Got my "economic stimulus" check over the weekend, so now I'm going to do my patriotic duty and do some stimulatin'.

Doing the pulley mod is a given, as is a new CAI. However, once I do those two mods, does that pretty much commit me to an upgraded exhaust? I'm thinking in terms of my old 2-stroke days, when increasing the intake at the top end required you to open things up at the back end.

 

logic is spot on - if you open up the inhale, opening up the exhale is complimentary.

 

But not necessary. The stock exhaust is actually pretty good given the small gains posted after replacing it with an aftermarket one. Best bet would be to try the "one-ball" exhaust mods first and see if you like the sound. Cause that is really the only benefit you get from a new exhaust. Remember this is a forced induction car.

 

I didn't mine for two reasons: Sound and Ponies. While the exhaust won't add much HP, it has help somewhat, which never hurts! The biggest reason I got my exhaust was because of the sound, I simply did not like the stock sound, so I changed it! To me, the stock exhaust was not pronouced enough, and after I did the pulley/CAI setup, the car was screaming for an exhaust! The car breaths and seems more peppy now, and is very loud! I like the deep roar when sitting below 3k. I never got that with the stock...

-Cody

 

Exactly. It all depends on what your goals are for you car. If you're giong for big #'s you'll need to address the exhaust at some point. If you want basically a pullied car, any exhaust is mainly for a sound which makes you smile to justify what it cost! You appear to be <20 miles from Behe Performance - call them and discuss your needs & mods and go from there. With a tune you could be at 190-200 whp with a pulley & the stock exhaust.

 

the stock exhaust is not bad but there are two relatively inexpensive things you can do -

1) 1-ball exhaust
2) header precat cut out. This is the narrowest choke point in the entire system.

A personal favorite is 1-ball & obx header. Not very loud but you do get some added TQ which is usable for daily driving.

If you decide on a CATBACK its a matter of loudness and sexy tips.

 

I think that getting some gains through the exhaust is certainly worth making some sort of change. If you want to one ball it great! If you want to go with something less stock sounding and in appearance there are a ton of exhaust choices out there. (Ours included )

But there is no denying that the HP will increase by removing exhaust restriction. Let me know if I can answer any questions or concerns!

 

1 ball will definitely improve the stock exhaust restriction. If you look at the cut-out of the resonator by Andy Ross Tech back in the early 2003, you will see how many turns the exhaust gas has to travel to before going to the muffler. Less restriction also mean louder sound and you get that in 1 ball.
In short, I second the motion