Some facts to consider when desciding cat-back or weld in universal muffler...
Material & product quality:
The GM/Bosal OEM exhaust system (NOT GMPP) is a stainless steel tubing system with an aluminized muffler to prevent rust-through. ALL GM vehicles (including the 2006 solstice) have a 6yr/100,000 mile rust-through warranty.
Ask yourself these questions...
-What is the replacement universal muffler's material construction? Carbon Steel? Aluminized Steel? Stainless Steel?
-What is the replacement universal muffler's warranty? 90 days? 2 year? Lifetime?
-CUTING ANY part of the exhaust system VOIDS this 6yr/100,000 mile OEM warranty as applicable to your exhaust sytem. Consider this when looking at replacing parts. Make sure the parts will have at least the same material contruction AND a warranty to provide what your OEM system did. Having BOTH is essential.
Looking at cat-backs you should consider the same construction and warranty issues. Obviously, since you are removing the stock system, your new replacement system is no longer covered under warranty. Take in consideration that what you are removing is a Stainless Steel tubing part with an aluminized muffler covered for 6 yrs/100,000 miles. What you should be putting on should have at least the same coverage ... why down grade material AND loose your warranty part?
In the general aftermarket, there are many parts to choose from that can satify these criteria. When people ask WHY does a cat-back cost $500 and a muffler only cost $150-200 installed? I say we are replacing a quality product with a higher quality product and in desinging a cat-back we offer MORE be providing superior construction, total system optimization and a lifetime warranty.
These are factors I consider in designing my products for MagnaFlow: Provide something with better construction, better performance, better warranty, better aesthetic appeal, and sound (subjective.)
Improved muffler material construction: Aluminized to Stainless Steel
Improved performance: 4-5 horsepower gains with improved economy
Improved warranty coverage: 6yr/100,000 mile to Lifetime/unlimited mileage
Improved aesthetics: unfinished stock to satin polished satinless tubing, mirror finished polished muffler and tip designed to fill the original cutout
Improved sound: stock to deeper more full note
While some aspects are subjective (aesthtics/sound) these are generalization made based upon the majority of feedback we get from our customers.
This is why we feel the costs are justified. Remember MagnaFlow provides both mufflers and cat-backs with the same stainless steel construction and lifetime warranty. We give the budget minded person looking for entry level parts to assemble an exhaust himself and the finished part for the person looking to take the guesswork out and get a complete ENGINEERED package.
These parts are available through your site sponsors (GRAVANA.)
Remember too just because a part is distributed by dealerships doesn't mean it will be covered under warranty. Here is a link and quote from GM performace Parts warranty disclaimer:
"What is the warranty on Performance Parts?
Due to the nature and intended use of GM Performance Parts, the parts are sold without any expressed or implied warranty. If a GM Performance Part proves to be defective following the purchase, the purchaser must contact the selling authorized GM Performance Parts dealer to resolve the issue. To find your local GM Performance Parts dealer, please use the locator at the top of this page."
Resource link:
http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/perfpartsjsp/faq.jsp#1-5
This means you will have to file a claim with the contractor of the part and not GM who sold you the GMPP product...think about it.
There is a lot of information out there just make sure it is valid information.
Happy modding'
Richard