Quick question. I am in the need of a exhaust for my 1983 280ZX. I just got quoted $1200 complete system from a friend that know someone that work at a muffler shop from engine to back installed. Is this a fair price? I am assuming it is a regular aluminized system. Thanks.

 

No, that's a "I know nothing about cars so please price-rape me" kinda price quote.

Now, if they are going to fab you a complete header, maybe... but that would be a total waste of time and money since you can buy a quality one for ~$250.

From the exhaust manifold back, a good (HONEST / QUALITY) exhaust shop should be able to do it for $150 - $300.

Give your "friend" a nice showing of your middle finger.

 

Thanks, I thought so... This quote is from engine to muffler. I only need from cat back so I will ask for a new estimate. But no one makes a 2+2 exhaust. He was told that it is a hard item to locate... I have been driving w my rusted exhaust for 4 years now!

 

So they were going to fab a custom exhaust manifold / header for you as well?

So... they were going to BUY a kit, and install it for you? Or fab up a custom one? Because if they just buy it, there's no reason for a $1200 price tag. If they were just going to fab up one, it doesn't matter if it's a 2seater or 2+2 because they just bend, cut, and weld where needed.

I don't think we're getting all the facts here...

I had a shop build my custom 2.5" exhaust from the turbo downpipe to the tail pipe... took about 3hrs and ~$200.

 

You can order a cat back from MSA and do it yourself or else have the shop weld it up

Motorsport! Aluminized Performance Exhaust System, 82-83 280ZX Non Turbo - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

 

It's hard to find but I have seen all the factory pieces on eBay and unused. From separate people but I still couldn't believe it. Here in Michigan exhaust work is expensive because they rust out easier. In Nevada I had a custom exhaust for my supra done for 150 and that's complet minus manifold. Around here for my z they wanted 350 and that's with me supplying muffler.

 

Do you really need it to be OEM? I work at a shop that also does exhaust and believe me- they're trying to screw you royaly! Give them a big

 

Well I stopped by the shop last night to talk to the muffler shop owner directly... $400 for an aluminized exhaust system. from cat back. He will take a 280zx coupe muffler system fabricate the piece to make it fit to my 2+2. The The $1200 price was for header, cat, pipes & muffler price. Thank you for your input guys. The MSA looks good. I never saw that it was made for the 2+2... & I looked at that catalog many times... Labor rates in New Jersey are expensive... I think that the $400 might be a doable thing. I will check with my mechanic & see if he can install the MSA system. And Lazlo, I will NEVER install a exhaust system myself. LOL. I did it once & ended up with metal shavings in my eyes... Luckily my contacts caught the pieces... But it ended up being more expensive with the eye doctor bills & new contacts & more painful... Thanks again guys!