Exhaust questions

[aidanahunter]

I'm looking to lightly modify my exhaust and need some opinions! I've been reading the forum and it seems most people on here are interested in going all-out performance, but I just want something modest and nice-sounding that may boost fuel economy a little.

I'm currently running stock exhaust on my '97 LSC and I'm looking to make it just a little louder on the outside, yet avoid any significant drone from the inside. I'm thinking replacing the stock mufflers with universal Magnaflows and leaving the 3rd cat in place will do the trick for me. How much louder is this going to make the car from the inside? Drone on the freeway? I'm also having trouble finding a offset/offset same side Magnaflow that has the right size pipe for the Mark. Does anybody have a part number they recommend for use with stock pipe?

Also, is it a dumb idea to only replace the mufflers and leave the 3rd cat in place? Would it make the car more fuel efficient to replace the 3rd cat with an X or H pipe? Any input is appreciated - I'm a college kid on a college budget slowly learning this stuff!

-Aidan

 

[driller]

Try just removing the mufflers, replace with plain tailpipes and leaving the cats in place.

If that seems good, replace the 3rd cat/resonator with an X-pipe.

Pretty cheap to do at any good exhaust place.

 

[tbirddmnd]

Should you need or want to replace the actual pipes:
http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com/servlet/the-117/93-dsh-98-MARK-VIII-EXHAUST/Detail

If you're looking for a dual in/dual out Magnaflow, part number 11385 has an internal X crossover built into it. I had it on my 97 Thunderbird but it was too quiet for me, even with Magnaflow high-flow cats.

Jeremi has placed Magnaflows in the back on at least 2 Marks (that I know of, maybe more), with the correct offset/offset you seek.

ADDED: For images check THIS THREAD, and see posts/pictures on pages 45 and 47 (can see the entire system and the Ractive T820 tips).

 

[opalescent 96]

Like driller said you might try experimenting with deleting the mulfflers with straight tailpipes. Should only cost $40-60 bucks. If it's not to your liking you're not out much. Since you have an LSC with the true dual 3rd cat, it's not as prudent to replace as if you had the single pipe third cat like my car has but not for long.

 

[opalescent 96]

Should you need or want to replace the actual pipes:
http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com/servlet/the-117/93-dsh-98-MARK-VIII-EXHAUST/Detail

If you're looking for a dual in/dual out Magnaflow, part number 11385 has an internal X crossover built into it. I had it on my 97 Thunderbird but it was too quiet for me, even with Magnaflow high-flow cats.

Jeremi has placed Magnaflows in the back on at least 2 Marks (that I know of, maybe more), with the correct offset/offset you seek.

ADDED: For images check THIS THREAD, and see posts/pictures on pages 45 and 47 (can see the entire system and the Ractive T820 tips).

You know what if you did delete the mufflers but weren't satisfied you could go ahead and run this setup next. Delete the third cat and run the dual in/out muffler in it's place with the straight pipes out the back that you potentially already have.

Dynomax also has a dual in/out Ultraflow muffler. That's what I'm going with soon.

 

[aidanahunter]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Jeremi just told me about a pair of 03 cobra mufflers he has, so we're gonna put those on and see how she sounds!

 

[aidanahunter]

The mufflers are on! The car sounds almost the same, just a little bit more volume coming from the back, and any volume increase from the inside is probably just in my head. Considering removing the 3rd cat and putting in an X pipe, but this setup is beginning to grow on me.

 

[Austin]

Definitely look into an x pipe. I have a 3rd cat delete, resonator delete, and muffler delete. But it still isn't loud enough for my taste!

 

[racebronco2]

I tried the muffler delete but it was a little load when going wot from a light, cruising on the freeway was fine. I went with the magnaflow glass packs and for the sound is great.