Ok, two exhaust questions and I think I got it

[AltimateX]

Well I searched around and found some generally helpful information but I still have a couple of questions that require some exact clarification. I have a 97 V6.

1) If you remove your cats don't you lose back pressure? Is it counter productive to do so? I did a little looking but am limited on time and have not found a high flow cat. Is one available?

2) I read that running a true dual exhaust on a V6 will hurt performance. Is this true? If that is the case I have narrowed my options down to simply replacing my muffer with a CGS, then connect a y-pipe, and simply run two pipes back. Now is this the best decision or would I be better off simply just replacing the muffler with a CGS and running one pipe back. Which would result in a "better" sound? By my definition of better I mean deep and throaty. Although performance is not particuarly my goal I am curious as to which setup will result in the largest performance gain.

 

[khoward]

not sure i need to know my self

 

[snoborder42]

Leave the cats on or get a high flow one... like this one...

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_750982_-1_10251

I put one on my f150 and didn't notice any difference. But its up to you...

I would also recommend a flowmaster muffler. with a single in and a dual out.

 

[AltimateX]

Leave the cats on or get a high flow one... like this one...

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_750982_-1_10251

I put one on my f150 and didn't notice any difference. But its up to you...

I would also recommend a flowmaster muffler. with a single in and a dual out.

Thank you. That is exactly what I need. I don't have a cat right now so that will do the job just pefect and keep me from getting tickets.

Any particular reason though you would recommend Flowmaster over CGS? I have heard good things about CGS. I am open to any suggestion though.

 

[IAmTodd]

After having an OHV with a flowmaster, I would highly suggest you stay away from them.

 

[lowflyingbird]

I agree, I had a flowmaster on an old hot rod of mine, ford 5.0 which did not have the OBD II issues since it was carbed. I noticed a HUGE loss of torque in low rpm. It was a 2 1/2 muff. I switched to a 2 1/4 dynomax superturbo, and it was great. For street performance I strongly recomend Dynomax.

 

[snoborder42]

I switched to a 2 1/4 dynomax superturbo, and it was great. For street performance I strongly recomend Dynomax.

Everybody has their own opinions. The Dynomax muffler was the one that the previous owner had put on. I switched it to the flowmaster that I have now. The Dynomax was way too quiet for me and it would constantly pop when you let off the gas. But thats just my opinion.

 

[AltimateX]

So does it actually hurt performance to run a true dual exhaust on the V6? I would think it would help but I have read otherwise on this site. Anyone?

 

[snoborder42]

I haven't done it but from what I have seen on this site you are correct.

If you are just going to looks then just go with a muffler with dual outlets or a y-pipe. If you really have your heart set on it then do it. It will just be difficult due to space and it will probably cost quite a bit to have it done to and you may lose a bit of low end torque.

 

[Dignan]

I guess it would depend on the size of those duals. If they are small, they certainly wont cause a back pressure problem, but if they are too big, they will. What size are you planning?
I ran a 2.5" single exhaust with no cat for a while, but put the cat back on when I put in my 700R4. I loved it before and hate it now. I'm no exhaust expert, so I'm not sure what the difference is. It is still a daily driver so I don't particularly want to go without the cat, but it was better without it. I loved that mod. It gave me a very noticeable increase in power and throttle response and an amazing deep sound. Now that I have a new cat in there, I still have a good sound at idle, but it makes a weird vibrating, almost buzzing sound under hard acceleration.

 

[AltimateX]

I'm not quite sure what size I want to use yet. I have dual going to my muffler but then it turns into a single pipe. Maybe if I just match the stock size and go back then it would be good. If I could do dual without hurting my low end torque I would. Only thing I would need to do is find two small mufflers that will fit. I am going to order the cat this weekend. Maybe the muffler depending if I have made up my mind how to do this.

 

[FROADER]

Don't go any bigger than 2.25" pipe. Any bigger and you will definiely lose the low end you are trying to keep.

 

[Dignan]

Do you mean duals at 2.25? That sounds big to me for a v6, but i'm no exhaust expert. If you mean a single 2.25. I would say its ok to go 2.5 like I did.

 

[FROADER]

Your're probably right, but IMO duals are lame unless it's on a big motor so...

I still wouldn't go bigger than 2.25" with single.