Here's my plan for my exhaust system so far - simply replace everything behind the manifold with 2 1/4" pipes, no resonator, and a turbo exhaust - no headers. My question concerning this setup is what happens at the manifold if you upsize your pipes to 2 1/4"? Doesn't the stock manifold create a restriction thereby defeating the purpose of upsizing the pipe?

 

Damn straight that's why you get a good set of extractors too.... and with out a resonator (in my oppion) a zed will sound tinny .... ive got a nice big resonator and it give the car a nice deep rumbly sound.

 

where did you put you resonator. Is it just a tip or an inline one, and what type of resonator is it. My Z has a good sound but I want it deeper.

What turns? There all straight to my Z

 

While the stock manifold may be a restriction, any "opening up" downstream will be an improvement. I have a 2.5 inch exhaust system with no resonator and it sure doesn't sound "tinny". My suggestion is to go with what you have planned and see if it sounds the way you like - you can always add a resonator just downstream of the headers if you feel it will help.