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.

Well, there's no better choice than mandrel bent dual pipes. Are you going 2" or 2.25" piping? I don't know how well side-exit will work, but it'd sure look sweet.
BTW, no cats on your new exhaust plan? It'd help quiet the noise (not to mention clean the air). summitracing.com has good prices on high flow cats.
FWIW, that's my lame critique!

Those glasspacks and side exits won't be enough if people thought your old system was loud!!! Get the Dynomax 4" case regular mufflers on there and you'll be much happier. If the side dumps are still to loud with the better mufflers on there, you'll have to run to the rear and add some small turbo style mufflers too...

Just for reference, here's my set up... 2" pipe (wish I would have run 2.25") going to two mini-turbos from Summit. I've since added two 30" perforated core Thrush glasspacks and it's still a touch to loud under load...

Im wanting to run a setup very close to brads. 2" true dual from the manfolds back, no cats... my question is would this be too much for my car? my future plans are just to add an svt upper/lower. with my mods listed below would this be overkill for me?

The bad thing about side exit is that it limits what you can do from a sound muffling standpoint. And the exhaust will be closer to your ear. Both = louder.

I'm not sure how it would work with the a Tour, but my dad has side exhausts no his F-150. The exhaust ate away at his rear rims and they ended up all corroded and pitted. Might be something to consider.

Or you could run 3in pipe all the way to the end in the original pattern. In the group buy is Brullen Cat-Back for the Duratec. The supplier said he could have the entire system made with 3in pipe for about 20 bucks more. Great system especially for turbos. YOu can customize your pipes how ever you want them. Sorry for bein nosy.

yup