Clearing up custom exhaust questions..

[ExploderSam]

Although this is my first post here I have been scouring the forum for the last few months collecting information, having read aldive's page multiple times. I was shattered when I figured out that he was no longer with us and am glad that the admins kept his legacy alive because that's what he would have wanted for people like me...

So.. My question is I'm planning on installing an exhaust system on my X. Y pipe 2" or 2 1/4" ? To 2 1/2, also I thought I read somewhere on here that it's easier on the muffler shop if you've got muffler with a center inlet and an offset outlet, is there any truth to this? I belive I've settled in the Hooker max flow because of sound, power and db levels. Any input?
I apreciate your answers and try not to flame me too bad just like assurance by people who have already been there...

 

[4rd4life]

welcome to the forum!

and it depends on if your just replacing the muffler if so the inlet and out let should resemble what you have now

 

[Fifty150]

What kind of "custom" are we talking about? Do you already have a design in mind? Who will do the fabrication? Is the muffler shop going to design and build the system? Or are you going to use a cat-back kit? Many options are available. Walker makes a mid-pipe that you can run after the muffler. MAC, Thorley, Cherry Bomb, and Gibson offer pretty good cat-backs. Y-pipes and x-pipes could work if you want to build your own system. Some have eliminated their spare tire so that they can run dual exits.

 

[Fifty150]

I thought I read somewhere on here that it's easier on the muffler shop if...

If a muffler shop is doing all the work, then you don't have to worry about it. They will know which size pipes to run, and will have the needed x-pipe or y-pipe. Just make sure that it's a reputable shop, that they are using mandrel bends, and that you are getting stainless steel.

 

[hunterdan]

I would go with a 2.25" inlet y-pipe with a 2.5" outlet. Then run 2.5" all the way back. Should give you plenty of flow while maintaining good exhaust velocity to maintain low end power. As for the outlet on the muffler, a muffler shop should have no problems adapting the tailpipe to fit no matter if its offset or centered. I wouldn't worry about mandrel bends as the 2.5" pipe has plenty of flow and the tailpipe bends aren't that tight. I live in PA and deal with road salt in the winter, and the aluminized pipes haven't given me trouble. I have more problems with the fasteners than the pipes.

Dan

 

[ExploderSam]

Thanks Dan, that's exactly what I was planning to do, just wanted a confirmation. Should I add a reso somewhere in the 2 1/2 after the muffler?

 

[Fifty150]

I wouldn't worry about mandrel bends

I don't know about that one Dan. Crimped pipes restrict flow by as much as half (depending on the bend angle). Otherwise, I think that the 2.25" dual inlet y-pipe into a 2.5" outlet, and running 2.5" all the way is a sound idea.

Actually, depending on what his local muffler shop will charge him to fabricate pipes, he may not even save much since you can buy the Dynomax Performance (part no 46909) and MagnaFlow Y-Pipe (part no 10758). Now all that Sam has to do is pick out a muffler. If you pick out a muffler with dual 2.25" inlets into a 2.5" outlet, like the Cherry Bomb Vortex (part no 88107), then you won't need the y-pipe at all. All of this is available from Summit Racing.

 

[ExploderSam]

I've decided on the hooker maximum flow muffler, they make a dual 2.25 inlet, single 2.5 outlet. So that dynomax pipe is pre-bent 2.5" for the X? If so life got alot more simple cause I can do it myself

 

[Fifty150]

FYI, this is the complete Walker Dynomax cat-back system (part no 17352). I'm not crazy about the way they merge the two pipes into 1. But it gives you an idea of what your system could look like if you cut off the factory system, then weld up or bolt on an after market muffler with the pre-fabricated tail pipe. As far as complete systems go, I guess that MAC & Gibson are the two most popular. Price aside, if money is no object, Gibson makes a stainless system.

 

[Fifty150]

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[Fifty150]

Should I add a reso somewhere in the 2 1/2 after the muffler?

Only if you want it to be absolutely quiet. But I think it will further restrict your flow, and rob you of performance.....however little that may be.

 

[Fifty150]

So that dynomax pipe is pre-bent 2.5" for the X?

96-2000 V6
96-99 V8

Pre-Fabricated with mandrel bends.


Tubing Gauge 16-gauge
Outside Diameter (in) 2.500 in.
Tubing Material Stainless steel
Tubing Finish Polished
Hardware Included No

These Direct Fit Tailpipes from Walker are specifically designed for your application. They are perfect as replacement pieces or if you are putting together a new exhaust system for your vehicle.

Dynomax Performance warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Exclusions to this general warranty include Ultra Flo mufflers (lifetime), Super Turbo mufflers (lifetime), exhaust systems (mufflers lifetime, pipes 90 days), and catalytic converters (internal components 5 years/25,000 miles, whichever comes first, external neck and shell 5 years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first). Dynomax Performance will not be responsible for freight charges, labor charges, other expenses or inconveniences, or consequential damages occasioned by failure of the product, or for breach of any expressed or implied warranty with respect to the product, other than as set forth herein. In addition, this limited warranty becomes void if products show evidence of: Mishandling; bending or mutilating of parts; burnout resulting from improper tuning; visual rust or rust-through as the result of an external wrap or coating on the header not applied by Dynomax Performance; use contrary to applicable instruction sheet; shipping damage; and repairs performed by those other than Dynomax Performance or their authorized representative. Paint, gaskets, bolts, external (visual) rust, rust-through, and cosmetic appearance are not covered under the terms of this warranty.

 

[Fifty150]

I also see Walker 46959, which looks like it is a direct OEM replacement with a 2.25" pipe and a resonator.

 

[Phil111260]

Exhaust

Save your money and just remove the muffler and put in a straight pipe. Its not that loud. I think all these exhaust systems for the 4.0 dont do much anyways.

 

[hunterdan]

I don't know about that one Dan. Crimped pipes restrict flow by as much as half (depending on the bend angle). Otherwise, I think that the 2.25" dual inlet y-pipe into a 2.5" outlet, and running 2.5" all the way is a sound idea.

Like I said, there aren't any severe bends over the tail pipe. On a NA motor making somewhere around 175 RWHP, I don't think the crimped bends are going to make much of a difference. Definitely couldn't tell or feel the difference in my sport. Which ran a muffler shop fabbed 2.5" tailpipe that was not mandrel bent. Now, if you can find a shop that does it and doesn't charge an arm and a leg to do it, thats great. But it isn't required for this app. I can almost guarantee you will not notice a difference in performance and fuel mileage between mandrel and non-mandrel bent pipe. Like I said, 2.25" dual inlet, with a 2.5" single outlet, with your muffler of choice and you will be fine. As for a resonator, it could help to knock out some cabin noise. The longer the muffler you get, typically the less interior noise you will have. If the muffler you like is shorter, then it might not be bad to add it in. But with the explorers wheelbase, it may be tight, especially if you are using pre-made parts. If you have any questions, pm me as I can give you a whole list of ideas that may help you out.

Dan

 

[Slowy]

my apologies for grave digging this thread, but that homemade shade-tree Y inlet made me throw up in my mouth a little

 

[dsturch1]

For what it is worth, I don't know how loud your looking to go but I just took my truck to the exhaust shop I have been using for years today.

I wound up going with a Y pipe into a Flowmaster 40. I absolutely love it.