so, i have a 1.6L 8v vitara/kick

My stock exhaust is dying, so I'm thinking 2" straight through stainless pipe, no cat, with a muffler. From what i've researched i've seen a handful of people have this sortof of setup, but i have a few simple questions....

1) Performance? will it be better than stock?
2) Length? Will the length of the exhaust alter performance / sound?
3) what make/type of muffler do you recommend?
4) 2" is what i've read about, this the best size diameter?


If someone could help advise that would be smashing! 

Thanks,
Andy

yes it will help performance, a little. you have to keep in mind that these are not really performance engines you will have two small problems if you remove the cat. #1... the exhaust will not run as hot as with a cat and thus trigger a o2 sensor code. #2 will not be able to pass any emissions testing.
usualy the best place to start new exhaust is right ater the cat(otherwise known as a cat-back). this is what I personaly reccommend unless the rest of it is toast. then i would go to the wrecking yard and salvage the parts needed.
I went with 2" and a magnaflow muffler. sounds awesome (not like a ricer)
my .02
jason

my "cat back" involved using a saw to cut the pipe about 6" behind the cat ... I hardly noticed it being ANY louder, and the price was right ... I intend to run the pipe out to the back someday, but for now, I just run it.

you might wanna try just cutting the pipe, see if you like it, and if so, just run pipe back without any muffler ...

Be warned though.   If you have an open top and no doors and your exhaust ends right behind the cat you will get the exhaust finding it's way back up and into the engine compartment.

If your not used to it, you can get a head ache and your passengers will complain.