I'm probably just a perfectionist and I won't own the car by the time the regular mild steel welds or even standard piping is an issue. That said, I still want an all stainless system - oh well. Let us know what you find.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

The Mandrel Bent sections at the bends is what I am having done next week. Other options are take system off yoursefl from ft Cat to tail pipe. Take entire section to Mandel bender ( not shop that gets pipe bent but place that does actual mandrel bender ) ask them to copy but dual X where center was. Then have Muffler shop just attatch new Mufflers for you. And you can save money by going Aluminized instead of SS. It last just as long now a days.

Nomis

You found a shop in GA, that does mandrel bends - on site? Where?

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

I thought about this, but I don't want the car to just sit with no exhaust on it. I'm a serious procrastinator and it would take me forever to finally get around to getting the new pipes installed on the car.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

The guy that's doing mine is at Performance Motorsports ask for Dave or Jesse. They make some real awsome builts, turbo's Super Chager everything. Tell him Jamie sent you.
Are you in GA ?

Nomis

I'm in Tampa - the closest shop I've found is in Miami - where in GA is the shop - it may be closer for me.

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

Guys,

My guy in Tulsa, Oklahoma does mandrel bending - so you gotta be able to find someone in these bigger cities you guys are living in.

From owning both setups - mandrel is definitely the way to go. A lot more expensive. But, the whole point of doing your exhaust is better flow, so why ruin it with crush and lose 15+% on each bend?

I just posted my latest mandrel bent exhaust in the GS engine section. There is a picture there you can check out.

Jonny

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

If a crush bender will take a certain amount of the pipe's diameter away, what would the effects be if I were to just use a bigger pipe size anyway, and the smallest sections would still be at 2.25"?

I'm hoping to have the whole exhaust mandrel bent in 2.25" stainles for *> $300.

MongooseGA

iTrader: (6)

^ Anyone know?

ATL-SC

hey jgscott where is this shop your talking about?
ive been ooking around and cant find a good company or a desent price.
almost makes me want to go with a single exhaust.
so where is it and how much are the charging you.
and is it a true cat back?