Has anybody tried using one of these mufflers from Vibrant Performance? I see a lot of people with 3800 and 4.9L swaps that are using the crossover and then use a crossflow muffler off the rear manifold, but the pipe from the rear manifold to the muffler is usually very tight and restrictive. This muffler might help you guys out with other swaps as well. http://vibrantperformance.c..._1110&sort=2a&page=2
They are a stainless center in, dual side outlet muffler that are a 6"x10" oval body and 24" long. They come in single 2.5" inlet/dual 2.25" outlet, single 3" inlet/dual 2.5" outlet, and single 3.5" inlet/dual 3" outlet. The insides are essentially a pair of magnaflow mufflers connected with a Y. I looked high and low to find a decent muffler that would work for my project and when I came across these it solved all my problems. I just thought it might spark some new exhaust ideas for all you swappers.
This is a photo of the exhaust on the project I'm building.
[This message has been edited by Zac88GT (edited 01-22-2013).]
I will have to cut my trunk but I may try to find a way to use the muffler shown above with the cat below which is still required in Texas. I found one from Jegs that may work. I`m hoping to come straight out of the rear outlet in the stock location right into the cat and then straight into the muffler.
[This message has been edited by TXGOOD (edited 01-23-2013).]
Doesn't the CAT have to be a little ways from the manifold for it to last or is it ok connected right to it as for the muffler definitely looks like a good fit just wonder how it is going to sound and perform. May try one of them myself on my own build. Dan
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Over 30 years wiring experience between cars and trade as an avionics tech. Over 25 years experience building and modifying cars. Over 10 years of full Fiero engine swaps and harnesses building and still going.
I`m not sure Dan, I`m just trying to find a way to not have to have exhaust that resembles a snake.
edit: Well, I scanned over a couple of articles on catalytic converters proximity to the exhaust manifold and have come to the conclusion that since the converter uses heat to work properly it is ok off of the manifold. Some converters on cars directly connect to the manifold.
[This message has been edited by TXGOOD (edited 01-23-2013).]
Originally posted by FIEROFLYER: Doesn't the CAT have to be a little ways from the manifold for it to last or is it ok connected right to it...
I've never read or heard anything about a cat being too close to the exhaust manifold, usually the problem is the other way around. Depending what sources you believe, a typical catalytic converter starts operating when it reaches between 400-600 deg F and reaches max efficiency between 900-1000 deg F. The closer the cat is to the exhaust manifold, the sooner it will heat up.
Doesn't the CAT have to be a little ways from the manifold for it to last or is it ok connected right to it as for the muffler definitely looks like a good fit just wonder how it is going to sound and perform. May try one of them myself on my own build. Dan
As close as possible for quick "light off". You want the cat to get to temp quickly. You notice the cats keep getting closer and closer to the engines exhaust manifolds these days. Even on (especially on) turbo cars.
------------------ 1988 Fiero GT, loaded, 14k original miles, F23, built L67, ST2 cam, PT67 bb turbo, w2a charge-cooled, HT tubular suspension w/ coil overs front & rear, interior, paint & body mods. Ruined by Whodeanies Customs, repaired by myself & Charlie Stump.
1987 Fiero GT Road Racer. 1st documented 3.4TDC swap- built in 1994. 5MT Isuzu, Quaife prototype LSD, HT Tubular A-arms, Fully poly & Heim jointed suspension, Custom 3 way adjustable sway bars, HT Bump Steer kit, Koin's, 320# springs, MegaSquirt III MS3, and more! Under full restoration.
I used a single 3 inch magnaflow cat right off the manifold on a 3800SC swap for a customer about five years ago that split off into two small mufflers after and the CAT blew right through within the first couple hundred kilometers of driving. Only real noticeable thing was the exhaust was quite a bit louder after the CAT blew out and a lot of small chunks of the Catalyst blew out the tail pipes for a while. Might have just been a bad CAT in this case but it made me wonder after that, I know if the CAT is too far away they do not work worth crap emissions wise. Dan
I used a Chevy truck muffler, with a single in and single out on my 3800 swap. I cut the lower section of my trunk as I don't miss it. I welded a stainless steel plate about 5 inches square in the middle of the flat side of the muffler, and cut a hole in it for the exhaust to inlet. The stock exhaust drops straight into the center, just like the OP's muffler (except on the side instead of the edge), and out the ends for the duals. The muffler pictured looks like you could stick it in the same way without trunk cutting. I researched my muffler and found equal baffling both directions, so no problem. Mine is not loud. I would rather have the one pictured, as it is stainless, unless it's too loud or very expensive.
Originally posted by busa_powered: ... I think I can legally remove the cat as well, will have to check on that
Technically, no. If the car came with it, the EPA requires that it be on the car. Now... whether the local smog shops check for it is another story. If they still inspect your car at all, it probably has to be on there, in order to pass.
2013 was the last year that mine (an 88) had to be inspected.
