which size pipes should i get my 40 series flowmaster in: 3'' or 2.5''??? i dont wanna lose too much low end torque and i do want a nice low rumble v8 type sound....so if anyone has any experience and can help a brotha out i'd appreciate it

 

Go with a 2.75" I pipe off a V8fbody. You can usually find one for dirt cheap or even free. Check a local junk yard or fbody message board in your area. I'm taking my 2.75" pipe off and moving up to a 3", but I have other plans.

 

I wouldn't go any larger than 2.5, 3 inch would sound a bit better but you'd loose power in the low end.

 

You don't lose power in the low end, you simply gain MORE in the top end

No exhaust ever caused anyone to put out 224 Ft-lbs of torque.

 

Don't mean to be constantly clashing points of views with you, but that is max torque you are talking about. Our cars don't put out max torque below 3k. If you get big exhaust, then between idle to around 2.5k, you do lose some power, but mid and upper increases. The powerband simply moves up.

So max hp and tq do increase, since torque is increased in the upper ranges and hp is: Torque x RPM / 5252. But, nonetheless there is a tad less torque in the lower rpms.