Thread: Exhaust System Questions

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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.

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. 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!

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 )-

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?????????