<HTML>
<HEAD>
   <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
   <META NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="Mozilla/4.04 [en] (WinNT; I) [Netscape]">
   <TITLE> Exhaust Systems </title>
<style type="text/css">
<!--

	A:link {text-decoration: underline;; font-weight: bold; color:"blue"; font-size:95%}
	A:visited {text-decoration: underline;; font-weight: bold; color:"darkblue";  font-size:95%}
	A:hover {text-decoration: underline;; font-weight: bold; color:"red"; font-size: 95%}
	body { font-family: arial, sans-serif; }
	h2 { font-family: arial, sans-serif;  color: "#333333"; } 
	Table {padding-right: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt;}	

-->


</style>

<!--#include virtual="/header.htm" --> 

<font face="tahoma" color="red" size="+2"><b>
<B>Exhaust Systems</B></font>

</b></font><hr>
<table cellpadding="3" BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=4 >
<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Stock</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top>The exhaust configuration of a stock SHO is commonly referred
to as a "2-1-2" layout: two exhaust manifolds feed through two separate
catalytic converters; the exhaust then combines into a single pipe, goes
through a single resonator, and around the gas tank; the exhaust then splits
back out into two tailpipes with separate mufflers. The stock system is
light-grade stainless steel; the pipes will show some surface rust but
will last quite a long time in most climates.

<P>The SHO's stock exhaust system is very quiet, but it unfortunately creates
a lot of backpressure. This reduces the overall flow capabilities of the
engine, which reduces the ultimate available power. The way to remedy this
situation without breaking emissions law is with either free-flow mufflers
or a complete "cat back" (everything downstream of the catalytic converter)
exhaust system.

<P>Alternative exhausts can be found in several configurations: true dual
(custom-made or Tracking Technology), high-flow 2-1-2 (SHO Shop), cat-back
(SHO Shop, Borla, Walker), and high-flow Y pipe only (SHO Shop).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Custom Duals</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top>By far the most effective exhaust for a radically modified
SHO is a true dual custom-fabricated exhaust with high-flow catalytic converters,
redesigned down pipes from the exhaust manifolds to the converters, and
a cross-over pipe. This is the only kind of exhaust that will allow you
to effectively get over 300 HP from your SHO.&nbsp;

<P>Fabrication of one of these exhausts is very difficult because of the
tight passage around the gas tank. Placement of a crossover pipe is also
difficult because of the SHO's transverse engine layout. An improperly
placed crossover can do more harm than good.

<P>A true dual system does not leave sufficient space for a pair of resonators,
so sound abatement is achieved solely through mufflers. This will in all
likelihood leave the exhaust with a pronounced "burr" or rasp. This is
not a pleasant sound to many ears, so if you are concerned about this kind
of thing, find a true-dual SHO to listen to before having such an exhaust
installed.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>SHO Shop</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top>The SHO Shop offers a complete exhaust replacement for around
$900-$1100. It is available for 5-speed and automatic models in aluminized
or stainless steel. The exhaust includes redesigned downpipes, high-flow
catalytic converters, a redesigned Y-pipe, and stainless steel Edelbrock
mufflers. The SHO Shop exhausts utilize stock hangers, and so are true
bolt-ons.

<P>The automatic SHO has a different stock Y-pipe configuration, so only
the cat-back is available for cars so equipped.&nbsp;

<P>Estimated power gain from this exhaust is 30HP. It is possible to purchase
only the Y-pipe assembly or only the cat-back system; power gains will
not be as great.&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Borla</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top><IMG SRC="pics/BorlaExhaust.gif" ALT="[Borla Exhaust]" HSPACE=2 HEIGHT=122 WIDTH=152 ALIGN=LEFT>The
best known (and most expensive) cat-back exhaust is the stainless steel
systems from Borla; several netters claim that these systems sound the
nicest, and they come with a million mile warranty, but they are <U>not</U>
cheap (expect to pay roughly $700-1000 depending on the model year).

<P>Expected performance gain: 6 to 10 hp. Do not believe the early published
reports of 30 hp gains with this exhaust! Such gains are only possible
with a change-out of the catalytic converter assembly to a high-flow type.

<P>Borla disputes this information, and insists that the dyno tests were
accurate. They still reference the dyno test in their advertisements.&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Walker Dynomax</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top>Walker Dynomax makes a system for the 89-91 cars for about
$200 (specify cable or rod shift linkage) and mufflers and pipe for the
92-95 models (with integrated exhaust tips). Both&nbsp; aluminized steel
and than stainless models are available. They have a lower tone than the
stock system, but is not significantly louder.

<P>The weld at the point where the tailpipes split off is sometimes a little
sloppy on the earlier Walker Dynomax system. Flow can be improved a small
amount by cleaning this weld up a bit before installation.

<P>A SHO specific list of part numbers for the Dynomax exhaust can be found
<A HREF="SHO4dynomaxexhaust.html">here</A>.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Mufflers</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top>If you don't want to replace the stock pipes, switching
to any low restriction muffler will help (Dynomax and Flowmaster are two
popular brands, but do not necessarily offer the best performance or sound).
<I>Ed. note: I have heard the Flowmaster Turbos on Don Mallinson's SHO,
and think they sound very nice outside the car. Low tone, not loud at all.
It is a little raspy at full hoot because of the lack of a resonator.</I>
The Edelbrock RPM series comes highly recommended, but are reputedly somewhat
loud. Most effective when combined with a MAF upgrade (see below).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Headers?</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top>From the ever-experimenting Ted Breaux:

<P>As far as headers, there are only two sets of SHO headers in the country,
and I have one. They were made by JBA, and both sets are far from perfect.
Vadim's are equal length with great collectors, but are much too big for
realistic power levels. Mine are smaller, but are still on the large side,
are not equal length, and have ok collectors. I am going to be cutting
on my headers to get them perfect, as a set of headers can cost you power
if they are not correct, and there is NOT a good header set for the SHO
which has been made yet. I am going to change that however when I alter
my set.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
<td valign=top><FONT SIZE=+2>Other Tips</FONT></TD>

<td valign=top><A HREF="pics/autoflex.jpg"><IMG SRC="thumbnails/autoflex.JPG" ALT="[Flex Pipe]" HSPACE=4 VSPACE=4 BORDER=0 HEIGHT=101 WIDTH=250 ALIGN=LEFT></A>In
order to get the best results on an automatic with a cat-back exhaust,
the braided flexible section of exhaust pipe should be replaced with a
similar pipe but with an inner diameter greater than the stock 1 7/8 inches;
2 1/4 or 2 1/2 inches are good choices.</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

</b></font><hr>

<!--#include virtual="/footer.html" --> 
</BODY>
</HTML>
