Pretty straightforward question from a newbie... Do you need to retune ECU after you change exhaust setup? I'm probably gonna go from stock exhaust to Flowmaster axle-back American Thunder series. I'm not adding CAI or anything, just swapping out stock exhaust for aftermarket. All I'm looking for is a little less restrictive exhaust system, a throaty sound, and a small bump in hp. Someone told me about unhooking the battery afterwardsto reset computer (whatever that means), but do I need to do any other work on electronics or oxygen sensor to get full benefit of new system?

And one more question... Is it stupid to just switch out old exhaust for Flowmastereven if I'm not upgarding to CAI? Like I said, I'm not looking for huge boost in hp, just less restrictive exhaust and better sound. Thanks...

 

Welcome to MF! When I converted to dual, I did not bother disconnecting battery. As far as I know, you don't really have to.

And you don't need to upgrade your CAI before doing the exhaust.
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Are you doing a dual exhaust setup or single?
Think about it, I know you are going to crave for the "dual look" and sound later on.
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I don't know if you need to, but general opinion seems to be that you should unhook the battery (even just during the time you're switching over the exhaust or whatever) to allow the computer to reset.

The different muffler will have a different airflow than the stock muffler, so this will ensure the computer re-adjusts to the new muffler and it's properties and you won't have any problems with engine behavior or gas mileage or anything.

Might not really be necessary, but since you'll be busy anyway, it doesn't hurt to unhook the batter just incase it does matter.

 

Just... trust us. Get some GT takeoffs at the very least and cut that bumper. You'll love yourself the day you do it and continue to love yourself every time you get in the car.

In fact, I don't even use the radio anymore and I start my car with my door OPEN.

That's how good it is.

 

No you wont and the ECU automatically adj to such a small change in the backpressure. Really changing the mufflers on these cars is more for sound than actual gains to the rear wheels........ Advertising hype is just that...hype...IMO.....J

Sorry should have read the rest...and no you are not stupid for just changing the mufflers and not getting the CAI w/tune.....its personal preference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Flowmasters = Fun

 

No tune formy magnaflows.

 

7-10 WHP increase and a little more torque to boot. VMP web site shows almost 10WHP increase just from axle back replacement and they dyno a ton of stangs in various combinations.

Stock v6 exhaust is very restrictive at the muffler. On Ebay you can find GT takeoffs real cheap. Slap one of those on while you are being indecisive. I think the job can be done in about 30 minutes (single side) because unless you've lowered your car, and don't have a huge gut, you can slide under both sides of the car without jacking and get to the axle backs, or in the sixer case, one side

 

To be honest, I was thinking about just sticking with the single exhaust. But, with all this talk about switching to duals, I'm certainly tempted. Decisions, decisions...