LS3 3 inch Exhaust Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
From: Webster New York
LS3 3 inch Exhaust Question
I have read all of the posts I could find on the subject, but still have some doubt as to the best route to go. I currently have an 08 with limited mods (CAI, 1 7/8 ARH Headers and 3" x-pipe, tune and 4.10s). I am planning on buying some B&B Fusions and can upgrade the connecting pipes from the x-pipe to go 3" all the way, if I buy the Z06 fusions. The cost to change out the connecting pipes from ARH are $200 and the fusions are about $50 more for the Z06 vs. standard 2 1/2 inch pipes.
Is it worth the added expense and, more importantly, will I have any loss in torque or HP if I go to a full 3" exhaust with these limited mods? The latter is more improtant to me. I am not sure if I will go FI later, so if there is no loss and even with no gain, I will probably go 3" now. If I am going to lose torque or hp now with the bigger exhaust, I might just go with the 2 1/2" fusions.
Thoughts?
I know the higher hp cars have shown gains with a 3" vs. 2 1/2" axle back and the same headers I have. Not sure what that would mean for me. I know there is some that think that some backpressure is needed and I may lose that with 3".
Thanks.
Is it worth the added expense and, more importantly, will I have any loss in torque or HP if I go to a full 3" exhaust with these limited mods? The latter is more improtant to me. I am not sure if I will go FI later, so if there is no loss and even with no gain, I will probably go 3" now. If I am going to lose torque or hp now with the bigger exhaust, I might just go with the 2 1/2" fusions.
Thoughts?
I know the higher hp cars have shown gains with a 3" vs. 2 1/2" axle back and the same headers I have. Not sure what that would mean for me. I know there is some that think that some backpressure is needed and I may lose that with 3".
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Not sure of your gains or losses but I expect either to be less than significant. In this economy save your $$. Sounds like you have done the basics already why re due the piping? Either way you will not feel it. Might be a bit louder due to increase in pipe size, if this is a goal point then proceed.
