I'm looking to add, above all else, sound to my '87 350 TPI. Without removing the cats or mufflers, what can I add to give me some really loud, crisp sound while getting nice HP and tq. gains at the same time? I'm looking for specific cat backs, headers, and any other applications that will help. I'm limited to $2000 Thanks a lot.

 

You are going to have to remove the "muffler" with any cat-back since the come with a new one. Choosing a cat-back boils down to opinion and budget. Check out the stickys and try a few searches for inputs on the various systems out there.

 

dam....ok so i don't know where u're from but here in pittsburgh we have a custom exhaust shop that would do the whole job for about $1500, includes: headers (u pick), installing the headers, custom stainless Y-pipe, catco high flow cat, custom stainless cat back, and what ever muffler u want but he likes Flows. or u can just buy an electric cutout between the cat and muffler.

what brands r u looking at right now. and do u want to do a whole system?

 

The combination I have, has a real nice deep tone at idle, and also has a nice tone at WOT. It's a 355 TPI with ACS Coated Hooker 2055's w/ a coated y-pipe. McCord Power Plate electric cutout, Random Technologies Hi-Flow Cat, SLP catback. I love it. With installation, it ran me about $1700.

 

What's the electric cutout for?

 

It helps eliminate any of the rear restriction that a muffler and intermediate pipe create. You gain a few more ponies this way. They are meant for days at the track or those rare occasions where you need to intimidate the guy next to you.

 

Ah...I see.

BTW, you mentioned in a previous post I would have to remove the muffler if I were to purchase a cat-back. I realize this and I meant I didn't want to remove the cats or muffler all together and leave them off. I'm open to high flow cat and muffler suggestions.

 

For cat back, check out Banks. Great sound, all stainless for around $300. For cats if you have the cash, Random Technologies is suppose to flow the best, but check out Carsound cats also.

 

I'm not gonna mention any brands. All the brands perform well, and all will change the actual sound, and the volume of that sound.

Picking just depends on your taste. Some are better than others, but unless each and every little HP counts, then go with what sounds best. To some, each HP does count, and that's a perfectly OK reason to choose.

 

You mean when a Honda with a glasspack comes beside you?

I can tolerate the deep moaning of a 4 banger with a huge exhaust on it, but those freaking glasspacks on 4 bangers drive me insane.