proper exhausts vs budget modded stock

[RAPID_BA]

I have pretty much fitted an exhaust system (including extractors and cats) to every car I've owned. Generally I find they enhance sound, add power, increase economy and enhance the overall driving experience.

But can you get away with hacking up the standard exhaust system and swapping mufflers or pipes or replacing add hoc pieces. I know plenty of xr6t owners simply cut a muffler out and change the cat and report astonishing gains, others just cut out resonators or a muffler for a more sporty tone.

Exhaust shops would describe this practise as bodgy, not giving the same power benefit having nasty sounds.

But has anyone tested the modded stock exhausts vs proper exhaust?

Personally I find doing a proper exhaust far more satisfying, for instance I have a full system on my windsor v8, try y headers, 200 cell 2.5 inch twin cats and a 2.5 inch catback. It sounds very crispy, deep, no drone, smooth, adds plenty of grunt and I've noticed it better on fuel too. The guy across the road, has a windsor v8 in his blue el. But he has cut the resonator out the back and its probably louder than mine but has a nasty sound about it. But is he getting the same benefit as me in reality? At a fraction of the price?