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Awhile back I asked everyone on the forum for some advice on what to do about my exhaust system for an 88. I've already determined that my front Y pipe has to go, because my passenger side precat is rattling pretty badly at idle. I was hoping to replace it with this: http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?d...&pf%5Fid=34198
Does anyone have any experience with this particular part? I'm more worried about the cat itself than the pipe.
When I asked advice on the catback system, most people seemed to say that Power Effects was the way to go. I really can't bring myself to buy it until I hear it though.. does anyone have an impressive audio clip? I wasn't too thrilled with the one on their site, and I can't find anything in the forums.
On an unrelated side note.. I'm working on fixing three noises under my hood. One of the noises is the precat rattle, so that'll knock it down to two. I think one of the others is the valves clattering a little bit. Are the valves adjustable on these cars, or are they self adjusting?
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Exhaust Question (Tourney3p0)
The cat and pipe fit. I don't like the y-pipe, cheapo, but it does work. Cat passes smog and does not seem to be very restrictive. I asked Random Technology about this cat and they said it was a good unit (this is before they come out with one that is similar). NAPA can get this for you for a little cheaper if you know them. It's made by Walker.
Valves are not really adjustable, but you can check the pre-lash. Could be a lifter that's not pumping up as it should. Could be a million other things as well!
Powereffects are nice, but very pricey. I've also heard that they create some resonance. I just recently replaced my entire exhaust from the front y-pipe to the cat-back. I went with the pre-catless front y-pipe, a hi-flow catalytic converter (made by Carsound, who I think is Magnaflow), and a Flowmaster Cat-back exhaust. I picked up a noticeable power gain and a very sweet sound (gotta thank Scorp for helping me decide to go with the Flowmasters). Ecklers is a good place to buy these things, but I've found that you can get most of these same parts from Summit Racing for alot less money. Go to their website http://www.summitracing.com and/or give them a call.
Which cat-back system to use always draws alot of debate on this forum. I guess it depends what you're looking for out of your exhaust that counts. Money is usually a concern too ;)
Are you sure it's valve/lifter rattle and not noisy injectors? I have a few injectors on mine that are very loud. Every time I open my hood with the engine running, somebody tells me I have a bad lifter.
Come to think of it, it probably is the injectors. It's not a bad tick at all, but it's coming from the injector area. Judging by the forum archives, I think I can assume it's normal on TPI systems. Even so though, I wonder if there's anything I can do to make them stop.
Anyway, anyone have any sound files for Power Effects? Even if I don't like the sound, I'd be interested in knowing what I'm missing. If I go with a Flowmaster exhaust system it's going to have to be single chamber or dual chamber. No triple chamber, though I'll get a lot of criticism for that.
To check out that tic, put your finger on the back of each injector connector and see if it coinsides with the pulse you feel. If so, measure the resistance of each; if all are around 16Ohms, send them (including the cold start injector) to Rich at Cruzin Performance (link on my site). Or give Rich a call and ask him if reconditioning should quiet them down.
Your exhaust note will be a little louder due to the front Y & cat changes; I hope you can find a sound file on that PowerEffects. I believe the 2-chamber FlowMaster is louder than the 3-chamber unit. I have the TPIS cuttom FlowMaster cat-back, which I believe uses the 3-chamber units and they are loud. I happen to love the exhaust note though, but don't think you will enjoy the sound level.
I just put the exact same system on my 88 over a month ago. It's fine so far. It's really cheap so even if it's not that well made, it'll be good enough. I've had worse on other cars last a long time. If you don't want to empty your pocket, (like me) buy this kit. :chevy
The reason I didn't use this, is that it is only 2 1/4" tubing and the punch bent bends are restrictive too. The 2 1/2" piece from Ecklers or MAD is nicer.
The only exception would be to get the EPA exemption certificate. Where I live they don't know or don't check, as long as it passes the IM-240 test. I figured I could BS my way through, and claim they were the approved parts, since I could show that it is OK to run the pipe without pre-cats with a 3-way converter.
Thanks again for your feedback guys. It's extremely helpful.
Emissions stuff shouldn't be a problem here. They don't test for anything at all. I even ran an old 67 Chevelle with a 396 in it for like 2 weeks without any mufflers (I didn't want to though), and no one said a word. I'm sort of secluded though.
The reason I didn't use this, is that it is only 2 1/4" tubing and the punch bent bends are restrictive too. The 2 1/2" piece from Ecklers or MAD is nicer.
2 1/4" really is a bit restrictive. I didn't see any specs on their site, but it's the only Front Y pipe I saw on Ecklers, aside from the Discontinued Front Y's with the precats still on it (I definitely want to avoid this).
I didn't see any front Y pipes on http://www.madvet.com (or am I at the wrong site?) or any other front Y's at Ecklers. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places.
MAD latest catalog shows two 2 1/2" front Y's for your year:
P/N 603-388, 1986-'91, Front Y-Pipe, Al, 2 1/2", $179.99
P/N 603-392, 1986-'91, Front Y-Pipe, SS, 2 1/2", $199.99
I'm hoping to get my PE system installed this weekend. (depends on car getting out of shop)
I'll post audio with a couple different valve positions when its on.
It sure does look pretty in the dining room though!
I'm extremely interested in how it would sound. If you could shoot me an email when you get the audio clips, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise I'll keep perusing the forums.
Just curious, does the Ecklers setup come with the EPA exemption certificate? It would save putting on the stock front Y/cat pipe back on to pass inspection.
Ok, well the install went great. Took about 90 minutes start to finish. The sound is wonderful. Aggressive, but not deafining.
I have a couple mpegs if someone wants them mailed to them. (Can't post them up on the web as i don't have a homepage to do that)
Anyway, the PE's are really, nice, and the fit is perfect. :D