exhaust on a 4.0, 3.0 and 2.3

[Wicked_Sludge]

flowmasters resonate too, that was probably your problem. they arent as bad as a hollowed cat though.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Well, I cant argue an opinion. It is possible that when a cat is "gutted" the expanding part of the pipe and the large hollow area contribute to resonating exhaust notes (because at different rpm the sound waves either amplify or cancel each other out giving a distinct sound at certain rpm) Since Wisconsin doesn't really give a (choice word) I didn't bother with all the labor involved. It was easier and it looks cleaner to just replace it with exhaust pipe. The truck sounded good when I had the cats on, but removing the cats gave it a good "punch in the chest" note that it was missing before.

 

[Resurrection Ranger]

Well, I cant argue an opinion. It is possible that when a cat is "gutted" the expanding part of the pipe and the large hollow area contribute to resonating exhaust notes (because at different rpm the sound waves either amplify or cancel each other out giving a distinct sound at certain rpm) Since Wisconsin doesn't really give a (choice word) I didn't bother with all the labor involved. It was easier and it looks cleaner to just replace it with exhaust pipe. The truck sounded good when I had the cats on, but removing the cats gave it a good "punch in the chest" note that it was missing before.

Pardon the newbie buttin in here. WHat about those so called "free flowing" cats that are out there like dynomax? SInce I can't go catless in PA do you think they do what they say what thay do or is all just a gimicky reproduction or any other cat you can get? Thanks!

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I know big blocks run high flow cats when they are regulated by emissions... so your 2.3L should breath plenty easy!

 

[MikeInIdaho]

Most of the OE cats used on newer late-model vehicles create very little restriction in the exhaust system, maybe 1-2 hp/ft-lbs at the most. high-flow cats are even less restrictive than that and create a trivial, nearly undetectable amount of restriction. In my opinion, Magnaflow cats are the best ones out there as far as aftermarket unit go. Random Technology also makes some good high-flow cats.

The only time that I would replace the stock cat is when it gets clogged and needs replaced. Then again, both of my vehicles are less than 10 years old. I have had the cat get clogged on previous vehicles I've owned, and it wasn't very fun. It can also cause engine damage if not taken care of quickly.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

high flow cats are a gimmick on anything built in the last 30 years. they are the exact same design as the factory cat converter. if you were replacing an old pellet-style 2-way converter from the 70's, there would be a noticeable improvement...but your factory converter will already out-flow your motor.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I think a huge benifit of an aftermartet cat is that you have the options of upgrading inlet and outlet diameter, which would improve flow. Hence my comment about big blocks. They would be choked with a tiny 2" inlet. So, a 2.3L is breathin easy as it is. But... your truck is a '93 so who knows what the condition of your cat is. It might be spotless or on its last leg.

 

[rickcdewitt]

i have the single in dual out flow 40 set up and though it sounds good in a lower toned way so as to not be too loud,it does resonate a bit at low rpm's.
part of which i blame on the over the axle under bed dump that doesn't quite make it to the rear bumper,but won't get smashed or caught on anything.

i think i'm feeling older these days as my next muffler will be as quiet as possible without killing flow(its all about the hunting muffler these days)

 

[ItsA5Spd]

Ressurection, I think that here in PA, your truck is just visual inspection for emissions equipment. (i.e. cat, muffler) So in theory, you could gut your cat and get away with it, but I wouldn't do it because: 1. Illegal if caught 2. doesn't sound tht great in my opinion. I'm just givin ya some ideas if you wanna get rid of the cat but you still need to pass emissions. Welcome BTW. Good to see somebody else from PA!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Hence my comment about big blocks. They would be choked with a tiny 2" inlet. So, a 2.3L is breathin easy as it is. But... your truck is a '93 so who knows what the condition of your cat is. It might be spotless or on its last leg.

your absolutely right. 2" would be far too small for a big block to blow through...but i dont believe any big blocks came with a 2" cat from the factory.

obviously if that cat is plugged, replacing it will increase performance. but i still wouldnt waste my cash on an expensive, name brand, "high flow" cat, when the el-cheapo universal cats that jcwhitney sells are the exact same thing. the odds are in the favor of the cat converter, however, as they dont get plugged up as often as most people would like to think they do.

 

[MikeInIdaho]

Agreed. The only time that I had to replace a plugged cat was due to a leaky secondary on an old carbed 'yota pickup. Unburned fuel getting into the exhaust system is probably the quickest way to ruin a cat. If the cat gets clogged up there is an underlying mechanical issue with the vehicle 99.99% of the time.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Depends on the condition and tune of the engine. Poor spark, dirty air filters, bad O2 sensors, ect can cause cats to start to build up because their is a lot of fuel in the exhaust. The only way to test it is to pull it off, then put your mouth on the flange and suck in as hard and fast as you can. If you feel little resistance, its new. If you taste carbon its bad. lol, just playing.

honestly, there are so many opinions of "the best exhaust" that you are better off listening to them personally to make your decision. If you see someone with a nice sounding ranger at the gas station, ask him what he's got. He'll be more than happy to tell you. After all, its your truck.

 

[fordboi415]

while were on the cat subject why in the hell do i have 5 of them on my truck???

 

[Gotta_gofast]

The reason you have 5 cats on your truck is because during the day the sun rays beat on the sheet metal. The warmth of the metal is "comforting" to kitties (and other creatures). They will then lay on your truck and sunbathe.

 

[fordboi415]

thats funny but seriously, do i need all of them?