Thanks heaps for taking the time to record that Tim - really useful info.
In hindsight, after I got a completely new exhaust, this is what I've learnt:
- Be patient (like, number one, really important) - I wasn't.
- Probably easier to do the exhaust in one go, if you plan on upgrading the whole thing.
- Shop around for muffler places, make sure they can do the work you request.
I spent a bit of time on the weekend fixing the lawnmower and also trying to get rid of the drone with poor mans tools. I bought a silencer,/muffler insert which drastically reduces the outlet size and although it worked - it was just silly. Spend all that time and effort on a 2.5" exhaust only do stick a dinky winky outlet at the rear. Gave it a try for a bit though, ended up drilling holes in the plate as well (of the silencer) to let some more gases through. Totally got rid of the drone - at the expense of sounding like a sh** box. The worst of the drone just happens to be cruising in 6th gear at about 110km/h. It's probably around 100 to 130ish hz - so really low.
So they came off pretty quick. Ended up recording the audio from a camera in the boot, but with a mic hanging out of the boot (just a $20 mic from Jaycar designed to go on the lapel of a shirt).
I wish I spent more time and was more patient at the start and waited until both the headers and catback arrived (catback came after the headers by something like 4 weeks). Then I should have shopped around looking for an exhaust shop that would have put a muffler where Tim suggested (near the 3rd cat). PS - Tim suggested all of this before I commenced work.
For some background - I'm a programmer by trade, but just read up as much as I can before I start any major work. Unfortunately I spend my work days in front of a blasted computer, but love mechanical stuff and working with my hands. Ever since going to Subaru dealership in NZ for the first service I got for the car I basically thought I'll start servicing the car myself instead of lining their pockets with my cash! Went from servicing to modifying - fun stuff!
Anyways, bit of a ramble. All in all, I'm happy with the exhaust - but I should have stuck the middle muffler in - I'll try probably early next year when I save up some money.