Anyone run a 3" exhaust system?

[daytonaturbo87]

I've been thinking of running a 3" exhaust system, but I read in a post on here they sit kinda low. Anyone got a pic of their car with a 3" system?

[talanthalus]

There used to be people running them. I think the biggest concern ever is clearance around the rear axel and gas tank rather than how low it really sits. I could be wrong these days though..

[Frank]

Even that isnt a big deal provided you either buy an exhaust kit OR you have some build you one that is familiar with our cars, etc.

[Mike_Shepard]

I have a 3" on my Shelby Daytona and have no problems at all untill you hit a speed bump or pot hole at a decent speed then the track bar hits the exhaust. Also when there is a load in the car 4 people and a hatch full of groceries

[mpgmike]

Mine rattles on the Spirit R/T. It hits the little lip on the fuel tank.

Mike

[GLHNSLHT2]

I run 3" side exit with Eibachs and Koni's. Even over the largest speed bumps my exhaust doesn't scrape sitting below the ground f/x.

[talanthalus]

I know FWD Performance has the 3" cat-back, but I don't know anything about the fit. I DO know, that I've had exhaust shop guys here tell me they're impressed by my 2.5", but they would not attempt to put a 3" on them if I requested it.

[daytonaturbo87]

yeah I've been eyeing up the fwdp kit, but still kinda chewing on that idea. Does it run where the stock exhaust went or did they route it differently?

[Speedeuphoria]

it should run exactly as the factory did and start from right where the Cat would have been. I was just working on installing mine from fwd performance today, and its tight. I bent the lip of the gas tank with a hammer for more room, but I have custom rear springs that are 5"ID instead of tapering to the top mounts, and I have new 5" adjustable top mounts. For my setup I will have to put some more work in because it did not come w/ hangers and I was doing it with only 2 hands. I got it close, and will get another pair of hands to help get it so it doesn't bind the suspension and I may need some padding so it doesn't rattle. Probably just wrap that section w/ header wrap so it will keep the heat off the gas tank and dull the rattle.

Mine is not a good example because of non stock rear suspension, and its a tight fit for me.

[ShelbyZD]

Anyone run a 3" exhaust system?

I think there may be a slight preference to "Who doesn't run a 3" exhaust system" on this site.. but I could be wrong. ;)


Does it run where the stock exhaust went or did they route it differently?

Basically the only difference is the size. It is meant to bolt up in the stock location.


Mine rattles on the Spirit R/T. It hits the little lip on the fuel tank.

You guys ever think of using something to pad the metals from hitting. I think a sturdy fireproof material would be perfect. However I haven't put a lot of thought into it and I don't know what you could use that would be fireproof. In the past I have used a peice of tube rubber tied to the frame to pad it from the annoying exhaust clank.

[shelbyplaya]

i run a 3" on one of my 89 tona shelbys.. rattles around the back axle a bit, kinda of annoying... but soon that'll all change when i upgrade to a 3" mandrel bent set up. i'm gonna load the part where it goes over the axle with heat wrap so it wont be so annoying...

[talanthalus]

I would have run the 3" exhaust, but I didn't know better when I spent the money on mine, and we (along with the installer) knew 2.5" was going to be safe since that's what came off the engine.

I now have the 3" downpipe into a Catco 3" in to 2.5" out. When the time comes to spend money on exhaust again, I will go 3" all the way back.

[86Shelby]

The FWDP 3" system does not hang very low at all. A competent exhaust shop can get it to fit wonderfully. Here's 2 pics of my R/T with a 3" system, you can't tell it's there until you get down and look for it. :D I wish I had a better pic of the custom hanger made where the pipe goes over the axle. It is attached to the panhard rod mount, is U shaped and holds the pipe clear of everything.
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/CarPicts040305_006.jpg
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/CarPicts040305_023.jpg

[daytonaturbo87]

Thanks for the pic, looks great. I'll probably be going with the fwd-p kit later this summer. I can't imagine a local shop bending one for cheaper plus I'd have to pay install charges, so nah.

[Marcus86GLHS]

".....plus I'd have to pay install charges,......."

the 3" FWD Perf. catback kits are very nice, but, are not bolt in...at least that's mine and other L-body owner's experience, the system required quite a bit of adjustment to fit perfectly under an omni. and no it is not low-hanging at all, if done right. you will need a good muffler guy/equipment.

if you want the best mod for any TD: its a full 3" exhaust.

[tryingbe]

Better question to ask is "Anyone doesn't run a 3" exhaust system"

I have a 3 inch downpipe and cut out on my Daytona Shelby, 2.5inch swing valve to 3 inch everything on my 85 GLH.

[91DSX]

My 3in SS exhaust never hits anything, even on BIG bumps! However my exhaust was custom fabricated mandrel elbows. . .

[daytonaturbo87]

I've always just done my own header/exhaust system installs in my old mopars, but never anything as new as the 80's. One thing I've found is that a big C clamp is your friend. Put your pipe in it, sometimes with a couple small blocks of wood and crank down on the clamp. You'd be surprised how well it works when you need that lil extra clearance.:thumb:

[turbovanman²]

Mine rattles on the Spirit R/T. It hits the little lip on the fuel tank.

Mike


Loosen the gas tank and move it over, you can gain around 1/2 to 3/4 of in ch that way.

[mpgmike]

As for cost, I had a local guy install a new 3" Catco high flow cat, 3" stainless steel high flow straight through muffler, then connect everything with 3" 409 stainless for $385 with tax. This is on our '91 Spirit R/T.

Mike

[Ground Rat]

I'm getting my 3" mandrel bent exhaust put on right now. The shop I took it to is making the DP and adding a 3" cutout and 3" dynomax super turbo muffler, no cat. I can't wait to get it back. This is for my minivan BTW.

*Edit - Here are some reviews on the super turbo muffler: DynoMax Muffler (http://www.carreview.com/cat/parts/exhaust/mufflers/dynomax/PRD_1104_2872crx.aspx#reviews) :amen:

[QC DSM ESiT]

I'm getting my 3" mandrel bent exhaust put on right now. The shop I took it to is making the DP and adding a 3" cutout and 3" dynomax super turbo muffler, no cat. I can't wait to get it back. This is for my minivan BTW.

*Edit - Here are some reviews on the super turbo muffler: DynoMax Muffler (http://www.carreview.com/cat/parts/exhaust/mufflers/dynomax/PRD_1104_2872crx.aspx#reviews) :amen:

Did you get the kit from FWD Performance? Also how does it sound man? I was thinking of just about the exact same setup for my mini also.

[rhubbard]

My lancer is a full 3" except for about 2 inches by the flange. THough I haven't driven it much, I've had no problems except for scraping my muffler on my driveway and on flatbeds, but my car is slammed.

[The S is Silent]

".....plus I'd have to pay install charges,......."

the 3" FWD Perf. catback kits are very nice, but, are not bolt in...at least that's mine and other L-body owner's experience, the system required quite a bit of adjustment to fit perfectly under an omni. and no it is not low-hanging at all, if done right. you will need a good muffler guy/equipment.

if you want the best mod for any TD: its a full 3" exhaust.

Marcus,

What needs to be modified? I'll be putting one in in a few short days, so any info would be helpful.

[Ground Rat]

Did you get the kit from FWD Performance? Also how does it sound man? I was thinking of just about the exact same setup for my mini also.
Nope, I bought some mandrel bends, the muffler (about $40), and a cutout and brought them to the shop doing my DP and exhaust. I pick up it tomorrow so I will let you know how it sounds. :thumb:

I plan on buying a 3" electronic cutout next.

[Khajjathefang]

i have the fwdp 3in with a high flow cat and a dynomax ultraflow. tends to rattle a little bit on the left rear spring at idle but has'nt really done it since it was wrapped. the sound is deep and growly and has scared off a camaro or two that would have raped me ;) fits good

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Khajjathefang/DSCN0074.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Khajjathefang/DSCN9857.jpg

[Ground Rat]

Looks good too. :thumb:

[Ground Rat]

Also how does it sound man?
I just heard it for the first time today and I have to say I'm pleased. Not loud, but not super quiet either. It's a deep mellow tone. Pics coming soon. :thumb:

[Ground Rat]

Here are some pics of the new 3" exhaust. I was hoping the muffler would be a little quieter, but overall it sounds fine. It has a deep tone for a four banger. Electric cutout coming soon.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/full_3_inch.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/dp_cutout_passenger_side.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/dp_cutout_driver_side.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/turbo_downpipe.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/full_looking_back.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/turndown.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/groundrat2/Minivan/exhaust_tip_rear.jpg

[WVRampage]

Looks great I bet it sounds good to,Hope its not to loud on the highway.

[Ground Rat]

Looks great I bet it sounds good to,Hope its not to loud on the highway.

Thanks man. I should pick up a dB tester and check it. I wouldn't say it's loud, but it's noticeably louder than stock. With the cutout open it is way too loud though, hahaha.

[shadowdude]

Put a complete "less the convertor" 3" from FWM on the Shadow with a 1 inch lowering kit.Started from the front and worked to the back,it goes better this way ,install each piece and left them slightly loose ,then adjusted as needed then tighten her up,This stainless system fit very well for me ,no rattles yet!! added a flowmaster 40 series and she is all good.

[Hemidare]

Put a complete "less the convertor" 3" from FWM on the Shadow with a 1 inch lowering kit.Started from the front and worked to the back,it goes better this way ,install each piece and left them slightly loose ,then adjusted as needed then tighten her up,This stainless system fit very well for me ,no rattles yet!! added a flowmaster 40 series and she is all good.

How good does the flowmaster 40 series sound?

[turboshad]

3" in a shadow. I used 2 mandrel U-bends. If your careful there can be no rattles. Mine was good in that department.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/621520/3

DJ

[turbovanman²]

How good does the flowmaster 40 series sound?

You know how it sounds, my Van had one, and you've seen it sitting upstairs, :nod:


Looks good man, doesn't it drone on the highway? I did the turndown like you did and it was loud, doh! had to make a rear side exit and the drone went away.

[Nemesismachine]

I lost the gas tank for a 12 gallon fuel cell, and a turn out dump where the tank was.

[BadAssPerformance]

I have 3" on both of the cars :thumb:

[Birddog]

Got 3" also....
Put a Magnaflow XL series on this week and WOW! Wish I could do audio here:eyebrows: :evil:

[MiniMopar]

Got 3" on both mine now too...