3" FWD vs. TU

[97dodgectd]

yah i would only upgrade to a full 3" so i guess i wait a little while, the exhaust on there isn't more than a few months old, along with the new axles, wheel bearings, front and rear rotors, and calipers,brake lines, alternator, starter, and many others things the guy replaced before he sold it. but its all 2.5" now so maybe i'll just take the muffler out for now, and possibly even the cat so its less restrictive.

[ZachT]

yeah, even 2.5 mandrel bent is a way big improvement over a crushed 2.25 that is stock. if your exhaust is mandrel bent, then its definately flowing enough.

[Polygon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZachT for downpipe both vendors have them, but i think tu is 25 bucks cheaper. if you want the 3in, you would need a 3in swingvalve or a heavily ported 2.5.

No, a 3" DP will fit a 2.5" SV. However, if you order the 3" TU DP you can get their 3" SV with it and it's worth every dime. It's the 2.25" SV that the 3" DP will not fit on.

[GLH_TC 16V]

Are the 3" mandrel bent exhaust systems from TU and FWDP made of the same material? Is one lighter than the other overall?

I'm looking to purchase one very soon and want the one that is the lightest. The car won't see any winters or rain so durability isn't that much of a concern.

[Polygon]

I'm guessing you'd have to call them and ask.

[GLHNSLHT2]

TU's was thinner gauge than NAPA pipe and was pretty light. I dont have a FWD kit yet to see if there's any difference.

[bill baker]

Ive noticed that nethier vendor has SS kits for the L body. WHY??

[88shadowpjct]

so i decided to go against what some people said about starting from scrap and to just buy a kit... my thinking.....
buying a kit, it'd be $150 plus shipping.. then i'd have to modify it
building one was $130 and no shipping.. and i'd have to cut and weld it..

so i spent the time in the shop, bought some bends and had a piece bent with 2 bends close to the factory over axle piece.. i had to cut that piece and twist it then weld it back together.. i didnt think any of it would work this well, but it all fits fine with no clearance problems either!

i only have these few pictures i was in such a rush to go home when i finished, i forgot the after pics so i will post them up soon...

kinda sloppy welds, but this is my first time welding exhaust... actually.. this is my 3rd time ever welding. let me know what you think!

[detobias]

looks functional

yur total cost was ? $ and ? hours ?

I put a 2.5" system together for my DSM using some scrap mandrel bends and then some pipe bending too ; it was fun and turned out OK

[detobias]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLH_TC 16V Are the 3" mandrel bent exhaust systems from TU and FWDP made of the same material? Is one lighter than the other overall? I'm looking to purchase one very soon and want the one that is the lightest. The car won't see any winters or rain so durability isn't that much of a concern.

my FWD 3" system (2 yrs ago) was pretty heavy pipe; IIRC it was 'aluminized' and not SS; SS is prolly worth the extra $ if it was available - especially if we could buy it in a thinner (lighter !) gauge ; also SS transfers heat about 4X less than regular steel

wrt fitment - tailpipe piece seemed like bend was in wrong position so 18" was moved from tailpipe to inlet

there is interference with the pipe and rear axle on compression ; there simply isnt 3" of space in an Lbody !

kit had no hangers installed or included, I bought some smooth 3/8 rod from the hardware store and bent & welded to fit

IMO a 2.5" is a better choice for Lbody ; lighter, easier to install, no (less) interference with rear axle travel

but for a 4v maybe you NEED the flow of a full 3" .. hum

[JamesL]

Not a bad job.....does your welder use gas? I find a little argon goes a long way toward cleaning up a weld. I'm more of an amatuer at welding myself. Its really cool to watch someone who really knows how to lay a bead down.

[speeduphoria]

I've got a full SS setup from FWD performance and from what peices/mufflers I bought, works and looks great

[GLHNSLHT2]

3" or nothing!

[JamesL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill baker Ive noticed that nethier vendor has SS kits for the L body. WHY??

We do. Give us a call.

[88shadowpjct]

Quote:

Originally Posted by detobias yur total cost was ? $ and ? hours ?

total was $133 and about 6 or 7 hours. i messed up the front section, had to cut it apart and weld it back together. it was dumped out the side for a week till i could buy the other bends then the back half went realy quick. really suprised me.. only took about 2 hours with fitting, cutting, fitting, cutting, fitting, welding... lol i test fit that thing at least 5 times i didnt wanna weld it then end up with it going the wrong way. i can only use the shop after work so i'd get there at about 6 or 7PM and i cut myself off at 9 i hate staying there late.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesL does your welder use gas?.

yeah it does. i can lay a pretty nice bead on the thick stuff we normally weld at work (landing gear for trailers or dock plates) but when it comes to thin exhaust, i can get it done without burning holes in it, and it doesnt leak, it just doesnt look too clean. but im good with having just function hahaha i do want to get better at it though