FLOWMASTER Installed

[mich_132003]

Just got my FLOWMASTER muffler installed yesterday. I used the 40 Series Standard (Non Delta Flow) and it is awesome. Very loud but I haven't seen any change in performance since it's to early to tell. Didn't go the route of changing the entire exhaust system, just the muffler. Flowmaster told me that the most increase in performance is in the muffler, not the pipes so I stayed with the 2.25 inlet/outlet muffler and stock pipes.

[Gary04GT]

IMHO think you made the right decision in not changing the entire exhaust system and increasing the size of the pipe. I have heard stories about boost pressure dropping with a larger diameter pipe--2.5 to 3 inches. Think I'd be a little leery about sizing up--would be concerned about problems (possibly a decrease in turbo performance) and voiding the engine warranty. Also, you no doubt saved some money by going the route you did.

Enjoy your ride.[8)]

[dgc333]

quote:Originally posted by Gary03GT

IMHO think you made the right decision in not changing the entire exhaust system and increasing the size of the pipe. I have heard stories about boost pressure dropping with a larger diameter pipe--2.5 to 3 inches. Think I'd be a little leery about sizing up--would be concerned about problems (possibly a decrease in turbo performance) and voiding the engine warranty. Also, you no doubt saved some money by going the route you did.

FYI, a turbo motor wants as little restriction down stream of the turbo as possible. It results in a large pressure drop across the turbo resulting in faster spool up. If people are experiencing less boost then the ECM is sensing something it does not like and is pulling out some boost.

[mich_132003]

Gary - Saved quite a bit. Muffler was $70 (lists for $98) and installation was $30. I'm glad I stayed with the stock pipes. I also read the issue of back-pressure & the boost controllers. That's my next mod.

[COP TZER]

IMHO, you won't gain anything other than sound by changing the muffler, the stock one is good, ie. not very restrictive. The big issue is disrupting the flow of the exhaust fumes. The stock piping running over the rear axle looks like a damn pretzle!! Up-sizing the piping is very beneficial especially if you plan on running a boost controller or a turbine upgrade. All i have left to find now is a Down-pipe from the turbine to the cat and i'll have a straight 3" setup out the sides. Running out the sides by passes that whole rear axle problem, but it's very pricey[^]

[mich_132003]

quote:Originally posted by COP TZER

IMHO, you won't gain anything other than sound by changing the muffler, the stock one is good, ie. not very restrictive. The big issue is disrupting the flow of the exhaust fumes. The stock piping running over the rear axle looks like a damn pretzle!! Up-sizing the piping is very beneficial especially if you plan on running a boost controller or a turbine upgrade. All i have left to find now is a Down-pipe from the turbine to the cat and i'll have a straight 3" setup out the sides. Running out the sides by passes that whole rear axle problem, but it's very pricey[^]

No doubt the straight side pipes are going to make a difference but you can't tell me that the stock muffler is not restrictive. Look at what DC did to the air box. Flowmaster claims a 20 hp increase with the 40 series muffler and stated to me to subtract 2 hp for my stock exhaust pipes. They would have loved to sell me a total CAT BACK but claimed the difference in performance was minimal. Now, I don't believe the claim of 20 hp but I have to believe these guys know what they are talking about regarding restriction of stock mufflers vs. after market mufflers. There has to be some gain in hp with just a muffler replacement. But, you know - I really don't care - the sound is worth the cost!
[][8D][)]

[Gary04GT]

quote:[IMHO, you won't gain anything other than sound by changing the muffler, the stock one is good, ie. not very restrictive.

While the stock GT Turbo muffler may be less restrictive than the muffler on the 150HP PTC, it is definitely restrictive--full of baffles that restrict the flow of exhaust fumes. This was confirmed for me by the custom specialty muffler shop staff who removed mine prior to installing the Magnaflow Performance system. IMHO a free-flow muffler alone will help "free the exhaust fumes" which may or may not give a performance increase that you will notice. I'm not sure if spending big bucks on "rebuilding the total exhaust system" is cost-effective in relation to the performance gained. However, if that's what you want for your car then do it and be happy. Just my two cents.

[OurPTGT]

The GT muffler and the N/A muffler look the same side by side EXCEPT for the larger tip on the GT[:I]

[Gary04GT]

quote:The GT muffler and the N/A muffler look the same side by side EXCEPT for the larger tip on the GT[:I]

If they look the same on the outside are they the same on the inside? I don't know. However, from what I have read on the forums some people think the GT Turbo exhuast is "improved" over the one on the standard engine PTC. But, if they are both the same on the inside--which is what counts[|)]--then they are both restrictive IMHO.

[Kirby]

I replaced my setup with the BTG duals setup(mostly because of the neverending pestering of my teenage son); I noticed that the bends on the stock unit reduced the diameter of the pipe and that the bends tended to be MUCH more severe than the BTG unit. Believe me there are NO baffles in the BTG... you can look straight through it!

I have noticed two things.. maybe three:

1) Much more power.

2) My around town gas mileage is SIGNIFICANTLY greater.

3) I cannot keep my teenage son out of the car(He and his buddies think that it is the perfect car to cruise for "Babes".