I'm currently running stock headers and mid-pipe with all four stock cats. I like the sound and would prefer to keep it. I'm just curious if it's possible to get more performance out of it with headers and hi-flow cats, whether 2 or 4, and not make it extremely too loud. Thanks!!

 

on a stock motor, shorty headers will make you lose some low end torque but gain mid and top end power, when I put my shorties on I could feel the power kick in right around 2500 rpm or so. I'm not positive, but long tube headers might give you more low torque but then you need a new h-pipe regardless, and O2 extensions

you can get an aftermarket catted mid-pipe and its only gonna have 2 cats, but it will still be a lot quieter than an off road pipe. also, i don't think there are any aftermarket pipes smalled than 2.5" diameter, stock is 2.25"

 

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Nicely put. Basically, purchase a high flow catted X or H pipe, and leave the stock headers. If you ever want to, you could replace them with a shorty equal or unequal length depending on your other supporting mods. If you go with a high flow catted h or x pipe, you will be able to take your time in choosing a catback system, if you ever want to buy one.

I can do a catted X pipe for about 329.99 shipped. They will create a nice amount of power, and have little to no affect on the sound. It is a direct bolt on, and will fit your stock exhaust parts, and allow for future modifications as well. Let me know. Good luck!

CR
Tillman Speed

 

headers and high flow cats will give you more power. usally around 10% or more. The mufflers you chose will be what makes it louder or quieter.

 

the difference between cats and sans-cats will have a huge impact on sound, probably more so than mufflers due to the honeycombs and all the crap packed inside cats

 

Keep the cats, my '88 5.0LX had an off-road H pipe installed by the previous owner along with 2-chamber mufflers. It sounded good, but sometimes it got the wrong kind of attention! It also tends to encourage laying into the throttle as much as possible just to hear the sweet American V8 sound . You (given the right or wrong conditions) and those close by eyes and noses will thank you as well.

 

i know what you mean about wanting to hear the car wide open, i love doing that with my '86 GT with 40s and cats cut out, but lukily for me i have a area with little to none cop activity and i'm able to stomp it from a stop sign and go just about as long as i want with no worries other than a dog or deer running out in front of me.