jafro--thanks for the info. interesting stuff actually. but i think i mentioned this before.. i am cruizin with a stock y7.. so the difference between mandrel and press bent pipes is not really too big of an issue i guess. at first i just figured i should try and get mandrel because i know the air flow is better.. but i really don't care if there is a 1-2hp difference.
jafro can you read my previous post and tell me what you think about the question i had about the muffler positioning.

 

Nah... I have the exact same muffler on my car, and it's in the same place, too. It doesn't affect how dirty the rear of my car gets versus the old setup... even when I didn't have a cat.

What I would do if I were you (since your paint looks a hell of a lot better than mine), is get a short, understated exhaust tip that extends past your rear bumper. That way, when you're rolling, there's no chance of deposits, and it looks better because that muffler's outlet pipe rusts REALLY fast. They're cheap, and most auto stores have them in stock. Just measure your tip before you go... aw, geez, that sounds really disgusting... but you know what I mean.

By the time your exhaust reaches the muffler, it's not nearly as hot as it is when it leaves the engine. My white civic with 13 year old paint doesn't show the slightest sign of discoloration from heat, and I've had the universal muffler for over a year now. The exhaust tip also provides an extra layer to the pipe, sort of like a heat shield.

:thumbup:

 

ok thanks man

i'm gonna have to bring it back to the shop and have them relocate the muffler then. but it should be no problem.