In October of 2002 Midas replaced or repaired most of my exhaust system. I'm not sure of the exact details of what was done, but I know that it was all made sure to be in good working order.

However, recently I've discovered that my front pipe is cracked. I took it by Midas, and apparently their lifetime guarantee only covers the actual muffler. The front pipe, thus, will cost money to get fixed.

Buying and installing a new front pipe will be about $300, according to Midas. However, the mechanic suggested that we try welding it. Normally such a repair would cost $40, but he said that he would only charge $20 to weld the front pipe, since Midas worked on the car just under two years ago.

I've got two questions:

1. Does the $20 for welding seem like a good deal, when ones considers labor, materials, and likelihood of being a lasting fix?
It's only $20, but I'm wondering if I should demand a better solution from Midas, since the exhaust was "fixed" by them less than 24 months ago.

2. If I were to go ahead with my plan to install a complete turbo exhaust system, would that solve this problem?
If I were to do this, I am planning on ordering everything from this FCP Groton page. It appears to include the front pipe (as a "Header Pipe"), so I'm thinking that would solve my problems. Is it likely that Midas would be willing to replace my current exhaust system with one I order and bring in from home? Am I going to catch any flak asking to install a system with only one muffler, instead of the current two?
--
'89 244 GL -- 104,629 miles (see profile for info on car)