Ok, I have the downey headers and x-over. Now i am looking to go over the top with an aftermarket cat, cat-back, and new o2 sensors(I really hope I like this truck when I am done)....

I am reading a lot of posts on the issue right now, I was just hoping to stir the pot and get some current opinions on brands and places to buy...

hoping to keep all of it around/under 500? This seems reasonable

Kat

***EDIT**** this is for a 3.0

 

I'm running downey headers and x-over, a 2.5" high flow cat, and a cheap dynomax superturbo cat-back (2"). It has been fine for me.

Speaking from experience; do not go any bigger than 2.25" (cat back). I made the mistake of running 2.5" all the way out. I lost a ton of low end power. I corrected the power loss by switching to a 2" muff and tailpipe.

 

I purchased a new aftermarket cat, magnaflow 14" muffler, and piping from Cootees. I was lucky to have a friend with a pipe bender to help with the install on the truck. I didn't pay over $100 for my cat-back exhaust system. :-)

 

the only aftermarket cat that I have bought was a CarSound (i think) -- is that a decent brand... I am under the impression that the brand can make a significant difference....

this is going to sound dumb, but if i buy a 2 1/4 cat and a 2 1/4 cat back system - do they all bolt together? i am thinking of the x-over to the cat and the cat the the flow tube(i think thats what its called - the pipe on the other side of the cat) -- how do you know if the gaskets and flanges match?


I am looking at the doug thorley catback and a carsound cat... any opinions...

 

Cootees? is that a board member or some great local business?

lol
Kat

 

I went with a 2.25" magnaflow cat into a cheepo glasspack.

all 2.25" Saw a great improvment in performance and sound

2.25" seems to be the perfect size for the 3.slow, imo anyways

 

I've got Dynomax Ultra Flo,Lovve it

 

I have 2.25 cat back with a glasspack, i love the sound and i plan to do a doug T header, 2.25 back to the cat and then to the muffler. I hate exhaust shops they make too much money off of people who want an exhaust.

 

After the Crossover, Run 2 1/4" pipe to the cat with an O2 sensor & bung before the cat obviously, then run 2 1/4" for the catback exhaust.

I think considering how much money you've spent so far, you might as well cover your bases, and get it all mandrel bent at least (if possible). Thorley offers a 2 1/4" Mandrel bent catback system. If you could get the 2 1/4" pipe from the crossover to the cat mandrel bent, that would be a big plus too. Every little bit will count and if you're gonna spend $200 to get a pressure bent system, what's another $100 if it gives you mandrel bending? That's assuming you can source mandrel bent pipes before the cat and/or you have a shop with a mandrel bender near you, or you have a shop that can weld up some mandrel bends. If you got $500 that should cover you I would imagine without issue for this type of work from the crossover out.

There is no point in going to the expense of doing headers if you're going to skimp on your exhaust. They must compliment each other.

 

Me and a few guys off a 4runner forum recently all had headers and full exhaust systems fitted (we are in 3 seperate states by the way)

The 2 other guys both had 2 1/2" systems from the headers all the way back, under advice from my exhaust guy he HIGHLY recommended that i dont go any bigger then 2 1/4" for the whole system, which made sence to me.

After we all had them fitted, the others guys were saying how well theres came alive over 3000rpm, wheres as mine seems to make good power and torque from about 2000rpm onwards.

I put this down to staying with a smaller pipe, they also say theres are very loud when cruising etc...

I highly recommend not going bigger then 2 1/4"

 

Thank you all for the advice -- I will be going 2.25"
I have not ever been to thrilled with local exhaust shop work - as much as I do try to give the "little guy" the business.

As of right now, I think I am going to go with a 2.25" catback from Thorley -- purchased from autoanything.com for $257 with free shipping..

I will go with a cat as well, not sure brand or purchase location...

Will they all mate up and seal properly? from the x-over to the catback system?

Something that I just realized is that I am going to have to have o2 sensor bungs welded in on both sides aren't I. I don't see any mention of it in Doug Thorleys site not are there any bungs on my Downey stuff... Can someone confirm this for me -- I recall where the rear one goes but can't exactly remember where the upstream one is. If someone can NICELY remind me, I would appreciate it.

Kat


Kat