Just wondering what spot in our exaust is most restrictive

Probably the last bend in the main pipe before it enters the muffler. Not very restrictive, though. An aftermarket muffler will allow a shop to make that turn more gradual. My exhaust job cut it back about 3' from the muffler, then custom bent a new piece to flow that section better.

we have mandrel bent pipes from the factory, correct?

Correct. Mandrel bends, stainless steel.

From what I have seen, I would say the downpipe is the most restrictive part of the exhaust (besides the HORRIBLY restrictive exhaust manifolds). Of course this observation is from the 2000 SSEi, so I'm not sure about the '92-'99 models.

Shawn

You wanna talk restrictive...shoulda seen mine before I modded....Custom88 feels me on this one...

its like taking a garden hose and crimping it so only a trickle can escape....BAD

Bonnevilles with a cat back exhaust mod is one of the best out there...(if not the best in its class)

so...a cat back would be pretty much worthless since we have the good stuff from the start? Take that imports!

There were a few bends in the stock exhaust (espeacially near the muffler) that can be removed. You can see how I did mine on my cardomain page here.