First I made the collector to "T" piece. I added a sort of splitter at the top of the "T" to help aid in getting the gasses to go to either side.
Then I made the rest with 2 short 2.5" glass packs on either side and then a pair of mandrel bent down pipes. Here's the result.
I had a few issues with running the chrome tips, so I eliminated them and replaced them with a pair of extensions that are slash-cut. One advantage to this header/muffler system is that with the exception of about 1/2 of the header flange and the tips, it's all hidden under the rear of the car; nice and stealthy!
I can tell you that I absolutely LOVE the sound from these. Since they are 2.5" and there are two of them, you get a nice, in-stereo low rumble at idle and an angry rumble on deceleration that sounds so good. On light acceleration it is has a nice rap to it. If you get on the throttle deep, it's almost like a race car, but not too loud for the street. On cruise it's nice and quiet with an even throttle. I was wondering if I would like it, or if it would be too aggressive for street use, but it's staying. I love it!
I've noticed a definite increase in usable power since going to these over the stock Bursch muffler system. The top-end got a nice boost in power with this muffler system over the stock Bursch. Now that I have a true free-flowing exhaust, I get up to 60mph about 40-50 meters quicker (say when merging on the freeway). This car is a 1.8L with over 150K on it so it's not the quickest accelerator out there, but it's definitely quicker now!!
