Alec Started an Exhaust Thread!?!

[Alec]

Well, yes I did. I got a new system today

My factory cats were over half clogged and it was time for new ones. So, I went with a complete overhaul. My Magnaflow muffler had a very slight leak in it, but I got it replaced with a larger one for free! So here's what I got:

JBA headers (had)
Hi-flow 3" cat
3" connector pipe
3" straight flow Magnaflow muffler
2.5" tailpipe
all new hangers

The only stock part still in there is the half of the collector flange on the cat side. The other half is on the JBA pipe. So the entire system is 3", then to 2.5" after the muffler. It's downsized to help mellow the sound and to give a little backpressure.

The sound? It's a little bumble-bee-ish and I don't know if I like it yet. Sounds like a big block at idle though. I think the supercharger whine resonates through the system at WOT and brings the pitch up. Doesn't sound like a lawnmower 4 banger, but it doesn't sound like a V8 either. Kinda putters at WOT. Hmmmm, might get a resonator put in there to mellow it out some more.

Performance boost is great! The stock cats were clogged, so that had something to do with it, but the entire system is larger now so flow is incredible. Overall I'm happy, just wish the WOT sound was a little deeper. But I've heard that once you tune the exhaust on a roots-s/c vehicle, the whine comes through the exhaust. Oh well, might have to live with it. Very comfy on the highway though, not annoying at all.

Ok, that's it for now! And don't try this at home , it'll castrate your normal OHV, maybe SOHC too.

 

[aldive]

How did you determine the cats were clogged?

Also, what did all that cost?

Thanks.....

 

[Alec]

My cats were looked at when my truck was in the shop for the tranny. Also, there was little flow at idle out the tailpipe, a lot less than normal.

Cat, tailpipe, labor: $475. Good cats are expensive! Like I said, the hangers and muffler were replaced under warranty.

Oh, I also picked up an Optima Red today for $100 new. Got a deal My old Wal-crap battery took a dump.

 

[espnfreak]

Lol, Ford bill to fix the cat on my truck was 800. I shoulda tried to get them to put a bassini in

 

[Alec]

Well, NOW the exhaust is done.

It was really loud and a bit "ricey" on the highway. So, I went in and they installed a resonator between the cat and muffler. Still was a bit loud for my taste and too "lawnmower". So now I also have a second resonator right behind the muffler. Now it's perfect!!!

Idles like a loping V8, but when running has it's own destinctive sound. Don't hear many high displacement V6's with superchargers! The s/c whine is back in full glory and not drowned by the exhaust anymore, and it sounds deep and burbling when I get on it. At WOT, and I mean full WOT, it does have a bit of the lawnmower still, but you can't really avoid it alltogether with 3" exhaust and a supercharger.

So now it's a truly custom X exhaust. anyone else have dual resonators? Like I said before, it's straight 3" with very little restriction until the 2.5" tailpipe. Oh, if you were ever wondering why you downsize the tailpipe from the muffler, it's that by that time the gasses shrink and don't need the larger diameter anymore, just creates more noise.

 

[section525]

Alec! Just the guy I want to talk to. I just ordered headers for my 5.0 and I think I want to do what you did (getting all new exhaust.) Right now I have leaks from everywhere it seems.

Right now my exhaust system is stock except for my MagnaFlow muffler and 3" pipe going out the back.

In your opinion, what do you think I should do and how much will it costs. I'm sure my cats, and most of my pipes, are shot due to the 130,000 miles and a season out in Utah. So here are my questions:

1) How many cats do I need? And what brand did you run? I know right now my V8 has something like 4 cats or so.

2) Is it a good idea for me to stay 3" diameter throughout the whole system?

3) The only reason I got a MagnaFlow was because I had dual ins and single out. But if I'm getting a custom system, should I get Flowmasters instead? Why did you go with MagnaFlow?

4) And how much is your recommended setup going to set me back??

Thanks!!

 

[section525]

(Anyone can chime in here. I'll appreciate other's opinions too!)

 

[Alec]

I went with Magnaflow because they were cheaper, flow slightly better, and don't have baffles.

With the 5.0, I'd actually go true dual with an X pipe if you have the room under there. You'd go from the headers to a single cat on each side, then to an X pipe, then dual mufflers and dual tips. I'd go 2.5 on each side to 2.25 tailpipes.

If you want to stay single, still put 1 cat on each side, then into a dual in single out muffler to a single 3 or 2.5 pipe.

Dunno what brand my cat is, but the cat was about $350-400 I think. If your current magnaflow is fine keep it, or get it replaced for free under warranty. Can't hurt to get a new free muffler. Um. With 2 cats, piping, and labor, it will probably be around $900-1000. More with new mufflers and/or a custom dual setup.

Good luck!

 

[james t]

www.summitracing.com has high-flow cats for like $75-100 each. figure $200 for cats, $80 muffler (if you want flowmaster), and $200 labor for new pipes, install, and you get about $500. thats not including tips, and labor may be higher/lower in your area.

 

[section525]

I don't need a tip because I like my exhaust being somewhat hidden. If MagnaFlow has a life-time warranty then I shouldnt need a new muffler. Plus I'm not into dual exhaust so it would be a bare bone install.

Will going from 4 cats to 2 cats still able me to pass smog? (I live in CA)

 

[james t]

yup, should have no problems with only 2 cats. the factory has 4 cuz the first 2 are pre-cats. the 4 are just part of a "cat system" that ford used, but 2 high flow cats (one per side) will pass smog.

 

[taxx]

Why will this casterate my SOHC?

 

[Alec]

running larger exhaust pipes and components reduces backpressure. lose too much backpressure on some motors and you lose torque. the sohc has a weaker bottom end as it is, larger than 2.5" components and you lose off the line power.

 

[Alec]

> also, true duals on a V6 are almost never as good as a good single pipe setup. psuedo duals can be run from a dual out muffler, but the tailpipes should be downsized accordingly.

 

[AlaskanJack]

I just went to a local muffler shop to get an idea of what they would charge for a cat-back system. The ALCAN highway chewed my muffler up and spit it out. I was quoted 369.00 for a new system. That included a flowmaster and dual out exhaust, custom mandrel bent. I know I can get this cheaper. What should I watch out for when buying my exhaust.

I am looking for better sound and some increased torque.

 

[WhitMcRae]

i got quoted $229 for single in dual out flowmaster, dual exhaust setup, and installation (everything but tips!). i thought that was pretty good, cheaper than an non-dual catback kit.

 

[bubble874]

reply

The best ever muffler system is glass pack. There is no way you can beat them in sound. When you hear it, it sounds like a NASCAR.

 

[Alec]

I hope you're joking, Bubble. Glasspacks sound like crap on an X IMO.

 

[bigbadfred]

Wisconsin, Milwaukee area

I called 10 different places to have my exhaust done and I got the same answer. Nope, we don't put on other peoples mufflers or there is no way you can run duals on an early explorer because there is not enough room underneath. I never heard of anyone with an explorer have duals it is impossible. I said I am on a message board and almost 50% or more people with early explorers have a dual set up. He then said wow , I haven't done one or seen one done since I started working here 10 years now. I was pissed to hear all these exuses on why they can't run a dual set up. I called everthing from Midas, to Meinikee, to local shopes and they all said the same thing. So, I am not going to pay a huge amount of money for a custom dual setup and I am going to run a single setup with a nice muffler

 

[AlaskanJack]

Wow Fred I just called Midas and Meinike and got price quotes on a dual exhaust past the Cat. I was quoted both ways. Running two pipes and mdual ufflers beyond the Cat as well as just a single in double out system. I bet they don't do any custom bending of pipes just order stock set-ups. Those would not have a dual set-up as far as I know. But then again I don't know much. ha