...for once.

Obviously, there are a LOT of aftermarket exhausts out there. So i thought it would be a good idea to use this thread as a place to highlight the pros and cons of the stock exhaust systems, as well as (perhaps more importantly) the attributes of certain aftermarket exhausts.

I figure this can clear up a lot of potential questions n00bs (like me ) may have, without having to suffer the usual vague, misinformed questions you usually see on this subject.

So let's go.

 

ok i'll start. here's a tru-dual catback system that bolts directly to your existing stock manifolds and cats. for about the same price as a single pipe catback and aftermarkety-pipe, you get the same or better results. and you won't have to upgrade later as you add more parts for power. here's a test i did comparing stock exhaust vs open cutout vs the bassani tru-dual system.

This is with 200 n2o.
distance ---stock ----- cutout --- Bassani
60ft ------ 1.987 ------ 2.074 ----- 1.969
1/8 ------- 7.902 ------ 7.912 ----- 7.739
mph ------- 93.20 ----- 93.97 ----- 98.60
1/4 ------- 12.102 ---- 12.080 ---- 11.814
mph ------ 117.12 ---- 118.06 ---- 121.35

 

and here's the dyno sheet comparing stock exhaust vs bassani tru-dual. 2nd gear runs starting at 10 mph to give the lowest possible rpm reading and the broadest graph http://www.stealthram.com/familypics...ani2ndgear.jpg

and here it is on another dyno where you can see from 700 rpm and up
http://www.stealthram.com/familypics...2ndgearvhp.jpg

 

wow this is pretty cool. Question though, from this pic http://www.vincihighperformance.com/...NDER%20232.jpg
are all stock manifolds dual until that point? or is that aftermarket?

 

ok the pics on that site are of my car. more pics here; http:www.stealthram.com/2000pontiacformula.html all factory systems y just after the cats. here's a pic of the wife's original y-pipe. http://www.stealthram.com/familypics...stockypipe.jpg

all single pipe catbacks attach to the factory y-pipe. the flat area just sucks. you get rid of that y-pipe when you add the bassani tru-dual. it gets replaced with an x-pipe. and is dual all the way from start to finish.

 

How about we search and gain knowlege from the other 100000000000 exhaust threads that have come before this one?

 

or we could summerize them in this thread, because if there's one thing newbies cannot do, it is use the search button. Most of the time they don't even know what they're looking for.

The tru-duals look great guys, but what about the borla's? and the hooker's?

 

Borlas - $600 cutout.. realistically I consider this a cosmetic mod. it really is just an intermediate pipe with a cutout on the muffler and a set of baffles (that hardly anyone ever uses) to adjust sound and airflow.

Corsa - another $600 catback with pretty tips but it does have a smooth refined sound.

GMMG - one of the loudest and most overrated along with over priced exhausts on the market.. I would not only tell other to steer clear, but would suggest that they just get chambered mufflers and have their own custom made and be better off.

Dynomouth - low buck version of the SLP Loudmouth.. Many people are happy with it but from what they say, it drones a bit and perhaps have some rasp.

SLP - most flavors.. I havent been that impressed with anything from SLP since way back when (1994 with siamesed runners on an intake on an L98)...

What I can offer as genuinely good solid advice about exhausts is this:

Stainless Steel comes in grades and each handles heat over time differently.
Often, over time, the exposure to heat and time will make the metal brittle and it will start to fall apart.

Aluminized steel (the cheap stuff) will handle the heat better and costs less although it will not be as pretty.. (who looks under your car all that often anyways?)

Two pipes out the rear compared to a single out, often the single out (while not as popular) is the better choice for power.. True duals are even better than the single out but usually cost a bit more.

Hope this helps some..

 

Actually a SLP/Dynomax Ultra Flo muffler is just as good as a single out.

 

now here's something that people have been waiting for. a test comparing two after market catbacks. on the wife's 99 formula, i took the borla w/small open plate off and installed the bassani tru-dual exhaust. both dynos were untuned as well. a straight comparison between the two and how the motor reacts to them.

first graph actual. second graph SAE.

 

i have random technology catback and i love it the only thing i dont like is the tips... which are easily changed