What effects does having a 3 inch exhaust make on a 350? I have looked through old posts and it seems that 2.5" is the common exhaust to use. In my youth I thought bigger was better and bought a 3" exhaust for my 350. It has Warlock mufflers on and is straight duals off of 3" headers. Does having this exhaust negatively impact the engine, i.e. back pressure or anything? o No: Youtube link to car running. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yERu_8ZAYfM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
I would say its not worth it. Buy the 2.5 inch stuff with an X pipe & Magnaflow mufflers and you wont be disappointed. Ive been mid 12s with stock manifolds and this very set up on a 455 PS: MANDRELL BENT STUFF !
I already bought the 3" and have it installed. I was wondering if I should change it to a 2.5". I would end up buying a whole new system from headers back. The 3" has less then 50 miles on it since I installed it. Trying to see if there is any benefits to buying a whole new 2.5" setup or just leaving the new 3" that is on it.
I have the 3" Magniflow system on my 350. When I first installed the system I had the very same questions. Since I was planning on some mods down the road or maybe even switching to a 455 I went 3" over 2.5" Haven't had any negative experience to date.
I also have the 3" system from TA, I don't have any negative comments about it. I doubt there is any performance loss, nor would there be any performance gain on the average motor. If you're going to build a strong 350, I think the 3" exhaust is a good idea for future improvements. Plus it sounds great!
Hogans Muffler here in town, who has the only mandrel bender within at least 5 states has told me that mandrel bent 2 1/2 is good for 600-650hp, Regular bent 2 1/2 in the 500 range. Hardly anyone in this section has a 350 that actually runs, with those kind of numbers. I would say going back down will just be spending money. Bigger isnt always better when it comes to exhaust. Its like everything else it should match your build. It seems to me when a car is overexhausted it does not have a crisp sound. Maybe because it takes so long to get pushed out that it starts resonating. Choice of muffs also takes a big part.
Sorry, didn't really address your question in my first response ou: As far as negative impacts, I would say no. The only thing I can think is that you may move your powerband up in the RPM range slightly. I agree that bigger may not always be better for exhaust, but that isn't to say it will be worse. I've seen quite a few reports of people having faster ETs with open headers over piped exhaust. Wouldn't that indicate that a less restrictive exhaust system would be advantageous? As far as sound goes... I like the way it sounds. Personal preference I guess o No: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSSeuxnj1wQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuo7C-wjoIE First video was the first day with 3" pipes and 1.75" headers, the second video is after head porting, different cam, new valve springs.
What sound means there is an exhaust leak? Is it that clicking type noise? If not, what would make that? What is a good way to find an exhaust leak?
As long as it's paid for and installed, not much point in switching to 2.5". But a 2.5" mandrel system is a much more common choice for a street performance 350.
Do you notice the sound difference between your car and the video Craig submitted? The most common place for your type of leak is where the downpipe hooks up to the exhaust manifold.
Hey Craig, Your car sounds almost like mine with similar upgrades. What cam did you use? I have a TA 284 In addition my 3" system is completely Magniflow. Everyone thinks I have a big block until I raise the hood!
