is there really any significant gain by using 3" piping vs. 2.5" for a true dual over the axle setup? I've got stock rear end/panhard bar and understand I would need to get a new panhard bar relocator kit to run 3" out the back (over the passenger side axle). Can I get decent flow with the 2.5" pipe and not have to mess with panhard bar relocation ( $$) and maybe gain a little more ground clearence, i'm all with that. i've searched around here and know lots of people run lots of things, but couldn't find a specific answer to my question. some type of 'numbers' would be nice (anyone done a compar-O?). if there's a link already, just show me the way! thx.

 

of course running 3"inch pipe is going to flow more than a 2.5' inch in diameter pipe. as far as the performance measured in hp i am not sure there would be a huge difference in numbers.

 

I kinda did the best of both worlds...3" into the X, 2.5" after for the rest of the system.













I can't do a 3" vs. 2.5" comparo, but I can tell you I went from 331/347 with a Hooker Aerochamber and Kooks catted-y to 340/356 with this setup. And if you'll look at some other posts in this section, you'll see the Hooker doesn't lose much to even a cutout. I was happy with the gain.

 

No difference unless your pushing 600 ponies+ and even then its not much. Its more for sound, 3"=more base more resonance 2.5"=less bass and less resonance but still sounds good.

 

Your exhaust looks awesome! I wouldn't mine going that route myself someday. How much $ you got in that setup? Back on topic.....I don't think you'll gain any power going from 2.5" to 3" duals unless you're pushing some serious power.

 

$1500 for the duals, and the headers are stainless Kooks, so add that price to it and you'll be in the ball-park.

 

I see you just painted it again meentss02. Looks good. Thanks for the new pics!

Also, running 3" to the X is a nice thing to have, but I see no reason why you'd need to run 3" past that in terms of flow. By the time the exhaust passes the X pipe, it has cooled and the gasses have contracted. Running too big a pipe will slow exhaust velocity due to the cooler exhaust gases shrinking. If you want to run 3" after the X pipe, you better have 3.5" collectors and pipe in front of the X.

-T

 

hey Meent that setup looks fantastic! Very well installed and maintained! :jealous!: lol

Brad

 

Thanks for the compliments...we'll see how long this paint job lasts

My guess...not long. If my car ever sees a garage and stops being my daily driver, it would probably hold up a bit better.

 

yes, very nice setup on those duals there. I think 3" into the X, 2'5" out would fit my purpose nicely. I'm thinking of 2 sweet thunders running side by side after the X and before the axle, then over the passenger side axle. thanks for everyones input. I'll be ok with 2.5" running over the stock panhard bar, correct?

 

The panhard rod won't be your problem...it is the upper panhard brace that might be a little tight to squeeze over. It could probably be done with the stock piece, but I won't sign my name to that assertion.

 

It can be done, but its easier if you push up the heat shield. I had to cut some incisions in it with some snips to bend it out of the way. Even still it bangs around a little bit so I took my brace off for the time being until i get another weekend I can fool around with it.

 

haha....don't worry, no civil liability issues to worry about! i've been looking at the bmr setup with the relocation kit, but i'm trying to limit it to one project at a time, so to speak.

 

It took me a year to get everything in place for the exhaust, so just take your time man. It'll all be worth it in the end...hell, I only post the pictures on here fishing for compliments so I can sleep better at night knowing I have more in my exhaust than some people do in a head/cam swap

 

Best of both worlds
3 inch into X, 2.5 out
Sounds sweet

 

well currently bassani has a guy running one of their dual 2.5" systems. and he runs 9's. so, at this point, i see no need for 3".

 

yeah, i just came conclusion that if i was gonna spring $750 for a pair of freakin headers, i might as well go for broke with a true dual setup. i know there are plenty of people out there running good power thru a catback, but it just seems like there would just be too much flow going thru an I-pipe to realize the true potential of the LT's. plus, Kooks wanting $500 bills for a catted Y-pipe didn't help either!

 

I would like to politely disagree on that. 2.5" piping is good to hold about 400rwhp (maybe). Anything above that and your power will start to get robbed. A 3" to a 2.5" setup may be good for about 450rwhp (that's pushing it).

 

What kind of mufflers are you running in that system..it is very nice looking..it is real loud??

 

Two Magnaflow 4" round bullets, part number 10416. Loud? Why yes, yes it is