I just talked to a guy that works at a local tunning shop. He called Thermal up for me and they said they would have a FULL stainless steal cat back exhaust. Thats right kids means EVERYTHING on the exhaust is stainless steal. The downside = retails for 519.00 (us dollars). He said it would be ready to ship next week. So, if I would have had the money, I would have had one in 2 weeks. In my opinion this would be the best exhaust out there at this point in time. Anyway, figured I would let you guys know. Later.

 

Ummmm why is this gonna be the best one? I dunno if you've looked under a Protege but the exhaust ain't real complicated. It don't take much to figure out what the appropriate baneds need to be, and once you figure out the the right diameter, well then it really don't matter. And most of the exhaust out there are stainless steel, I know my Bosal is, so what's the big whoopity doo? All you're doing is paying for names now.

 

Thermal R&D is top notch quality.

Yes you don't gain enough to justify the cost but they have really awesome looking and sounding exhausts..

Go for it

 

It all depends on what you like. Maybe an all custom job is what you like. Im just throwing that out to the open. Like I said before it is expensive but Thermal is one of the best exhaust makers in the world. It all goes down to the name, why do people by Fords? Why don't they buy Fords? Its just another aftermarket company out there. In my opinion the money you would spend on a thermal exhaust is money well spent, on ANY application.

 

Not all shops use "real" stainless steel .. or they will use a cheaper 400-series instead of the good 304 stuff.
If you can stick a magnet to it, then it is 400-series. Also, a lot of places cheap out on the welding and don't use stainless steel wire which is much more expensive.

Got this info from probably the best exhaust shop around these parts, Brullen exhaust ( http://www.brullenexhaust.com/ )
Their systems aren't cheap either .. but you get a lifetime warrantee and it will be customized to your liking.