Hi Everybody:

I've had two third gen F cars, the first I got when I was 25. So i've had a third gen for 14 years! In all that time, i've only had one exhaust setup in either of my two cars that I was somewhat happy with. I think it was the stock one in the 91 Trans-Am. I think it had tailpipes that curved down when exiting the back of the car towards the road. They were tucked very high, had excellent ground clearance, and didn't MELT my bumper cover!!!

I also have a trailer hitch at this time on the 91 Trans-Am. It's semi-hidden, and the body shop had to slightly trim the bumper cover on the part that is ground effects to make the hitch fit. The tow pad was removed, but it doesn't matter because the hitch has a metal bar thats heavy that runs from left to right 1-2" above where the ground effects are. That bar limits how far up a straight tailpipe can be tucked up there. I've had issues, and now the bumper cover is melted slightly on one side!

One option thats still possible without getting a new bumper cover is to trim out neat openings for the tailpipes, get nice chrome extensions of some kind, and just remove the melted area.

Another is to replace the cover and try the tailpipes I had once that didn't show hardly at all, that curved down toward the road. I think they were welded onto the factory muffler assembly, but I'm not sure it was the OEM setup.

I decided it's time to address this issue! The tailpipe extensions I have now sound GREAT, but they hang too low and rub going in and out of driveways a lot. I guess I could have tailpipes custom fabricated like the ones I used to have, but has anyone seen aftermarket ones like that, or can anyone confirm that the stock muffler tailpipes curve towards the road as the exit the back of the vehicle?

Does anyone have opinions about fabricating exhaust outlets in the rubber bumper cover that show chrome tips, versus having a more concealed exit like i'm describing that I had before?

Is there someone on this forum that did fabricate exhaust outlets that you can point me to?

Lastly, if I go from the 205HP 5.0 to a 250-300HP 5.7, do I need dual cats, or will any of the new single cats be sufficient?

Thank You!!!

Lee B.

 

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can anyone confirm that the stock muffler tailpipes curve towards the road as the exit the back of the vehicle?

Yes, they do.

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Lastly, if I go from the 205HP 5.0 to a 250-300HP 5.7, do I need dual cats, or will any of the new single cats be sufficient?

A single cat with a good cat-back will be fine.

If you are willing to spend some money and don't mind a single tucked-under tailpipe, have you thought about a Mufflex catback system?

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply, you really helped me out.

The Mufflex idea is VERY relevant, and they're close to me. I'm going to get some more info from them.

My body guy is trying to convince me to trim the burned section of bumper cover and make two openings in the bumper cover on the part that's the ground effects to raise the tailpipes up.

Of course, that way, I don't have to buy a bumper cover for now, and they can probably trim it without taking it off the car.

One last thing, and you're perfect to answer this with your 92 GTA. To confirm, with the stock exhaust on the 91-92 TA, I would think that the pipes hardly show at all, because of their shape they can be tucked really high up under there ???

Thanks Again!

Lee B.

 

Yes they do curve towards the road and are tucked up nicely from the factory. Most cat backs do not do this so I had an exhaust shop custom bend tailpipes from 3 inch pipe to mimick the stock pipes, they are tucked up very well and can't even be seen unless you bend over and try to look. I went through this trouble because I am not a big fan of the huge chrome tips you so often see sticking out of a third gen. Plus the ground clearance becomes a concern also.
Hopefully you can find something to suit your needs without cutting on the tailpanel.
I agree with the above statement from Jade Grey, Mufflex makes a nice system up to 4 inch, a friend of mine has this system on his 4th gen with a lingenfelter built engine, although it only has one tailpipe, you would not know it when he fires this thing up, it literally has an entire parking lot of peoples attention at a local cruise inn, Sounds very good, although the Lingenfelter engine might also have a little to do with that I think most people that try this system are pretty happy if you can get past the initial cost. Larry.

 

Thank you! that was exactly what I wanted to know!!!

The problem is, the bumper cover is already melted on one side. But, it's only the part thats the ground effects. I may end up having to replace the cover, or maybe some VERY mild trimming on both sides for a slight indentation for the tailpipes, but still tuck them up there really high.

I talked to Mufflex today, and he asked if I live close. I didn't know they had a full service install shop there - mail order is only a small part of their business. He was very nice and helpful on the phone. He recommended a 3" system, and to pick a muffler based on how I want it to sound.

Did you go anyplace in particular to have the pipes fabricated? I was thinking of good old Meinike maybe...

Lee B.

 

I went to a local garage here that does custom exhaust, I have known the fellow that owns it for more than 20 years and I am familiar with his work. He has done many cars for me. I am sure a good muffler shop in your area could do the job, just have to be specific in telling him what you want I guess and hope he listens Not too hard to bend the tailpipes on these cars, anyone should be able to get it right. It would be great to have Mufflex do the work, they surely would have a mandrel bender too. Goodluck, Larry.