Adding Back Pressure (?)
12-07-2011, 06:42 AM
#11
It does sound really good at idle, but push on the gas and it sounds like someone blowing through a kazoo....super annoying. I just wonder how I'm not throwing a CEL with no cats. Unfortunately I dont have a ton of cash laying around to re-install what the previous owner had removed. I dont need the cats inspection wise so no need to go to the expense of buying/installing new ones. Just needs something besides a 40 series flowmaster on it. Never liked them. Had one on my truck, replaced it with a magnaflow.
At work I cant link vids 
12-07-2011, 09:08 AM
#14
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 497
I seriously apologize, that comment was stupid to make without saying that it's just my opinion & that's all it's worth. Just words, stupid words, I didn't mean to insult anybody.
There are no two identical condition engines with identical exhaust systems so there's a million ways to set one up-
I have contrived several versions of my exhaust and it will never stop. I already have plans for my new set-up this spring. Catless and/or mufflerless didn't sound right on my singleport is what I should of said-
There are no two identical condition engines with identical exhaust systems so there's a million ways to set one up-
I have contrived several versions of my exhaust and it will never stop. I already have plans for my new set-up this spring. Catless and/or mufflerless didn't sound right on my singleport is what I should of said-
12-07-2011, 09:10 AM
#15
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 497
12-07-2011, 11:18 AM
#16
I was not insulted in the least. These forums are great in that I can ask a question like this and get numerous personal experience answers. Right or wrong, they are your personal experiences. I then can make my own choice as to how to proceed. I thank you for your insight. Your car sounds great! Mine...not so good....nothing like yours. This car has a custom exhaust from the manifiolds back so nothing stock would be bolt on. I think I will just get like a thrush hush muffler and throw on it for now..anything just to dampen the raspiness at higher RPM's.
12-07-2011, 03:51 PM
#17
It does sound really good at idle, but push on the gas and it sounds like someone blowing through a kazoo....super annoying. I just wonder how I'm not throwing a CEL with no cats. Unfortunately I dont have a ton of cash laying around to re-install what the previous owner had removed. I dont need the cats inspection wise so no need to go to the expense of buying/installing new ones. Just needs something besides a 40 series flowmaster on it. Never liked them. Had one on my truck, replaced it with a magnaflow.
As long as you have a single exhaust, you probably haven't lost much power (I'm in the camp that believes controlling back pressure is part of making good power). You may be running lean, or you may be used to a car with more power. If you pull the plugs they should all be a light brown color. If they are white, you are running lean.
you dont need backpreasure, you want the exhaust to be forced out of the motor with a high velocity to be as efficent as possible
Removing the cats will give the 3.8 an awful exhaust tone & yes losing that backpressure will inhibit low end torque. It's not always the case but it is a fact with Fords 3.8L engine. You have a large variety of choices to pick from- High flow cats, OEM style, or a great economical choice is to get a set of primaries with cats and mid-pipe kit.
Magnaflow has a set but very expensive. If you go to the website "mandrelexhaustsystems.com" you can see what a set looks like. You just bolt it on. Good luck-
Magnaflow has a set but very expensive. If you go to the website "mandrelexhaustsystems.com" you can see what a set looks like. You just bolt it on. Good luck-
12-07-2011, 05:49 PM
#18
No emissions inspection in my county for vehicles made before 1996. All I have to do is make sure the lights, wipers and horn work...lol
Last edited by jkeaton; 12-07-2011 at 10:04 PM.
12-07-2011, 06:29 PM
#19
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: South FL
Posts: 8,540
I have never seen a power gain when a stock/minimally modded 3.8L ditched the cats vs having high flows on there.
12-08-2011, 11:12 AM
#20
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 497
CATs are federal not local, depending on how long you have had the car they might have to put cats on, or give you money back
S197 TEKKKKK
you dont need backpreasure, you want the exhaust to be forced out of the motor with a high velocity to be as efficent as possible
with a tune up, long tubes, H pipe and 2.5" catback and a CAI on my 02, i dropped over a second in the quarter and added 4 mph to my trap by "loosing backpreasure" to bad i couldnt loose more?
S197 TEKKKKK
you dont need backpreasure, you want the exhaust to be forced out of the motor with a high velocity to be as efficent as possible
with a tune up, long tubes, H pipe and 2.5" catback and a CAI on my 02, i dropped over a second in the quarter and added 4 mph to my trap by "loosing backpreasure" to bad i couldnt loose more?