Jetex
Stock horsepower: 162.79
Stock torque: 170.16
Jetex horsepower: 171.34
Jetex torque: 182.11
Diameter: 2.5"
Price: $499.00
Contact info: New Dimensions, 408/980-1691, www.newdimensions.com
New Dimensions is the exclusive distributor of Jetex in North America, and although it's relatively unheard of, this system put down the largest power numbers. Admittedly, it didn't win by much, but it made impressive power below the curve as well as at peak. At 3,250rpm, the system produced 182.11 lb-ft of torque, which should break traction in first gear.
The system is constructed from stain-less steel mixed with nickel and titanium to avoid the problems that can develop when welding stainless steel, all the while retaining stainless steel's corrosive resistance. The metal mixture also serves to reduce resonance from the exhaust, making it quieter than most of the competition -- until you run it through the gears, that is. The sound of the exhaust at wide-open throttle was excellent, and the low-key grumble at idle should keep the cops off your back.
The system also has a substantially lower price than the majority of systems in our test, so it offers a good bang for the buck. Jetex manufactures a reducer that slips onto the cat in a different manner than other products. Instead of a regular reducer, Jetex has a sleeve with cuts that slides into the factory assembly and are pinched down inside before sliding the mid-pipe over it. The system did prove to be slightly harder to install than the others, but the result was worth it.
Magnaflow Peformance
Stock horsepower: 162.79
Stock torque: 170.16
Magnaflow horsepower: 171.15
Magnaflow torque: 182.97
Diameter: 2.25"
Price: $547.05
Contact info: Magnaflow Performance, www.magnaflow.com, 800/824-8664
The Magnaflow exhaust proved to be the exception to our rule. We were positive all the 2.25" systems would make less power than the 2.5s, but Magnaflow proved us wrong. This 2.25" system put down an impressive 171.15hp, placing it second overall for output. It also showed the highest torque number of the day with 182.97 lb-ft. Admittedly, it was only best by a hair, but remember it's a 2.25".
The system is constructed from T-304 stainless steel with a highly polished finish, and all gaskets are included in the kit. Installation was simple since Magnaflow uses a two-bolt flange connection instead of slip fittings like the majority of companies. This enables you to hang the system and then tighten everything up, but you'll need to get handy with box wrenches.
The one problem we had was getting the tailpipes to sit level. This was cured by adjusting the over-axle pipe. It took less than five minutes to get it right, so it was hardly an issue.
Neuspeed
Stock horsepower: 162.83
Stock torque: 171.95
Neuspeed horsepower: 168.02
Neuspeed torque: 179.30
Diameter: 2.36"
Price: $679.95
Contact info: Neuspeed, 800/423-3623, www.neuspeed.com
Contrary to what some internet trolls may say, we don't have a deal with the devil to only speak good about Neuspeed products. That said, Neuspeed's exhaust is a quality item that uses T-304 stainless steel, mandrel bends and TIG welds in a polished package. In fact, the only real complaint we have is with the DTM tips, which are a bit old skool now. In the company's defense, it does offer other tips if you'd prefer, but you'll need to upgrade to a 2001.5 rear valance in order to take advantage of them. It's also the only system that doesn't fit either the 2.25" or 2.5" category; rather it measures 2.36" or 60mm.
The system is a two-piece ensemble with simple flanges to attach the center pipe to the rear. The tips pretty much center themselves, and as an added bonus, we discovered Neuspeed had included a set of its polyurethane muffler hangers with the exhaust, eliminating almost all movement.
The exhaust exuded the traditional deep and loud VR6 tone, but since the system is guaranteed to pass any sound regulation in the USA, we weren't worried. The final numbers were 168.02hp and 179.30 lb-ft -- good numbers for this size of piping.
Remus USA
Stock horsepower: 162.83
Stock torque: 171.95
Remus horsepower: 165.41
Remus torque: 174.49
Diameter: 2.25"
Price: $527.22
Contact info: Remus USA, 818/882-6422 www.remus-usa.com
Similar to the Electrodyne exhaust, this system is a rebranded Sebring unit, meaning the only real difference we could find was the etching on the tips. Either way, the Remus exhaust looked substantial and possibly tied for the heaviest system in the test.
On the dyno, we learned why not many companies paint their exhausts: The ensuing smoke screen could stop a charging elephant. The tone of the muffler was nice and deep, while the power it made was almost identical to the other Sebring manufactured exhaust -- go figure. Producing 165.41whp, which is less than 1hp off of some of its 2.25" brethren, this exhaust again proved pipe diameter plays an important role when it comes to producing VR6 power.