Ok, its time to make a decision. I just installed the Dynatech longtube header and high-flow cat kit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki418cFK3_M). I need to figure out where to go from here. I was considering a SIDO 14" Magnaflow.

Disregarding sound, what is the best performing setup, especially for low end? I took it out for a spin last night just as it is in the video, and it seemed like I lost some low end performance.

Also, the much debated question, single or duals - y-pipe with 2.5" in, 3" out or dual with an x-pipe? I always thought that the exhaust needs so much backpressure to run normally. It seems like everyone has a different opinion on this.

A nice deep muscle tone is nice, but I think I would rather maximize performance. And not just top end performance, this is my daily driver and the majority of the time is just back and forth to work, or tooling around the city, with an occaisional highway trip, and hopefully in the future some towing. I wish I knew what would be the best thing to do to get the best of both worlds - great sound and maximum performance.

I need to decide quick so I can get it driveable.

 

I vote 2.25" duals and X pipe with no cats or magi high flows. I'm not even going to start the debate on what mufflers make the most power. Mostly because I don't know

 

For MAX performance, you might want to consider letting in more air with that exhaust system (CAI), and tune it!

 

I forgot to list my current mods:

From Troyer Performance:
Airaid Cold Air Intake
16" Dual Electric Fan Kit
Underdrive Pulleys w/ Gatorback Belt
Dynatech SuperMaxx Header kit
SCT X3 Programmer with canned tune installed (waiting on custom tunes from Troyer)

Rancho 4" lift with 35" tires

 

Well... Then I guess your set!

 

X2

I'm not going to suggest any muffler because all the Flowmaster kids will start complaining.

 

If you installed the hi flow cats... I would go with 2.25 true duals so keep/gain some low end. If you plan on eventually adding a supercharger then go 2.5. Make sure you use as x pippe as stated. You will need 2 si/so mufflers both having 2.25 inlets and outlets. Make sure you put the x pipe as close to the original location of the factory y pipe and the mufflers as close to the rear axle as possible. The 14" maggies may be a bit loud with what you have so maybe consider 2 18" maggies. The best performance I can see you getting would be using 2 borla mufflers, however those are expensive and I do not know what your budget is.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/D...n/?Ns=Rank|Asc

That is a list of the 2.25 inlet outlet Borla's on summit. You want performance, that would be a great choice esp since the headers and cats would make them growl nicely.

 

Really? You went there?

Really though, I don't know what makes more power. I'll bet it is more about hp and torque curves than anything. Flowmaster brags about exhaust scavenging, where magi and others brag about straight through designs.

 

Flowmaster's are chambered which restricts flow. What is the fastest way to get from point A to point B? Straight across. The baffling plates inside the flowmasters are used to magnify the sound IIRC. There muffler design has a bad *** idle and rumble however it is not the most efficient way to have the exhaust gases escape. Magnaflows are much better for performance, but lack the high idle and cackliness that flowmaster's muffler produce. I prefer a deep rumble myself, so I will sacrifice the higher idle and cruise (which is nothing a set of high flows can't fix ) for more performance. Borla is probably one of the best exhausts on the market and maybe someday I will do a true dual set-up with them, but for most people, they just want sound and a small gain/if any in performance. Let's face it, most people just want to have a smile on their face when they hit the gas so its best to go with what sounds best to you

 

What is so special about Borla?

 

Their muffler design creates very very good flow. Its called CFM or something like that.

 

Are they packed mufflers?

 

no, ceramic coated.

 

dual borla XR1s and LTs= YUM!

 

I didn't fully read the original post no now that I have I can put in better input.

Borla is the king, the best you can get. Ceramic inside, full t-304 stainless, no chambers, hardly any baffles, rich clear loud sound.

For you Joshparton, I would suggest no true duals, run 3" from the Y pipe to a muffler, and use the Magnaflow 12198 14" body muffler, and 2.5" tailpipes exiting however. This will be quite loud once broken in, but enough to keep it peaceful-ish inside. Excellent low end power with that setup, and a respectable sound over the true dual grumbling sound.