Tanabe G

[CoopKill]

The M2 is as said stainless but for the flanges, and hardware. The M2, and Tanabe are very close in look, and sound if not identical. If you like the look/sound of the Tanabe go with the M2 all day any day. It is the best option there is in a twin can exhaust.

If you want to go with a different down pipe sell the M2, and pick up one of the fore mentioned dp's. As for the flow concerns n the down pipe, they have never been substantiated to date that I am aware of. Does it look like it could be an issue? Possibly, but no data has been had as proof.

[sergechronos]

Considering that Ray dynoed from stock exhaust to open pipes and got a difference of 16whp pushing 500+whp. So, probably a pretty minor difference in HP.

[TurboSinceBirth]

Had the m2 for 2 years almost hasn't rusted yet. It's T-304 Stainless Steel...

Yes but these chinese made parts use a low grade low cost stainless steel that isn't as good. What they use even T-304 SS will have a lower chromium and nickel content due to the fact that ASTM standards for metal manufacturing in China aren't as strictly enforced as in the U.S. 304 SS isn't as corrosion resistant as you might think not compared to other SS like 316, 2205, A286, etc. A lower carbon content will promote more intergranular corrosion resistance, but again this would cost more for China so you normally see higher carbon contents. Higher chromium content is the best prevention for iron oxide in stainless steel because you're taking a steel with over 65% iron content and adding other minerals to increase it's resistance to corrosion. The finish of the steel can make a difference but mostly it's the type of environment the metal will be exposed to. Using higher grades of stainless steel greatly increases the cost though so it's a give and take.

The M2 catback will still work fine. The main problem is the welds. I highly doubt they backpurge the welds with argon gas when they're welding the stainless steel. That will be first thing to rust out. Again, I'm not saying it won't last for awhile but it definitely won't outlast your car. Like mentioned before, people's tastes and mods change often so I'm sure a person will be onto a new setup before they see the M2 disintegrate. I still won't discourage the exhaust. It's a good budget setup. Your money can go further but it's all personal preference at the end of the day. It's not like we have Corvette, Viper, GTR, BMW, Mercedes, etc. budgets or I'm sure we might not be here.

[Dsmhunter]

I could see how the flex section could help with the install Jason. I also think if you get them sealed correctly in the first place, leaking won't be a problem. It really is all in the install

[Dsmhunter]

That being said, just buy whichever dp and exhaust you want man. They will all sound good on the car. But keep in mind, the cheaper you go, the more tweaking you might have to do to make everything fit correctly

[Desperado]

Well I've worked in a machine shop for about 20 years now so modding and making things work is nothing new. But TSB has sent me in the right direction many times so I'll start searching for a good y pipe down pipe and go with the Tanabe.

It's not like we have Corvette, Viper, GTR, BMW, Mercedes, etc. budgets or I'm sure we might not be here.

Even if I was a millionaire I'd still be driving my 3s, it would just be a whole lot faster with more goodies.

[TurboSinceBirth]

Oh I'd still own one too or probably a few of them to do a track car, street car, one with an auto, etc. For most of us though the 3S is our main performance car. I'm sure many agree it has a special place in your heart.

[green-lantern]

I vote ebay tanabe blue copy, just can't beat the price.

like this

Stainless Steel Catback Cat Back Exhaust System 3000gt Stealth Turbo Turboback | eBay

Shop around though

[Chris@Rvengeperformance]

I could see how the flex section could help with the install Jason. I also think if you get them sealed correctly in the first place, leaking won't be a problem. It really is all in the install

a v-engine expands vertically and horizontally when it heats up and tries to pull the downpipe apart.

[Chris@Rvengeperformance]

good shot of medallion touring: