Long ish story short. I wasnt happy with my CPE nexus i picked up used. So i managed to sell it and promised myself to get a different setup. Ill get better pics tomorrow as i still have to put my midbrace back on.
Things i learned
1. Bad gaskets by the downpipe can make really big and loud bangs. So far the new setup hasnt.
2. If your stock DP get rons adapter to upsize or go to oreillys and try to find a gasket that will work. I lucked out after selling the adapter with the catback and then kicking myself. Lol. ( i have a catless DP waiting for an install day at a shop soon)
3. 2 bolt flange is much better than slip fit for being able to assemble and adjust. Esp, when its 18 degrees under the car.
4. 700 degree copper gasket maker is your friend. Use liberally on the gaskets and let it fully cure (24 hours of car on stands looking like a ghetto wrc pit area)
5. Polyurethane exhaust hangers are the DEVIL. Never again. Id rather break rubber ones constantly and easily replace them than have to literally cut them apart to get the old exhaust off the car.
Impressions of the catback.....
Amazing welding. Easy to fit together, love that they include enough bolts to even replace the studs on the downpipe if needed.
The fit is perfect. Minor adjustment at the joints to get things centered. But nothing hit the tunnel ( unlike the resonator on the CPE that hit the tunnel constantly) it is 304 stainless and the flanges have greddy cast into them which i thought was super cool.
Driving.
So far havent driven it much. But i love the sound at idle, which is super deep and mellow. Getting on it i can hear lots more of the turbo and engine which is a huge plus. Im sure my neighbors prefer the car being a fair bit quieter. Hoping to see my gas milage go back up. Im curious to see how it sounds with the catless DP. But im extremely happy with the exhaust despite my frustrations with weather and old parts not wanting to come off. Made a 4 hour install take over 8 hours with a lunch and parts break.