So on this project I really want to keep a stock look but have some nice tasteful upgrades in the power department. As I get older I want less and less of the typical import/modified car image and more and more I just want a 100% OEM looking nicely restored car but with more power, it's just what I'm into now I guess.
So I've got a 3" downpipe, 2.75" B-pipe (was supposed to be 3" but showed up 2.75, yay China) and then I had to decide what to do for the muffler. I really dislike the typical two polished stainless mufflers that hang down too low look. And to be honest I really prefer the OEM exhaust and tips. But with that OEM 2.25" inlet I was really going to be choking the exhaust. So I decided to upgrade the inlet pipe to 3". Given that the OEM muffler has 2 outlets that measure 2.25 all you really need is to upgrade the inlet pipe and it will flow 300hp++ no problem and should be quiet too.
Here's some pics of where I'm at with it so far. I'll be adding a v-band set up to attach to the chinese b-pipe next week.
Lopped off the bend with a Sawzall:
Drill out the remaining pipe section and weld with a 3" hole saw:
Enlarge the second hole on the divider wall with a quality cutting bit on an air tool (don't bother with stone grinding attachments they're useless on stainless):
Size difference of stock 2 1/4" pipe vs. 3":
You'll need a 5" center line radius bend like this one, got it on ebay for $100 (!! ya. that's steep)
I found it odd that there was ZERO packing material inside the muffler at all. Shouldn't there be some in there? Has it all blown out?
So I've got a 3" downpipe, 2.75" B-pipe (was supposed to be 3" but showed up 2.75, yay China) and then I had to decide what to do for the muffler. I really dislike the typical two polished stainless mufflers that hang down too low look. And to be honest I really prefer the OEM exhaust and tips. But with that OEM 2.25" inlet I was really going to be choking the exhaust. So I decided to upgrade the inlet pipe to 3". Given that the OEM muffler has 2 outlets that measure 2.25 all you really need is to upgrade the inlet pipe and it will flow 300hp++ no problem and should be quiet too.
Here's some pics of where I'm at with it so far. I'll be adding a v-band set up to attach to the chinese b-pipe next week.
Lopped off the bend with a Sawzall:
Drill out the remaining pipe section and weld with a 3" hole saw:
Enlarge the second hole on the divider wall with a quality cutting bit on an air tool (don't bother with stone grinding attachments they're useless on stainless):
Size difference of stock 2 1/4" pipe vs. 3":
You'll need a 5" center line radius bend like this one, got it on ebay for $100 (!! ya. that's steep)
I found it odd that there was ZERO packing material inside the muffler at all. Shouldn't there be some in there? Has it all blown out?
