I want to replace my LS's stock cat-back with a custom 2.25" mandrel-bent setup using a ES Tuning oval muffler and a 18" Vibrance resonator. So about a week ago I started shopping around my area (Temecula, CA) and so far I've talked to 2 shops that will order and install mandrel bent piping (Mufflers West and McKinney Motorsports), but they both quoted me at $350 for the install! Mufflers West quoted me at $125 for crushed-bent. So tell me, is it going to be this expensive for a custom mandrel bent exhaust everywhere or are is it just a coincidence that these two shops are so pricey? If you know a shop that can get me a better price in my area please let me know the name. And to make sure there is no confusion the quotes I received include only the piping and install, not the muffler and resonator.

 

bump

 

I paid $125 for an exhaust to be welded up, with me providing all piping and mufflers.

$350 for the pipe, bending it, providing and welding hangers and flanges, and welding it all together, sounds reasonable to me. Actually, it sounds rather good for mandrel bent stainless.

If you think it will save money, here's the kteller weld up exhaust pipe kit. This leaves just the actual welding, provided you have the muffler and resonator, but is already $250 for 2.25" stainless. I doubt either shop will charge less than $100 to weld it though...
http://store.kteller.biz/product.asp...D=169&P_ID=255

 

or you can always get the cheapest 2.25in stainless catback for your car off ebay. i think they're like $120 shipped. then get your muffler and resonator welded up locally, maybe even with the exhaust already hung in place (i can't imagine anyone would charge you more than $80 for that)