The ole gal has 206k on the OEM system. The last few weeks its getting noticeably louder and from what I can tell, it sounds like its location is forward. I haven't been under to inspect it yet. How many miles are the members getting out of an OEM system? I live in the salt belt ( michigan, state gem is rock salt) so I believe I got my moneys worth. Did some research here and Walker systems are popular. I want a quiet system for sure, as close to OEM as possible. Performance system on a 2.2 is not anything I want to explore. The down pipe will get replace if needed with the 2.4 if its bad. How long will a Walker system last compared to OEM? Any other systems that fit good and keep the noise level down? Cant seem to locate a "down pipe" online, is there a part number handy? thanks.

 

On ebay I get lots of results with "hhr exhaust repair" That is probably not the best search term. I recommend the longer pipe vs the short part, easier to install.
this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/11095794005...EAAMXQYwFRgMOW
or this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/19343658817...AAAOSwvGtdngQ3

If it only when moving look at wheel hubs.
If it is all of the time and more of a rattle look at timing chain.
If all of the time and gets louder moving and a strange odor (mine smelled like solvent) in the cabin look at flex joint.

 

if the noise sounds like it’s forward check the flex pipe and the two bolt flange gasket . If there’s rust damage to the pipes, and you decide to replace the complete exhaust.
On a 2.2 this down pipe works great, most people gut the second cat anyway,

https://mufflerexpress.ca/products/c...rter-2005-2007

Now if you want the dual cat set up , then this is the one that works very well

https://mufflerexpress.ca/products/c...-2-2l-and-2-4l

As for the Walker cat back make sure you order Walker 56248 resonator with the 2 1/4 inch tubes with the longer resonator, and the Walker 21686 muffler, this opens up the system to allow the 2.2 to breathe much better, I ran this setup on Oldblue and as far as I know the exhaust is still on .

 

Thanks, this gets me headed in the direction.

 

For the slip joint between the resonator pipe and muffler, I suggest a little muffler cement and a band clamp. The saddle clamp crushes the pipe and rusts very quickly.



Like this stainless steel clamp

 

Saddle clamp, as in a regular muffler U style clamp? As far as replacing the whole system, can it be done on jack stands and car ramps w/o too much problems, thanks again Going to inspect it in a couple of days after the holidays.

 

A saddle clamp, or muffler clamp. I did Oldblue’s exhaust on jack stands. I disconnected the O2 sensors and removed them away from the car, more room for a longer breaker bar.

 

Okay gotcha. You also did the down pipe replacement I take it. Basically from the "header" pipe and back?

 

Yes the catalytic converter pipe.

 

It was a crack exhaust manifold causing the noise. It's in the repair shop getting fixed.