Exhaust price?

If you are using a stock exhaust system, I would recommend going to a reputable muffler shop in your area. They can usually install a complete system for what you'll pay for the parts alone. One exception might be the cat. Some of them seem to be high. I would add up the cost of your parts you plan to buy, and then get a quote from a few exhaust shops. I think you'll be surprised how close they are.

Chris

I installed a cat-back for under $200 including parts and labor to custom bend the pipes.

I don't think this is a very good project to work the kinks out of your welding technique. The pipe will need to be bent and formed in a couple of places to fit right. Try a local Mom & Pop muffler store for good service and the artistic interest of a good bender.

I had all new pipe and muffler (did not want loud) on my cj-8 from the cat back, told him "Cash"

$75

I don't understand the value of a kit? Would you really gain that much?

I live in the south, called a rural Muffler man, paid cash, no problems in a year.

Frankly, I don't have much faith in kits, per se, as I have in new parts that actually work. I had an issue with the bolt-together exhaust system that I made worse by applying liberal applications of a BFH and some liquid cooling (poorly veiled reference to a previous thread). I opted to put the remains of the exhaust system in the back seat and go see a professional. I ended up with an entirely new exhaust system -- cat, muffler and the entire pipe -- for $200 out-the-door. My exhaust has no seams in it that can come apart, but the down side is that it takes a torch or saw to make any more repairs or changes. The upside is it has nowhere to leak.