Hello,
I have a 97 non-vtec Accord

My Muffler is totally rusted out.

There is a guy on Craiglist selling knock-off flowmaster mufflers for $35 each

My buddy can weld for me.

What size inlet does this car use and anything special I need to know about choosing the right one?

 

Actually if your buddies a welder it will make no difference what it is because your welder will put in or on a piece of pipe in between both like almost all folks do...

WheelBrokerAng

 

Ok my buddy owns a welder and can run a bead, he is not a 'welder'

I just want to get the size that matches the stock pipe.

 

I am a welder. The exhaust piping is very thin, and not easy to weld, so you want the fit to be as tight as possible. I don't know the size of the stock piping, so you might have to measure it. What you want to do is, put the piping together under the car, on the hangers, in the position you want it to be. Then put a couple small tacks (at least three) on the joints (cover/shield any flamable materials in the area). Then remove the piping, and weld it on a table, where you can position the pipes for easier welding. Good luck.

 

They make many different sizes reducer pipes that you can buy at the auto part store, they also have a pipe expander tool too.