One reason many people do it is to retain the look of the OEM exhaust. I much prefer the look over two shiny grenade launchers, let alone a single exhaust.

 

There is not a lot of power that can be gained from an exhaust. So it really only gets you sound, and arguably looks. A tiny weight savings, down low where it does the least good. Thats a lot of green for the marginal gains. Meanwhile an aftermarket exhaust will actually lower resale value.

So the uk mod, which lets you select your sound by bypass pipe diameter used, retains the oem look and quality, and costs maybe $150, is a rational alternative.

 

I am currently working on a DIY mod to our exhaust also and will post pic's when done. My approach was a little diff after studying the exhaust I found the most restriction was at the actual 1-2 split. I was amazed after cutting it open at the split they just crimped one side of each tail pipe and butted them together. I cut the crimped section out then add straight pipe back on but couldn't fab the transition to my liking. I was able to find a stainless Merged-Y from Vibrant exhaust for $72 "ouch" and will be adding this for the split so exhaust diameter will stay actual size throughout. This probably won't change the exhaust note at all but flow should be gained. I went this route for now and may do the UK later with a 1" dia. to relieve some pressure with the least amount of decibel change. To be continued with Pic's.

 

Interesting. Keep us posted on that.

I for one did my UK mod for just a few reasons, it wasn't even cost..
I love the look of the AP2 exhaust, I did look into Milltek at the time and I didn't care as much about the weight savings with this car, so I wanted something that sounded just a bit more amplified.

I ended up going with 38mm and paired a Berk to it, I so far haven't had really any complaints.. but to each their own.

I have yet to come across an aftermarket S in person that I've either appreciated for both sound as well as looks (no need to insert links to exhaust threads, don't want to derail this thread and I've scoured most of them as it is).

 

Also very interested to see photos of your Y-ectomy surgery!

 

Y ectomy I like it, that will be the official mod name.

 

Sounds just right!!!

 

Sounds perfect, is this a modified OEM ?

 

Vibrant Y merge came in last night so
I will do some more test fitting for lengths etc. I must say Vibrant stainless isn't cheap but it's stuff is show car grade. It's beauty factor is overkill but it was the only one I could find with the diameters I needed and the dual splits are tight (width wise) which is close to matching OEM width at that point. Magnaflow makes a stainless Y merge (I used on a Vette exhaust) but they are machine stamped and the dual splits are much further apart.
I will add that this mod is a little above "basic" fab skills and takes some trial and air fitting/cutting. Also the drivers side tail pipe starts it's bend right where you need to cut and requires some hammering to get perfectly round before welding/adding a short straight to go into the Y. I inserted a large socket inside of pipe to get perfectly round ( can't remember size). Another issue was the O.D/I.D of the OEM pipes don't allow for a perfect slip fit and require minimal cleanup on either the outside of one and inside of other or vise versa, a very snug fit even then.

 

I changed my exhaust tips to Honda Crosstour when I saw that the angle cut on the Crosstour matched the angle of the rear bumper on the S2000 unlike the exhaust tips that are original to the S2000 which have a very vertical cut. Then, I powder-coated them semi-gloss black.