Is the price difference worth the performance increases in a catback?

 

depends on a few variables. muffler size, design and brand, engine mods and pre-catback (y pipe area) exhaust design (i.e. higher flowing y pipe design) and most importantly future REALISITC mod plans. IMO if you are staying with the 305 then get the 2.5 and save some green for something else.

 

Get 3". Restrictive exhaust limits potential of all future mods.

 

3"can also kill low end torque in some applications. Do lots of research and think about what you are trying to accomplish.

 

Proof?

I converted to dual 2.5" from single 2.5" (freer flowing that 3") and I could brake the wheels loose even easier than ever, guess the torque loss wasn't there.

 

Plan on open element air cleaner elebrock performer intake small cam hooker super comp shorty headers w/ an electric cutout 3.73 gears and hope to get a 400 small block when the 305 goes out. Found out that the 3'' is the same price as the 2.5'' just have to get a reducer in front of the cat.

 

Based on what? It might feel like it, but it, in fact, does NOT hurt low end torque. It might feel like it because mid-range and top end feel more powerful, but that doesn't mean you lost any low end power.

If you have a V8 car, 305, 350, whatever, get a 3" system. You won't regret it.

 

The 3'' catback is the same price as the 2.5'' but to have it installed with the converter its gonna cost me $530+. They would have to order the 3'' pipe have it in on monday. But baseball practice gets out the same time the muffler shop closes so I would have to wait at least a month to have it installed. The 2.5'' will cost $465 installed I will have it on tomorow thanks for the help!!

 

$465 sounds like alot for no performance increase. 2.5" is around stock for these cars. A 400 through a single 2.5" is laughable, so if you really plan on upgrading the car then 2.5" makes absolutely no sense on many levels.

 

the only 2.5" pipes that i'll run under my car is dual 2.5"! i have a 2.5" dynomax catback on a clients car, but that's ONLY because we had it layin around, and the stock catback was completely trashed. it sounds good. nice and mellow, but screams when you get on it....but the performance level of the 3" single exhaust will be much better. definitely worth the 1 month wait and the extra $65!!

 

It wont be bad with the upcoming electric cutout.

 

The muffler shop called me and said they would have to order the 2.5'' exhaust pipe too. It woulded be in until wendsday becuase of new years. I told the to cancel the 2.5'' and just go with the 3''. Hope its worth the extra money and being out of a car for a few days!!!!! How much more power should I expect and would it sound good with a 80 series flowmaster?

 

Hey, nice to see someone from Southeast Texas, Im in Orange. I had 2.5 with a gutted cat on, then switched to 3" with hi flow cat. Sound was much better, and ET dropped ~.3. Are you getting a "factory" system or is the muffler shop building it. Mine was custom built for $300 including the cat and rework of both tailpipes (already had the 80 series).

 

They are going to build it, it Duals In Nederland. Were did u get yours done?

 

I think it is called Discount Tire, ill have to look it up. Its on Strickland Dr. in Orange

 

you could ask how much it would cost to have a removable cat setup. my friend has it on his gta. The cat is connected to the pipes with exhaust flanges, so that he can go through emissions. After emmisions, he can just swap in a straight pipe until he has to go through emmisions again.

 

It sounds like a good idea but i heard flowmasters sound better with the cat and Im already gonna be payin $530+ Starting to get crazy for a 3'' catback with a converter. The converters from this place are expensive it was $150 for a 2.5'' converter for just a high flow.

 

The place on strickland drive in Orange is Precision Tire, they got hit pretty hard by Rita, but I believe they are open.

 

if converters from them are expensive go order a 3 in catco converter from summit for 50$ bucks or soemthing *go else where*. Kinda a no brainer exhaust shops and mechanics shops aren't there to get you best price on parts they sell a service nothing more, therefore how much a part costs for you doesn't make *much* of a difference to them.

 

If I remember correctly, I got a magnaflow converter 3 in. at precision tire for 90-120 dollars, somewere in that price range.

 

Yeah, you're basically getting reamed on your prices. Shop around if you don't have money to burn. True dual 2.5" exhaust with headers and TWO cats cost me something around $300 + installation.

 

I know its expensive but its the same as Jegs.
These are the Jegs prices:

3'' Dynatech High Flow Cataletic Converter $149.99
3'' Flowmaster American Thunder Catback $335.99
Thats the same converter and pretty much the same exhaust, comes out to $485.98 add tax and its gonna be around $520 so its like $10 for install and warranty.

 

No tax unless you live in the same state as their headquarters I believe. I'd still say get a Catco and pocket the $100, but its not my car.

 

I agree 100%. Go three inch or save up till you can.

 

If I dont buy the cat from them they will charge to install it and they wont warrenty the whole exhaust system.

 

I just got it installed, sounds great.

 

I just got it installed, sounds great.

 

.... I can't beleive this thread even exists.....

3 is a mininum, 3.5 is more realistic. I'd love ANYONE to show me a 3 inch exhaust (or a 3.5 or a 4) kill any torque anywhere with a dyno graph to back it up. Otherwise it's more fluid dynamics talk and theory in the wrong field. We flow quickly cooling (slowing) gases, not water.