Y-pipe Alternative?
 

I was calling around some of the local exhaust shops today getting an idea on price to have a new Y-pipe welded in.

One of the shops suggested just cutting out the restrictive portion of the pipe and replacing it with a piece of full diameter pipe. And just leave the rest of the stock Y-pipe in place. Said they've done this on quite a few V10 over the years with good results.

Anyone else heard of this technique or had it done on your rig?

I am not seeing what you are trying to describe. The SPD y-pipe on replaces the necked down portion of the y-pipe. The y-pipe OD before and after the necked down portion is around 2 3/8". A 2.5" piece of exhaust pipe will slip over it.

Although that will help, is suggest saving up a few extra bucks and getting a y pipe and header combo.

Might/probably work. I wouldnt do it that way due to bends and way stock pipes meet. Think you will be looking more than half the price in labor to get it correct, then looking at cracks in the future. The stock pipe hits the side of the other where they meet. I wouldnt waste the time to do this route, knowing I would have to fix it again later.
Kind of save a buck now/ pay later.

Well, the difference between welding in an entire y-pipe versus just replacing the necked down portions isn't going to make cracks or other issues any bigger.

If you look at the stock y-pipe, the passenger-side pipe comes into the driver's side at a 90 degree angle. If that were more of a transition (more like an actual "Y") that can only help.

The ONE thing I would consider is that is the guy going to weld in? Stainless? Because if I recall correctly, none of the V10 y-pipes available are stainless, are they?

I would go back, ask if he can put a stainless "Y" in there, instead of just replacing the necked-down pieces...