I have a 2.25" pipe from cat to muffler(broke my exhaust during a 4 persons 75 mph 4 wheel jump).The exhaust shop had no 2"piping.
I bought 4\1 perf headers(dont know why!)The exit size of these headers is 1.75".I also bought a 2.25"Glass Pack to replace cat and resonator.
I achieve 16:493 1/4 mile on stock '91 318is.I just removed the headlight
(In front of the airbox),no spare tire...I will put my headers,make them shit through 1.75" pipe into my 2.25" GP and then 2.25 to good muffler.
Then I'll tell you my new 1\4 mile time(hope for 11.9).