V6 SOHC straight pipe

[NickGer77]

Hello I have a 98 explorer with the SOHC V6 motor. I don’t have emissions where I live, and would like to cut out the stock catalytic converters. I want a straight pipe setup that’s not loud but still lets the engine breathe more. Has anyone done this before with good results? Or does anyone know of a good setup to do so? It’s my first time posting here so thanks for any help

 

[Blown]

Not having to test emissions in your area does not relieve you of the responsibility to keep your emission controls intact. I wouldn't run without them. It is illegal and pollutes the air. It's federal law wherever you are.

It will be difficult to find an exhaust shop that will do that for you and risk a huge fine or loss of their business. The work wouldn't be worth it for the power gained.

Research here and you will find proven gains like maybe a cat back exhaust or even a simple muffler change to get a bit more flow.

 

[toobladink]

From what I've seen/read, modifying cats hasn't really even been a priority in terms of exhaust. I think most people have tended to increase pipe size and swap out the muffler. Most people with V6s move from 2.25in to 2.5in, and those with V8s usually go to 3in from what I've seen. But please god do not remove the cats. They serve a very important purpose, I feel like many don't grasp their importance because you usually can't see the effect that they have and they feel restrictive.

Taking that risk in the state of NY doesn't sound like a good idea to me. And what Blown said, there are federal regulations on that stuff - it isn't just the state that sets those rules. So you're making traveling to other areas pretty difficult for yourself.

If you're interested in increasing airflow, something like this would pair well with the exhaust. 57-2528 K&N Performance Air Intake System
There are other intake kits out there that are less expensive that probably work just as well.

Doing a muffler delete (can be illegal depending where you are, usually it is), increasing pipe size, and increasing the amount of air in the intake will all add up to give you more top-end power. There are some mufflers you can get where you can see right through them that will make it so if you do have regulations on that, you will be within them.

 

[toobladink]

Anyways... I love this youtube video.

It sounds ricey as hell but this guy is super excited about it. I think this is probably all you need to do, you can see he kept the cats and opted for a dual-pipe setup. Obviously straight piped like you're looking for. I'd say the results in terms of performance aren't insane compared to doing this in a typical sportscar, especially since our cars are so heavy. The main thing you're gonna notice is the sound and maybe you get up to speed on the highway a couple tenths quicker when you floor it.

 

[C420sailor]

That sounds so ****ing bad

I had a friend with a later Explorer, but still with the SOHC…he deleted the muffler. It sounded like ****.

Remember that the cats also convert NO2 gas. That **** is poisonous. If this is a daily driver, you’re going to have elevated NO2 levels in your truck, and that’s just a bad idea.

Keep your cats