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why not make a 3" rear section?

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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 09:38 AM
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Default why not make a 3" rear section?

I was just wondering why all the major companies make three inch x-pipes, headers with three inch collectors, and cats. But the only choices we have for the rear section all seem to be 2.5 inch? Maybe 2.75. I might be missing something, but it seems to me that bottle-necking the exhaust at the end of the x pipe would mean that you are leaving some power on the table. Is there not enough room for the two 3" pipes? It looks like there is enough room, but I have not taken mine apart yet. Any insight would be appreciated.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 09:54 AM
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i don't think they can make a clean mandrel bend that tight in a 3" diameter.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Todd@EastCoastCorvettes
i don't think they can make a clean mandrel bend that tight in a 3" diameter.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 12:08 PM
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I have heard of a company that manufactures a 3' inch cat back exhaust. I dont remember the name, but someone on the forum has mentioned having this setup. Hopefully the person will chime in on this thread. I am not sure that you would see any significant power differences because so much of the heat from the exhaust gases has already dissapated by the time it reaches the catback pipes. Hence, the gas is much less dense as opposed to the very hot exhaust gas going through the x-pipe, cats, and collectors. Not an expert, just what I remembering reading here a while back.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 03:24 PM
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thanks guys. I still think that I want to go three inch the whole way if it is not going to cost an arm and a leg. It also has to make more power, because if it does not then it is not worth doing. Fit and finish are extremely important too. After all it is a vette.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 09:47 PM
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Default 3" cat back

I believe Stainless Works, Random Tech and LAPD have 3" exhaust systems.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by monstermouse
I believe Stainless Works, Random Tech and LAPD have 3" exhaust systems.
Mufflex also sells a 3". I think manufacturers make 2.5" exhausts predominantly is because the stock pipes are 2.5" and most people do exhaust before they do headers and such. I wish there were more choices in 3" though.
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Old Mar 17, 2005 | 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by ArKay99
Mufflex also sells a 3". I think manufacturers make 2.5" exhausts predominantly is because the stock pipes are 2.5" and most people do exhaust before they do headers and such. I wish there were more choices in 3" though.
I am also a street rodder, and they make the mandrel bend all the time on headers, so it can be done at the rear also. I just sold my C4, and it had a 3" Y-pipe, and 3" Flowmaster mufflers. It worked great.

At the headers, a 2 3/4" pipe will give you more low end torque, but restrict top end a little. A 3" header will increase top end, and you drop a little torque. At the rear, the 3" just helps scavenge exaust gasses a little more efficently.
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