Re: 3" dp w/ cats & aftermarket header

[radboy0001]

I'm new to this 4cyl turbo world so bare with me. Has anybody out there used any of the 3" dp's w/ 3" cats? I'm not interested in fabricating or pieceing together, just trying to find out if anybody has bought any of the systems out there and how they perform and fit. I have to pass emissions, so I need to keep the cats. Probably going to go with the MAC 2.5" daul cat-back system since everybody likes the fit and sound.

Anybody have any feedback on aftermarket headers? I know Paul is working on his prototype, but anybody using ATR, SAC, stinger or esslinger? How is the performance? is it worth the money or should I just get an E6 and port it?

I appreciate anyone who can offer info or feedback. Getting info and feedback on SVO parts is alot more challenging than working with V8's.

rick

[SVOeric]

I think you should start with some searches -- pretty much everything you have talked about is in the forum -- product reviews, or tech section --

Then come back with more specific questions you might have ---

[radboy0001]

I have read the threads and nobody has talked using dp w/ cats and how the fit is. Everybody just talks about replacing the dp and fit problems. I have only heard one person talk about the ATR header and had cracking problems. I suppose I could read every thread in every forum and then I would know which exhaust parts I need by the time I'm 50.

Rick
84 SVO

[Pat_in_L.A.]

OK I'm 50 now so I know the answer!

The SAC DP fits in the stock location. A 3 inch Catco can be installed in the original location with two cuts of the chop saw on the DP and two welds or two clamps.

Damn, now I feel old. I was 29 before I started searching.

Here's a recent link that comes up on a search:

http://www.svoca.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5585

[AT6svo]

Unlike the 5.0 world there are no "bolt in" exhausts.

Any DP or cat you install will require some attetion to fitment and welding required. No reason a 3" dp & 3" cat won't work together, it will just take a little bit of creativity/custom work to do it.

I have a stinger dp (short) and will be using a 3" catco on my 84.

[radboy0001]

Thanks for the input guys, very help. And Pat, dont worry...I heard life begins at 50! LOL!
It sounds like my best bet is to get a SAC 3" dp and take it to an exhaust shop and have them put in the 3" cats. Which one doesn't require relocation of the wastegate: the $109 or the $400 ? Also, I have seen in a few of the threads the people had SAC 3" dp's and for some reason switched to the ATR, why? If I get the SAC 3" dp and 3" cats and was planning on getting MAC dual 2.5" cat-back, do I need anything else? I keep seeing people talk about elbows and stuff and don't really know what/where that is.
Still need feedback on the after market headers, they are really expensive. Are they worth the money? anybody seeing a big HP difference? or should I just use a ported E6 til Paul finishes his?
Thanks again for everybodys help, it is greatly appreciated.

Rick
84 SVO

[Stinger]

radboy, the cheap one uses the stock wastegate. As do the less costly ones made by members of the turboford community, (Bob, Strick9, Myself, etc.).

No matter what downpipe or catback system you get, you will need "other stuff" to finish the system. There is no such thing as a complete bolt on exhaust for these cars. The only options I know of that's close is to buy pre-made tailpipes, mustang style mufflers, and a custom one off exhaust system from your local exhaust shop or from myself.

Headers become more and more "worth" the money the more mods you get. The gains are a percentage of your "current" hp so the more you are making now, the more you will gain from the header. There are many options and many different gains associated with them. One of my customers installed one of my headers and gained 22hp and 27lb/ft while running 2psi less than before the swap (which means the true gains where "probably" in the 40/50 range). Again, this is dependent on your starting power level though. He was making 360hp at 26psi before and 382rwhp 409rwtq at 24psi after.