Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Critique my plans for the next exhaust

The situation:

I have a 3.0L awaiting installation and an exhaust system I'm not completely happy with.... so what better excuse than to make some changes.

Right now, it looks like this:

MSDS headers --> MSDS Y-Pipe --> 2.5-inch Pipe --> 20-inch case Dynomax Ultra Flo SS --> more stainless 2.5-inch Pipe --> rear split into dual 2.5-inch pipes --> long 3-inch tips. All mandrel-bent.

The headers are perfect, the Y-pipe is rusty, the Ultra Flo has a slight leak and is getting louder due to age, and the fit of the exhaust is not perfect, which shows from the rear. Also, thanks to all that piping after the muffler, the exhaust is rather droney - very sweet-sounding on the outside, but sometimes annoying to my passengers.

My current plan is to run side-exit true-duals.

MSDS headers --> 2 down-pipes made from the stock Y --> 2 flex pipes --> 2 40-inch case perf. core Thrush magnum glasspacks --> 2 mandrel-bent side-pipes.

The current plan is go with equal-lenghth 2.0-inch downpipes, but 2.5-inch core / 4.0-inch body glasspacks and unequal-length 2.5-inch side-pipes.

This is going to go on a moderate 3.0L, projecting 260-270hp crank.