Is an SI exhaust any different?
 

While under the car this weekend, I noticed that my '97 probably will be shedding it's exhaust sometime in the next few months due to rust (and I get an occasional CEL for the cat, too).

So while sitting in traffic today, I was wondering if there are any advantages to the SI exhaust over, say, an EX one. Was it higher flow, tuned for sound, etc?

I realize I'll have to swap EVERYTHING over if I do an EX/SI exhaust swap, but was thinking there's probably more than a few SI exhausts out there that have been replaced and need a home. Plus, I'm not a big fan of huge exhaust tips, or the overly-loud sound I hear from a lot of cheap systems, and my engine will probably remain stock so I don't need large-diameter tubing, either.

Anyway, I've seen conflicting answers to this question, so I figured I'd ask here since you guys seem pretty knowledgeable about such things.

Thanks!

I would suggest to compare part numbers of the axle back. If they are different, I would assume that is due to size as the 96-00 axle backs mount the same on all coupe and sedans.

I do not have direct experience with a SI exhaust, but I would assume it is about the same as the EX, which is 1 7/8" ID I believe.