SPS

(It’s really not as bad as the price might indicate…)

The Pacesetter cat-back exhaust comes complete with 2 3/16 inch mandrel bent tubing, a performance muffler, a 4-inch chromed resonated tip, 2 exhaust clamps, a gasket, and other mounting hardware.

Let’s face it, you don’t get something for nothing. And there are certainly a few tradeoffs with the Pacesetter unit that go along with the low price. Nevertheless, all things considered, the Pacesetter exhaust represents a strong value for the money.

Recently, we had the opportunity to install a Pacesetter exhaust system on a 96 SC2. We wanted to see for ourselves why the unit is so cheap. And the installation provided us with a chance to conduct a hands-on evaluation.

Some of the notable benefits of the Pacesetter system are its mandrel bends and its 2 3/16 inch tubing. When combined with its low-backpressure performance muffler, this system is certain to free up the flow of exhaust gases! The Pacesetter uses a small performance resonator and a resonated tip to create a pleasing sporty exhaust note. And many enthusiasts will also like the look of the big 4-inch chrome tip that exits straight-out from the rear of the muffler.

And what about the tradeoffs? Probably the most important tradeoff to the Pacesetter system’s low price is its materials and construction. Pacesetter’s literature says that it uses "corrosion-resistant Galvalume steel" and "durable black paint."

Translation: They use the cheapest steel they can find and spray it with black spray-paint before packaging.

We also noted the cheap quality of the clamps and fasteners. And we were, at first, disappointed with the strange section of piping that is welded to the muffler inlet and the unsophisticated – though easy – method of securing the muffler to the undercarriage.

Once we started the installation, however, we were pleasantly surprised by an excellent fit and easy installation. And upon completion, we enjoyed a noticeable power gain and a stimulating – yet contained – exhaust note.

Our installation experience is documented below:

Beginning the installation process.

Select a vehicle for modification. A qualified vehicle should have proper SPS identification. And it seriously must be a 93-96 SC2 – or else the Pacesetter will not fit! Thanks to Matt Plunkett for letting us experiment on his 96 SC2!

Raise the car as far off the ground as possible to make room to work. Having a lift makes the installation ALOT easier. When you unpack the box, you’ll find everything you need – including gaskets and clamps!

Removing the stock exhaust is probably the hardest part. Unless you plan to drop the rear suspension, you must cut the stock muffler from the stock piping in order to remove the stock system. Be sure to leave some extra pipe in front of the muffler in case you ever need to install it again in the future using a coupler. Getting to the fasteners at the top of the muffler strap can be awkward, but it is not a complex process. The piping is flanged at the catalytic converter, so it will simply bolt-off. Spraying some WD-40 on the rusty bolts can help loosen the connection at the catalytic converter.

Slide the new gasket onto the studs at the catalytic converter and position the front section of the Pacesetter exhaust. The front flange will slide into place against the converter’s studs. And the metal hanger-post at the rear of the front section simply slides into the stock rubber hanger.

The front end of the middle section of the system is expanded so that it slides over the back end of the front section. They attach with a standard 2 ¼ inch exhaust clamp which is included with the system. The fit of the system and quality of the bends was surprisingly good for such an inexpensive piece.

Positioning the rear muffler section correctly took a bit of effort. But getting the piping through the rear suspension was easy. Like before, the connection between the middle section and the rear muffler section uses an expansion and a 2 ¼ inch exhaust clamp.

Rather than using an OEM-style muffler strap, the Pacesetter system mounts the muffler to the undercarriage by bolting a small extension piece between the tip and the stock Saturn bumper support. This may seem hokey at first, but it was easier than reaching above the muffler to install the strap. However, the extension could be about ½ inch longer. We noticed some contact between the top of the tip and the bottom of the bumper cover.

Once we had completed the installation, we were surprised by how well everything had fit. Other than a few minor complaints and some concerns about the materials used in the construction, we were very pleased with the system.

The Pacesetter’s noticeable power gain and great exhaust note make the Pacesetter worthy of your consideration. That is, as long as you own a 93-96 SC2!