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Larry Navarro · 06:18 PM

well...I set out this morning to install this system that has been sitting in my garage for 2 months.
It definetly is a 2 person job as I tried to do it by myself and grew tired of wresting a muffler supported with jackstands. Phone call made and fellow Pontiac-er and neighbor to the rescue. Problem solved.
Anyway, ...a MAJOR obstacle kept me from completion,......I need 2.5" exhaust flanges for these pipes!!!!...arrrgh!!!
I totally forgot about this piece when I ordered the system.
I have everything "roughed in" with the supplied exhaust clamps and have the lead pipes supported to the crossmember.
dammit!!....so close!!
A call to Chris first thing monday morning for sure.
Here's a couple of pics of what came out.
Pics later of what went in.

Larry Navarro · 08-12-2005, 05:20 PM

flanges have arrived.
"film at 11"

Larry Navarro · 08-14-2005, 07:32 PM

finally had a chance to get this system buttoned up, working from the rear and progressing forward.
The hardest part was getting everything clearanced around the muffler and "holding" the system prior to welding. The lead pipes were shortend about 8" on the tail end and the X-over pipes was shortened about 3" on the tail end.
I used the supplied "rod" hangers and slipped them through the factory grommets then welded the opposing ends to the upper pipes at the muffler to support the system. I will be removing the clamps for a cleaner look.
Here are some pics.

Tom Hand · 08-14-2005, 09:16 PM

Larry, what does it sound like? I assume you got it fired right?
I must say you tucked it up very nicely and it looks to be sitting correctly and is about the right height above the sway bar.
Tom

Larry Navarro · 08-14-2005, 09:43 PM

Yeah Tom it took some time and "eyeballin' " to make sure it would tuck up without any interference. It sounds great in the garage but I haven't taken the car on the road yet. Taking a jab at the accelerator pedal, the engine also seems a little more response with this less-restrictive system over my old "kinked" 2" pipe setup.
I also positioned the muffler so the exhaust flow passes OVER the louver openings rather than flowing inward toward them. Mounting in this fashion seems less-restrictive but with a louder tone. The exhaust flowing INTO the louver openings would most likely produce a quiet exhaust note since its flowing directly into the packing.

johnsma22 · 08-14-2005, 10:55 PM

Give us an audio clip Larry!

70-73nut · 08-15-2005, 09:22 AM

I recently had a complete set installed on my '71 TA.
$800.00 worth.
They were installed with the "quieter" configuration.

There was a couple of problems with the fit that required
additional cutting/welding and bending.
My mechanical knowledge is limited to what I've paid for,
but I'll get some specifics and repost, as well as some photos
and a sound byte.

Initially I wanted a deeper, throaty sound, but they're growing on me.
It's definitely quieter in the front end and at cruising speeds.
Also turns up the RPMs quicker and has a noticeable power increase.

Overall I'd say in was a good move.

Larry Navarro · 08-15-2005, 11:37 AM

audio?....don't have the equipment to do it.

johnsma22 · 08-15-2005, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Navarro

audio?....don't have the equipment to do it.

Hey Larry, if you have a digital camera it most likely has an mpeg capture mode. It will capture a small video clip along with an audio track. It won't be the highest quality but it won't be too bad. Small file size to for uploading. Just a thought.

John

Larry Navarro · 08-15-2005, 09:04 PM

"Helpful hint".....
In order to clamp the chrome extension with a little more ease and facilitate removal if ever need be.....I chose to cut two 1" slots lengthwise, 180 deg. apart on the fitted-end of the extension, using a hand-held cut-off wheel. These slots will allow a more uniform compression fit around the tail pipe section and if the extension ever needs to be removed, a pry tool between the slots will separate it from the tail pipe.

Larry Navarro · 08-28-2005, 04:44 PM

Took the car out for a drive today and I must say that using the new setup has definetly improved the performance of the SD, over the previous flowmaster muffler and crimped exhaust tubing system. Mashing the accelerator pedal into passing gear from a 50mph cruise breaks the tires loose, which didn't happen before. A definite "torque enhancer". The sound is gonna take some getting use to as it doesn't have the throaty tone as the flowmaster. However, it has NO interior drone either and overall, very quiet.
Now, i'm wondering about reversing the muffler to see if there's any difference in tone.

Silverback · 08-30-2005, 03:45 AM

What are those grey things that the car is sitting on in the first few pictures?

Larry Navarro · 08-30-2005, 07:59 AM

"mini-lift"...raises the car about 24" or so, off the ground.

cdoggy81 · 08-30-2005, 02:11 PM

Larry,
"Now, i'm wondering about reversing the muffler to see if there's any difference in tone."

Please let us know!!! The sound is the biggest factor keeping me from pulling the trigger on this system. I too was looking for a deeper tone & from what I've heard these "Race Pro" mufflers in this system are a bit louder, sharper, more raspy than what I would like. Oh well, isn't everything a compromise ... :-)
Has anyone tried this system but with a different muffler?

Tom Hand · 08-30-2005, 04:50 PM

Yes, with the 17276 Walker Ultra-Flo. It is rumbly with the 455. We shall get more sound data at a later date to share.
Tom

Larry Navarro · 08-30-2005, 06:44 PM

Tom, I believe I have the Racepro muffler. How does the inside of the Walker muffler compare to the RacePro? Sound chambers?

Tom Hand · 08-30-2005, 10:10 PM

Larry and Cdoggy.
The Walker muffler has perforated tubing surrounded by sound absorbing continuous roving fiberglass. The Racepro has louvered tubing surrounded by sound absorbing fiberglass. The Racepro I think has 3" louvered tubing,the Walker is about 2.6" inner diameter.
Tom

Larry Navarro · 08-31-2005, 08:02 AM

I definetly have the RacePRO with LOUVERed tubing.

cdoggy81 · 09-01-2005, 12:13 AM

Tom,
That is excellent!!! Just what I wanted to hear (no pun intended

I would love to get a sound clip. I'd even burn a dime & give you a call next time you fire it up.?.!.?.!.

Ccass · 09-01-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Hand

Larry and Cdoggy.
The Walker muffler has perforated tubing surrounded by sound absorbing continuous roving fiberglass. The Racepro has louvered tubing surrounded by sound absorbing fiberglass. The Racepro I think has 3" louvered tubing,the Walker is about 2.6" inner diameter.
Tom

Tom, you are correct. Also, the Race Pro uses the stainless steel sock to protect the fiberglass mats, Does the Ultra Flow still use the stainless also?

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