Exhaust System Questions

I am getting ready to do the exhaust system on my Hot Rod and I have a few questions:

Here is what I have:
- 383 Stroker, aluminum heads, forged internals, cam, etc. (probably between 450 - 500 HP)
- Speedway Shorty headers with 1 5/8" tube size and 2 1/4" collectors (this is what came with the headers).


Here are my goals:
- I would like an exhaust system that is very "Deep" and/or "Throaty"
- I plan to run the exhaust out the back of the car.
- I plan to run a true duel exhaust from the headers back. No cross over or "X"
- I do not plan to race this car at the track but I like all of the power I can have. Just in case....


Here are my questions:
- Is the 2 1/4" size adequate or would it be constricting the engine to much?
- If 2 1/4" collector is a problem do I change the collector or just up size to a large pipe right after the collector?
- If the 2 1/4" is a problem what size exhaust is recommended?
- Would a larger exhaust pipe give me a deeper sound?
- Any other concerns I should have?


Thanks in advance.


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Here's my thoughts and opinion... 2.25" will be fine. I don't believe the next size up ( 2.5") will change the sound any. I ran mine all the way to the rear and only used resonators ( Hush Powers) The look like small mufflers on the outside and the sound is perfect, no resonance or hum. My only other thought is that you need to add in a "H" pipe ( X is a little better) the "H" / "X" really adds to the overall tone and helps squelch the "bad' harmonics. I added mine right between the trans bell and the basepan, it added a lot to the overall sound for the better.

OK I did I little reading on "X" vs "H" pipes and I learned something new today. I never realized the benefits they offer. It appears that if I want the deeper sound than the "H" pipe is the way to go. I just need to find a spot under my car that I can tie the two together. Thanks for that advice.

As far as an actual muffler goes I checked out the Flowmaster HushPower Pro Series. From what I could tell they sounded really good (checked a few youtube videos comparing the different sounds). I was originally thinking that I was going to go with the Super 40 series but now I have to rethink things. :confused:

In my mind the exhaust system is very important because I love the way a rumbling exhaust sounds. Anyways now I will have to figure out which muffler to use......

Does anyone have any thoughts on the different brands??? Flowmaster vs. Borla vs. Summit, etc????


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Dang it is so hard to tell which sound is the best. I did check out the Thrush ones and the prices look much better then Flowmaster. I have also been looking at Brockman Mellowtones. Anybody have any experiences with these??


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i have the flowmaster 2 chamber 40 series which have been on my 351 stang and are now on my 429 truck and as much as i love them i will go with borla if i ever buy again .. a friend had borlas on his blown stang and it was incredible ....

If you want a throaty, deep horsepower sound, you can't beat Dynomax Ultraflows. I have them on my deuce coupe and really like the sound they produce. I personally don't care for the tinny sound of Flowmasters. Some do, I don't.

In reality, listening to videos and then listening to a car "in person" end up being two different things.

I love the sound of flowmasters on the 80's and 90's Mustangs. But when I listen to them on youtube it just isn't the same. I think once you find a muffler you can live with, budget and size being considerations, it'll end up being the right choice in the end.

Well I just checked out the Dynomax Ultraflows and that is the sound I am looking for. OK, so now I am more confused than ever. :confused: Haha. No seriously I appreciate the advice and help from everyone. Although as of right now I am leaning towards the Dynomax.

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Okay then.. so we've changed your mind at least twice today! :eek::LOL::LOL::LOL::p:LOL::LOL:

Yeah right now is easy to change your mind, but as long as it is in a better direction I'm happy. Bad part is I haven't got anything done at work all day. All I have been doing is listening to mufflers on youtube. :):)


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It's good work when you can find it

i have installed magna flows and like them, i put on a flow master for my buddy and love its sound as well, both kits are nice but i just prefer the stainless mufflers of magna flows over the steel flowmasters. i am a huge stainless fan as it wont ever need replacing. i personally would go as large as possible without getting crazy

Here is a suggestion on HP vs. Exhaust Pipe size-

How To Calculate Muffler Size and Exhaust Pipe Diameter - Exhaust Videos | Exhaust Videos

It looks like their suggestion would be to use a 2 1/2" Pipe, but I would take that with a grain of salt-according to their chart I should be using a 3 1/2" Pipe on my Car, but there simply isn't the room to run that size unless I jack the Car up and hang it below the Frame (ain't gonna happen :whacked:)-

I went with a 3" system (850hp), and I'm actually running 4 Mufflers (2 Bullets and 2 Magnaflows), so, obviously, space must be considered in your plans as well-

I ceramic coated my Exhaust (inside & out)-

I think the sound of Mufflers is such a subjective thing, however I prefer the old "Turbo" sound (deep throated down low), so that is why I picked the Magnaflows-I think Flowmasters sound really good on a Ford engine though (not so much on a GM engine)-

With all that said---------

The difference between "H" and "X" pipes------

On a H pipe system you are balancing the pressure pulses between sides of the exhaust which will effect sound------On a X system you are building a system where the different momentary volumes/pressure of the exhaust side to side can balance out(sound) and the flow can exit the system from there back via BOTH sides of the system--why is that important???? well its because the firing orders of the v8 engines aren't 180 degrees side to side but have 2 cylinders firing 90degrees apart on the same side while the other side has a rest period------for instance cylinders 5 & 7 on chev-------- create overload on left bank exhaust while right bank has gap--
then the left side can use both sides of system after the X

And they would fit because of the front sump oil pan------

Remember the headers on the Ford OHC Indy engine?????????

I have been looking at the exhaust pipe I can buy. Does anyone know the difference between the Speedway pipe which is "Mild Steel" non-aluminized and the Jegs pipe which is called off as aluminized? Both are 16 gauge.

Basically I need to know what "aluminized" means. When I am all done my goal is to paint my exhaust system with a high temp paint.

Most of the commentary here has been useful for you, and your research is okay, but as Mike said, computer recreations don't always transfer to the real world. After years of playing with this stuff I've come to the conclusion that no matter what you think it will sound like when you're done, you'll maybe be close, but just about never right on (unless you're duplicating all conditions from a previous build).

A couple examples for reference (short versions of stories I've told before).
I picked up a '40 Ford coupe a number of years back. Had a built flathead, and a completely bare interior. Came with some old, short glass packs that were past their prime. Sounded awful, not loud, not tinny, just crappy. The long term plan was to do the exhaust last and fine tune for the desired sound. After putting in a well insulated interior the sound on the OUTSIDE of the car completely changed..............it was mellow, throaty, and just right to my ear (no change at all to the exhaust system). My belief is that the resonance off the floor pan was so dampened by the insulation and carpet that it removed the objectionable sound waves.

In a '64 Savoy SS clone I did I had a mildly pumped 440. I put a pair of Flowmaster 40s on it. Now usually those will be loudish and have that tinny sound others here have noted. When we put an H pipe in all that went away, no harshness of any kind. To this day, despite a boat load of cars owned, I still remember that as the sweetest sounding car I've ever done. BTW, that one was 2 1/2", but that was more for the engine breathing than sound.

Don't be surprised if when you're "done". you're not. If you're obsessive about the sound you may have to do some changes to dial it in. Sounds like you're not afraid of research and learning. If anyone, me included, tells you that X brand is the best sounding equipment keep in mind that is insufficient info. Environment/design have a hand in it too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mprevo

I have been looking at the exhaust pipe I can buy. Does anyone know the difference between the Speedway pipe which is "Mild Steel" non-aluminized and the Jegs pipe which is called off as aluminized? Both are 16 gauge.

Basically I need to know what "aluminized" means. When I am all done my goal is to paint my exhaust system with a high temp paint.

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Aluminized steel pipe has been hot-dip coated on both sides with aluminium-silicon alloy. It makes it more rust resistant. I used it for my exhaust pipes. I roughed up the surfaces of my pipes and mufflers with scotchbrite and painted it all with Eastwood exhaust paint. It has held up rather well over the years.

After years of different approaches----------I believe the best way to have the sound you want is to put on a set up that is VERY quiet and then a high ampereage sterio system with 2 big speakers under the rear ( maybe floor of trunk) and a volume control that is hooked/programmed to your throttle pedal/rpm tach and just play a recording of the sound you want-------that way you can also change the sound easily------

I know one guy who has spent well over $7000 on exhaust systems for his 2002 Camaro SS--------

Aluminized steel tubing is coated so it won't rust out so bad but is still weldable----------stay aware that ordering tubing to be shipped can be high dollar because of the length of package .

And note that the aluminized coating must be ground away in the areas you intend to weld on.

OK that all makes sense and I appreciate all of the input from everyone. I understand how everything little thing can affect the final sound. I guess I am OK with this since I don't really have any other choice. I am also confident that when I finally get this project completed I will be happy. To be honest everything I have been listening too sounds good. Besides if it is that bad in the end it can always be changed. One never really 100% finishes a Hot Rod do they? There always something to do or make better.........


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by mprevo

I have been looking at the exhaust pipe I can buy. Does anyone know the difference between the Speedway pipe which is "Mild Steel" non-aluminized and the Jegs pipe which is called off as aluminized? Both are 16 gauge.

Basically I need to know what "aluminized" means. When I am all done my goal is to paint my exhaust system with a high temp paint.

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Here is where I got my Pipe (you might look to see how it compares on Price)-
https://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog/images/Bends.JPG

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

Here is where I got my Pipe (you might look to see how it compares on Price)-
https://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog/images/Bends.JPG

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I used some of their parts as well! Good stuff.

Dynamax ultafo. Not flow disaster kill your power

Excuse me, but your point is . . . ?

The first incarnation of my '59 Chevy pickup, I put a 350 out of a wrecked '67 Camaro in it; had long tube headers into 2-1/2" tubing, turbo mufflers (don't remember the brand, but got them at So Cal Speed), and about 30" of tubing behind the muffs int turn downs right by the rear axle. It had a nice Rrumble, but no rap at all, and the only drone I got was at about 50 - 55 on the freeway - never noticed it on city streets - it was quite civil. That engine went away, to the point I could run it, but not trust it, and the truck got grounded for a while before I got around to getting another engine built for it, only being started and moved once in a while. Some years later, I got around to getting it re-done, needed it for getting to work; put a newly built 350 in it, and re-used the long tubes, but the turbo mufflers were rusted from not getting hot enough to dry out the accumulated condensation when it got started and moved from time to time, so I grabbed some no name brand 30" glass packs for it just to get it driveable; they were 2-1/2" in and out with a 2-1/4" core tube with louver type perforations, and short turn downs right out of the mufflers, still just a foot or so ahead of the rear axle. I got them in, and started it up - wow, what a difference. It had a deep throbbing Rrumble (mild cam in the engine), and when I got on it, it sounded great, nice deep growl going down the road at loud pedal, but really mild at cruise. The first time I took it to the local mall, I set off most of the car alarms in the parking lot. I was pretty pleased to get that result for so cheap. In general, though, the larger the tail pipe tubing, and the longer, the deeper the tone at the tip will be; smaller tubing will raise the note of the tone and introduce rap in a full length tail pipe. "H' and "X" pipes will smooth out the pulses and reduce perceived rumble, but may nor may not affect the tone. So, I guess the moral of my story is, you can't really tell what you're going to get until you open the box of chocolates.

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