Sounds a bit like my ownership experience, except I haven't had any catastrophic failures, just lots of deferred maintenance and the desire to have a car that's in the best shape possible.

*thumbup* to you for all your hard work. These cars actually aren't that bad to work on, but parts sure can be pricey.

As for the exhaust, it looks almost exactly like the one I pulled off my car. Fabspeed units will have a stamping for their company name. I also think the cats on the fabspeed cans are bolted on instead of welded. See if you can find any markings or manufacturer's plate on the exhaust. If not it might be a Maxspeed/NHP exhaust. I think that's what I have sitting in my garage now.

 

great story even without an ending! sounds like you know your way around the car and how to find the best help around quickly. fix a flat holy crap

you can run spacers without issue. i never had noise or issue and now i have inserts in non hub centric wheels. still no problems. i used to run 7 and 15's which is pretty commonly accepted as the best stance on stock twists. but you don't know what you'll be running yet. you only know it'll be without fixaflat

but congrats on the car and for navigating the learning curve so quickly! jb welding and pinning the lines in under 20 hours of ownership is a milestone no one will ever again meet lol tackling the "known issues" of this car you''ll surely encounter will offer you no hardship. certainly after reading all that. bravo

 

No I don't think it is a Maxspeed/NHP exhaust. They are more rounded of at the ends where the exhaust are welded.
Here is a picture of a Maxspeed. Also it is clearly stamped on the exhaust.

 

not being connected is not a problem just a different Design. unless you dont like the sound i wouldn't mess with it

 

As long as it is not affecting flow when I upgrade turbos then it can stay!

I received my oil change kit and will get that done but I will need to take a break from wrenching on it for while as my hands are pretty sliced up! There's lots of sharp edges in there and my hands look like Swiss cheese! I drove her to work today and was "forced" to use her for some parts runs...lol Sure is a pleasure to drive when she's running right! My next step it to determine what service the Tip Trans needs, fix the clicking noise on drivers side front when I go over certain smaller bumps, and various small rattles from passenger side interior. This weekend we will wrap the entire front clip with clear 3m and finish radar install. My "main Man" Kerry already installed the display for the Escort 9500ci behind the glass in the rear view mirror!

I'm finding out that Porsche dollars are the same or maybe a tad more than my Sea Ray dollars...lol

 

Oh and I am quite happy with my "not connected" exhaust.

 

Wow! What a way to "get your feet wet" with those challenges.

Mark is a pretty cool guy and very willing to lend a hand and share his knowledge.

 

I also have the NHP/Maxspeed 200 cell cat exhaust. Really please with it and the cost. A little drone at lower RPMS but it's not my DD so the overall sound/performance and cost outweighs the minor drone.

The picture of the OP's exhaust is not an NHP exhaust. Not really sure what it is especially when it's not stamped.....

 

If it helps...I had what seemed like a drivers rear click when go over bumps...pulled off the wheel and found my parking brake a little loose. originally I thought maybe a spring had popped off. No luck.

But I followed the parking brake cable tightening procedure at the wheel and console...fixed it.

 

YOU FINE DONT WORRY.... lol
now its time to flash, then injectors and turbo... wake that thing up...

 

Do I have to pull it apart as far as I had it before to install injectors? I am getting real good at taking her apart!

I just got back from a lot of "parts chasing" for the shop. I went all over Orlando, stop and go traffic, interstate and in all about 80 miles! Not one single problem or leak! Wow it feels good to drive her and not have something break!

 

You lower the motor same way.
And go for it.

 

I am going to have to heal up first..lol Should I replace the plenum with the IPD plenum while it's apart?

 

I suggest not. Save your money for inter coolers.

 

Alright, make my priority list! I was going to wait til summer when my bizz slows down a little, but I have the "fever"..lol We will get on it after the holiday! I need to show some attention at home for a few days or I will be living in the Porsche!