StreakinOraNgeX said:My hypothesis is that 3 inches does make a difference. The ion tb exhaust made 22 whp overall and is 3 inches all around. Other exhaust systems arent that big and dont make that much power. The extra money part of the equation is damn near negligible when you go to a custom exhaust shop anywayz.
Let's remember to compare apples to apples here.
The Ion and GHL are 3 inches, and they replace the entire exhaust. They are turbobacks and replace the stock S-pipe, which is why they make the most power.
I have yet to see a dyno for a 2.5 inch turboback basically because they haven't existed until recently, when CS and MAM released replacemnt S-pipes.
I remember reading the CS exhaust made 13 HP, with the stock S & J Pipe.
If you have the $, by all means, go with GHL or Ion.
Frankly, i'd buy the CS turboback at this point for under $600,keep the change, and probbaly make 5 HP less than Ion or GHL.
Unless youre planning for massive boost, building your motor, or going with a bigger turbo, the 2.5 (or 2.4 if it really matters) will be plenty.
I actually measure the stock piping last night, and the resonator section tapers to 1.8 inches at the ends. At its biggest, it doesnt get bigger than 2 inches.
That being said, If you can get the Thermal for a good price, go for it. It can't hurt to have bigger for down the road.