Well, I hope I don't make any of you guys that just bought the Hooker system upset, BUT, I've been researching exhaust systems (that will fit my meager budget...) for a couple weeks now, and have done some homework. Kirban's (I think, or Poston's) offers both the Hooker system and the Pypes Performance Exhaust system (advertised as identical to and a 'lower-priced alternative' to the Hooker). Both advertised as 'aluminized' pipe. As it turns out, Pypes has changed their company philosophy, and now manufactures ALL their exhausts in stainless steel exclusively. The Pypes GN system is made from 409 SS and offers LIFETIME WARRANTY (as do all their systems... mufflers have Limited Lifetime Warranty, not sure what that means). Pypes offers 3 different mufflers (also all welded stainless): Street Pro, Race Pro, and Violator. Street Pro is a louvered straight thru with no packing, Race Pro is a perforated straight thru with packing, Violator is Flowmaster-like (mini sound deflection chambers?). My thought is that the Race Pro's (flow much better than street's) are definitely the way to go... and they claim they are their 'quietest' muffler as well.
BEST OF ALL.... drum roll.... Summit sells the GN kit (SGG-50R) for $329.95 (!!!), plus $11.75 S&H (not 'oversized' shipping), and no tax (in my state).
Here's where to check it all out...
Pypes Performance Exhaust - Home Page
search for 'systems', '78-87 G-body', 'Monte Carlo/Cutlass/Regal/Grand National'
and then for the Catback System, you'll find:
SGG-53(S/R/V) which is the Rear Exit Monte Carlo 'SS' style (no,no,no!!) and
SGG-50(S/R/V) which is the Slash-Tip Side Exit ('non-SS') GN style (oh yeah....)
the S/R/V is for street, race or violator muffs, prices are all the same.
Then, go to:
Summit Racing - High Performance Car and Truck Parts | 800-230-3030
and search for 'SGG50S', which will give the pertinent details of the system, the 'SGG50R' is also on the website (for $0.30 more than sgg50s??), but it appears that they haven't typed in the full description of the 'R' kit - must be a webmaster thing...
One last word... I just spoke w/ a sales rep at Summit. He showed me how to find the 'R' kit on their site, as I didn't find it thru normal point and click menu's. After asking if I was ORDERING the system now, and telling him no, but I would be soon, and that I would just order it online.... he RUDELY informed me that the online prices are the same, and Summit sales reps are
'Commision-based, 'just so I know', and then hung up on me....

But I guess I do understand his frustration, so I'll take it for what it is, and recommend that if you don't care either way, order from their 800 line so those guys can make a buck too....
There you have it.... that's my homework.... now somebody hurry up and order one and inform us all how great it fits, so I can buy mine too!! :biggrin:
What'cha guys think???