Flowmaster Catback questions

[jcs006]

I've decided to go with the flowmaster catback system cause thats the sound i want and cash is sorta tight. So my questions are, what kind of gains will i be seeing in terms of horsepower, and what system do you all suggest? I've been looking at Jegs and I need some other opinions. Thanks ahead of time.

[Ted]

I got the 17143 (The LT1 system) i think it was $280 shipped ground from summitracing.com. I got it in 2 days, awesome delivery. I would also recommend combining the system with some better tips and a cat. The LT1 system comes with regular turn downs, however if you decide to go with the LS1 system a little more pricey only difference is the exit pipes are 3inch opposed to 2.5inch, it comes with i think 3 inch slash cut tips. IMO they still look like they could use some upgrading. As for gains, it depends on the conditions, are you looking for in terms of your 1/4? or hp.

[jcs006]

Well i am leanin towards a 3 inch and im willin to pay that differance. Ill check that site out, and im lookin for hp gains cause i havent ran my car through the 1/4 at a strip to get slips. Thanks for the response.

[ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: jcs006 ]</p>

[ChikNz]

&lt;---17143 - Good cheap setup.

[Ted]

The 17143 is a 3inch system, it's just the outlets are 2.5inch. Which really doesn't matter because the exhaust gasses expand after the muffler anyway. Most tails are the 3.5inch tips too.

[shortdog273]

Also, that particular system (17143) comes with the much needed S pipe. ;)

[jcs006]

So I should go with the Lt1 system and not the Ls1? Thats what most of you are saying.

[Ted]

With the LS1 system since it has the dual cat s pipe, the exhaust shop will have to make a new S pipe. With the LT1 system since the older ones had single cat, all you have to do is modify it a little bit to get it to fit.

[white96six]

i know that everyone will probably disagree but i wouuld go with the flowmaster made for the V6. because it wont give you any ricey sounds at the higher RPM. I ordered one from summit for 270 and it is on its way. for my 96 it was part number 17357. on this web site: http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0305phr_v6/
they said it gave an extra 10hp on the dyno. looks really straight forward to install and needs no major fab work. I think that a 3" is just a big fart pipe for our cars unless you are running 12 and even then it is big. but thats just my two cents worth. good luck.

[Distephano]

I bought the system made for the 3.8 at the start of this summer. I put it on around mid June and have been running it since. I'm quite happy with the sound, quality of product and performance gains.

I didn't have the car dynoed or anything, but there was a SOTP differance for sure.

[ellik]

if you are otherwise stock, it is my opinion that you want to go with the 2 1/2" system for the v6. you will feel the gains. if you go 3" without extra airflow through your engine, the negative effects of lesser backpressure will eat up the gains of performance exhaust. im running the flowmaster for the v6 till i get mods enough that i NEED to jump to the 3" system ( ie. new heads and cam, or F.I.) and then ill upgrade to the Magnaflow 3" system. I did FEEL a great improvement with the FLowmaster 2 1/2" though I haven got it dynoed.

[jcs006]

Well im sorry to those who said i shouldnt get a 3 inch, Its gettin installed friday. I was gonna install it myself, but yeah i didnt. I got the Lt1 system from flowmaster. And to those who said id lose horsepower i think your wrong or biased to your own system cause the power will be spread more evenly and it wont feel as much as a jump. It even says so on this site. but whatever not much you can do now.