asteng88 said:
Can anyone explain to me the technical stuff regarding exhaust systems for the following and how they help with RWHP.
1. Headers
2. Long Tubes
3. Fast Flow Cat
4. Race Pipes
5. Diameter of the Bore
Which is the best system to use for both sound and performance. I saw a firebird yesterday at idle and the sound was amazing, when he took off from the lights, the sound was loud and V8 and intimidating to all around.
I understand that there are systems from Borla, SLP (Loudmouth) etc but I want to make the best choice when I change my system soon.
Thanks guys :cheers
Headers: headers are aftermarket arranged individual pipes of various lengths and diameters that exhaust spent gases from the cylinder heads
Long Tubes: long tubes is a generic term applied to full-length headers(headers normally come in shortie, mid-length and full-length or "long tube" styles)
Fast Flow Cat: a catalytic coverter with a free-flowing internal design offering less exhaust gas restriction
Race Pipes: generic term applied to larger than stock diameter exhaust piping
Diameter of the bore: self-explanatory
The LSX engine series benefits most, ideally, from tuned equal and full-length headers of 1.750 to 1.875 inches in diameter. Smaller diameters generally increase lower RPM torque due to velocity while limiting high RPM power while larger diameters tend to increase higher RPM horsepower due to less restriction at the cost of lower RPM torque. It's a trade-off but most street cars will benefit more from more torque rather than high RPM power. Other considerations are stepped headers, coatings, collector size and placement, X and H pipes, going catless(if your state, like mine, allows it), muffler choice, cutouts(if your local track/police dept. allow them), etc. Use the search function at more technical sites such as
www.ls1tech.com and
www.ls2gto.com to learn more about all of this stuff.
A good setup for your stock to mild GTO is 1 3/4" LT headers, 3" collectors, X pipe and 3" exhaust pipes running through good mufflers from any of the numerous reputable companies/dealers who sell this stuff.
Things to look for: thick header flanges(at least 3/8"), ceramic coatings and/or stainless, mandrel bends, good welds, elimination of cats if you can do it
