Right fellas here's the deal. I have a Stilo 1.8 16v (petrol) and I'm looking to upgrade my brakes as well as the exhaust system.

The CAT is in a good state, therefore I'm thinking of keeping it, however the rest of the exhaust needs to go. I've already decided to purchase the middle section which will be the same as the original just new.

So the first question is, are there any decent back boxes I should take a look at? (Bare in mind I'm not looking to break my bank.) If so, is it possible to use the original end pipe from my old back box (the section joining the central silencer and the box itself) to be cut off and welded on the new one? I've had a look and it doesn't seem like there are any around on the internet. I'm open for any suggestions.

Now the brakes. I've taken a few looks online and I'm looking into possibly getting the Mintex brake system for both front and rear of the car. It's a little more expensive but I'm sure the quality will speak for itself. So the second question is, what other brake systems could you possibly recommend that are worth looking at? (I've looked into black diamond, EBC, Brembo - facking expensive stuff, and mintex. If you have any suggestions or tips please feel free to comment. Many thanks!

Can only comment on Mintex for you sure others have their views and stuff they have fitted.
Some have had problems with brake squeal from Mintex..myself I have now mintex all round with no brake squeal, although I have also fitted the drilled and grooved discs with them so perhaps that is why I have not experienced brake squeal I also make sure I use copper slip on any metal to metal parts in the brake caliper area obviously not on pad to disc area, braking wise they seem good and controllable, had the front for 12k now and actually just changed today the rears to mintex pads and drilled grooved discs as the fronts have good enough braking for me and are lasting very well I which I think is down to the drill and groove design for clearing water better. I noticed the mintex pads are chammferd on the edges which could be they have addressed any brake squeal issue, otherswise no problems here with them

i am going to be putting drilled and grooved discs on the front from mtec with ebc pads and on teh rear a couple weeks back i fitted dimpled and grooved rear discs and mintex pads again, i don't get squeal from mine either.

i got my mtec dimpled and grooved discs and mintex pads for £63 delivered for the rear

the front was £72 for mtec drilled and grooved discs and ebc pads were £42

On the exhaust, get a quote from your nearest branch of Longlife (stainless). Used them twice and very happy with the price and result.

http://www.longlife.co.uk/?gclid=CMr7zrzoi7kCFbHKtAodLRMAoQ