I finally broke down and bought an exhaust system. I decided to copy Jason with the Pacesetter setup (nice and cheap $162.67 on driverfx.com). I've been trying to gather the money forever now, but those damn bills... It should be here on Friday :).

I am wondering how much of a difference in performance it will be though without replacing the downpipe and catalytic converter. Anyone know??? Right now, I am getting a nice pull from about 3000-5000 rpm, then it dies off. My boost guage only reads 5 psi (6 every now and then) when under boost even though I have a HRC Stage 2 kit. Hopefully, the new cat-back will take care of this.

Matt
HRC Stage 2

Well, I had the Pacesetter cat-back before I went turbo and I have had no problems hitting 9psi on a stage 2 HRC kit. Are you sure you have the correct wg spring?

Greg
99 GS HRC Stage 2

I wouldn't expect the exhaust to increase your boost, but it will increase the kick in the pants performance, especially the higher end. It should also spool up slightly quicker.

You'll really feel the difference when you get it in there. The car will breathe so much better. I look forward to a high flow cat and downpipe myself.

I got lucky and got a free 3" Thermal R&D cat back w/ test pipe. Buddy of mine was returning his car back to stock to sell and we traded exhaust str8 up.

top end will feel much better. Im only runnign a stage 1 right now (waiting on damn couplers for my fmic) but w/ the stock exhaust on, i was only hitting 3-4 lbs. with the new exhaust it hits full boost (5lbs) now...actually it creeps in the top of second to 7-8 :0