Performance mufflers are similar to the universal high-flow mufflers except for 1) they usually have tips integrated into them, 2) are manufactured using better building materials, and 3) they generally have a better flow designs.  Now that I think about it, they aren't that similar to the universals!

The materials used in the production of these mufflers is almost always superior to the generics, which are usually made from mild steel.  Higher priced, longer-lasting, and better looking materials such as aluminized steel, stainless steel, and carbon fiber are frequently used and that naturally raises the price.  If you live in an area where rain and especially snow (and the road salt that goes with it) will be able to eat away at your exhaust, spend the extra money on mufflers made with these good quality materials!  In the long run, it will be more cost-effective than replacing cheaper mufflers more often.

These are definitely a nice step up from the universal muffler.  It will cost you a few more dollars, but I am firm believer in the "You get what you pay for" adage!

Speaking of getting what you pay for, these mufflers will probably cost you no less than $200 or so. However, I have seen some of the Remus' up in the neighborhood of $400!  Many of your local performance shops may have their own "house brand" of these for a little less than the $200.  Unless the shop has a well-known reputation for quality products, hold out for a name brand muffler. There are many worthwhile manufacturers of these: Remus, 5 Zigen, Sebring, etc.

Labor should be about the same as the universal muffler install: $30-35.

Since these are basically universal mufflers with a few improvements, performance is nearly the same.  To give them the benefit of the doubt, I would say that these may offer a 9-11 HP increase in the same ~4500+ rpm range.  I added 1 HP to this guess-timate over the universals for two reasons: 1) these generally have a better flow design than the universals, and 2) are less prone to leak. Because the tips are integrated from the manufacturer, there is no extra welding required other than to connect it to the S-pipe.  The tips are welded on, but at least under the quality control of the manufacturer, not the local, "Get 'em in and out ASAP" muffler shop.  Make sure that any exhaust work that you have done has a good welding job: no extra beads and that the circumference of the pipe is completely sealed.  Leaks in exhaust=loss of power!

These sound nothing like the universals!  These have a nice purr rather than a raspy sound.  I personally think that the Remus mufflers are one of the best sounding exhausts that I have heard on any car, second only to the now defunct Hennesseys*.  These mufflers do not drone as much as the generics and are also not quite as loud.  This is probably due to better quality, or the quantity, of batting inside the muffler's chambers.  This does not mean that they won't be heard, just that more of the sound stays outside of the car.  That is a good thing because these mufflers can be quite loud under heavy acceleration! 

*Hennessey Exhaust Systems:

Hennessey Motorsports made performance mufflers and intakes for the Probe GTs once upon a time.  I only mention them here due to the fact that it may still be possible to obtain them "pre-owned" from other Probe owners.  These were arguably one of the best performance mufflers available for the PGTs.  These were rated as giving a massive 16 HP increase...remember, that's only a muffler, not a cat-back system!  NOTE: Hennessey exhausts are not truly mufflers as there is no batting or baffles in it.  For more information on this, take a look at the article on them at Scott Streeter's page.

Again, looks all depend on your personal taste.  There are MANY brands of performance mufflers with a large number of styles from each.  One tip, two tip, round, oval, rectangular, polished, carbon, etc., etc., etc.   In my honest opinion, these mufflers look much better than the universals with tips. Because the tips are directly welded into the muffler, there is no BIG tip then a thin connector and then the muffler.  If you look closely at the pictures of the Flowmaster on my car, you will see what I am talking about.  Actually, it looks rather comical, a huge tip and a tiny (2-1/4") pipe behind it! You won't have this problem with the unitary mufflers.

 Everybody thank Scott Wilson for "volunteering" these photos of his PGT!
Actually, I just got them off of his page and wanted to give him the proper credit!

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