Need help with LTs and X-pipe Exhaust
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (6)
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,766
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ USA
Need help with LTs and X-pipe Exhaust I am researching on how to do a duel exhaust on my 01 Z28. I could use part numbers, dimensions, suggestions, etc....anything that would help in pulling this off.
Here is what I have in mind so far:
Hooker LTs
Headman X-pipe kit
(some kind of muffler)???
First, what kind of muffler do most people use? I have heard the name "bullet" muffler tossed around but am unsure exactly what these are. Are they just straight through “mufflers” (no baffles) like the muffler on the Loudmouth? I have a Loudmouth on the car now and it "backfires" (cracks) hard when you get off the gas....PISSES ME OFF!!!!! So that is a BIG concern here. What kind of muffler will be "loud" and flow but not "backfire"?
Second, the Hookers have 3" collectors. Will I lose much ground clearance if I do a 3" exhaust system or should I reduce it to 2.5" pipe?
Third, I may need to put CATS in for emissions reasons (AZ)? If I install CATS, what are the "best" high flow set? Will I lose that much hp if I put the CATS in?
Chris
Here is what I have in mind so far:
Hooker LTs
Headman X-pipe kit
(some kind of muffler)???
First, what kind of muffler do most people use? I have heard the name "bullet" muffler tossed around but am unsure exactly what these are. Are they just straight through “mufflers” (no baffles) like the muffler on the Loudmouth? I have a Loudmouth on the car now and it "backfires" (cracks) hard when you get off the gas....PISSES ME OFF!!!!! So that is a BIG concern here. What kind of muffler will be "loud" and flow but not "backfire"?
Second, the Hookers have 3" collectors. Will I lose much ground clearance if I do a 3" exhaust system or should I reduce it to 2.5" pipe?
Third, I may need to put CATS in for emissions reasons (AZ)? If I install CATS, what are the "best" high flow set? Will I lose that much hp if I put the CATS in?
Chris
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Re: Need help with LTs and X-pipe Exhaust I had Grots/cats with the POS Grot ypipe and wrestled with the dual setup too. First off, I seriously doubt you'll be able to use the Headman kit. Problem is that the piping must be hand fabricated and you can't just walk into a muffler shop and ask them to do it. Federal law imposes a $10,000 fine against a shop that alters the pollution system. So you got to find a "friendly" shop. That's the first step.
My muffler guy fabricated my entire system from 3" 14 gauge aluminized pipe. He made the x piece first. Then he formed the two pipes coming from the headers to the x piece, making every effort to obtain max ground clearance with enough clearance to the floor. He then fabricated two pipes to run from the xpipe piece to the rear and under the axle. You can go over with two pieces of 2.5". He welded a flange to the rear end of each of these pipes. Then two pipes were formed to run rearward and upward where Two round, 14" DynaFlow straight thru mufflers were tucked in. Two stubby tail pipes completed the job.
I should add that this guy is an expert with the pipe bender. I would not trust the job to an amateur, and he had already done six of these systems before mine so I felt comfortable with it. The job took about five hours to complete.
As to ground clearance, my car is lowered about an inch and clearance is 3.25" at the lowest point under the driver's seat. I notice an improvement in throttle response, and yes, I have had a few minor backfires so far. If you'll be looking for cats, I have two CarSounds used less than a year. Email me if interested.
My muffler guy fabricated my entire system from 3" 14 gauge aluminized pipe. He made the x piece first. Then he formed the two pipes coming from the headers to the x piece, making every effort to obtain max ground clearance with enough clearance to the floor. He then fabricated two pipes to run from the xpipe piece to the rear and under the axle. You can go over with two pieces of 2.5". He welded a flange to the rear end of each of these pipes. Then two pipes were formed to run rearward and upward where Two round, 14" DynaFlow straight thru mufflers were tucked in. Two stubby tail pipes completed the job.
I should add that this guy is an expert with the pipe bender. I would not trust the job to an amateur, and he had already done six of these systems before mine so I felt comfortable with it. The job took about five hours to complete.
As to ground clearance, my car is lowered about an inch and clearance is 3.25" at the lowest point under the driver's seat. I notice an improvement in throttle response, and yes, I have had a few minor backfires so far. If you'll be looking for cats, I have two CarSounds used less than a year. Email me if interested.
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Re: Need help with LTs and X-pipe Exhaust How loud is an x-pipe system inside the car? I'd be running Hooker LTs and some bullet mufflers. I'd probably extend the system and have it dump just after the axle.
FYI, I have stock manifolds, gutted cats and a loudmouth now. I'm used to it but most people think it's almost unbearable inside.
How much would Dynamat or a comparable sound insulator help with keeping it quiet inside?
FYI, I have stock manifolds, gutted cats and a loudmouth now. I'm used to it but most people think it's almost unbearable inside.
How much would Dynamat or a comparable sound insulator help with keeping it quiet inside?
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
Likes: 30
From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
Re: Need help with LTs and X-pipe Exhaust Any loud exhaust is going to "backfire" or "crack" when you let off the gas, especially if you've been going rather fast....it's just the way it is....most folks like that sound and a lot of us try to actually get our cars to do it.
Dynomat is too heavy. Unless it's a show car or trailer queen, I wouldn't use that stuff on your car....unless you want to add unnecessary weight.
Dynomat is too heavy. Unless it's a show car or trailer queen, I wouldn't use that stuff on your car....unless you want to add unnecessary weight.
