The attempted to get duals thread is getting way to long, time to put that one to bed.
I did some math and this is what I figure from the standpoint of how much will the exhaust flow in regards to the diameter of the pipe.
I assumed a couple givens:
The pipe will only flow as much as the smallest restriction
All sizes are in inches
Pipe wall thickness is .065
On the V6 muffler, the smallest restriction is the tailpipe at 2.25 OD/2.185 ID
On the V8 muffler, the smallest restriction is the tailpipe at 2.50 OD/2.435 ID
On the V6 duals, no mandrel bends the smallest restriction 2.25 OD
On the V6 duals, mandrel bends the smallest restriction 2.50 OD
The area of a circle is 3.14 x R x R
The size of the tailpipes may be slightly off, but the comparision is between each system, so the error, if any will be uniform between each system.
Stock V6 system ..........................................pipe area 3.5 ID
Stock V6 w/V8 muffler ...................................pipe area 4.5 ID
V6 split into 2.5 true duals no mandrel bends ......pipe area 7.1 ID
V6 split into 2.5 true duals mandrel bends ..........pipe area 8.8 ID
Granted, this doesnt take into account restriction caused by the mufflers, or the number and location of the pipe bends, but its a pretty good indicator of what the systems ability to flow is. Any of these exhaust mods will outflow the stock system, I didnt figure the split y-pipe, because Im not sure what the smallest restriction in that system is.
When considering if you want to make your own system or buy a prefab from the aftermarket, I think you need to consider what your long term plans are.
If you want just an improved sound then a V8 muffler or an axel back is the way to go.
If you want the look/sound of duals at a modest cost, have an exhaust shop do the work.
If you want maximum performance, go with a mandrel bend system, its more costly, but is also the best flowing system, hands down.
I did some math and this is what I figure from the standpoint of how much will the exhaust flow in regards to the diameter of the pipe.
I assumed a couple givens:
The pipe will only flow as much as the smallest restriction
All sizes are in inches
Pipe wall thickness is .065
On the V6 muffler, the smallest restriction is the tailpipe at 2.25 OD/2.185 ID
On the V8 muffler, the smallest restriction is the tailpipe at 2.50 OD/2.435 ID
On the V6 duals, no mandrel bends the smallest restriction 2.25 OD
On the V6 duals, mandrel bends the smallest restriction 2.50 OD
The area of a circle is 3.14 x R x R
The size of the tailpipes may be slightly off, but the comparision is between each system, so the error, if any will be uniform between each system.
Stock V6 system ..........................................pipe area 3.5 ID
Stock V6 w/V8 muffler ...................................pipe area 4.5 ID
V6 split into 2.5 true duals no mandrel bends ......pipe area 7.1 ID
V6 split into 2.5 true duals mandrel bends ..........pipe area 8.8 ID
Granted, this doesnt take into account restriction caused by the mufflers, or the number and location of the pipe bends, but its a pretty good indicator of what the systems ability to flow is. Any of these exhaust mods will outflow the stock system, I didnt figure the split y-pipe, because Im not sure what the smallest restriction in that system is.
When considering if you want to make your own system or buy a prefab from the aftermarket, I think you need to consider what your long term plans are.
If you want just an improved sound then a V8 muffler or an axel back is the way to go.
If you want the look/sound of duals at a modest cost, have an exhaust shop do the work.
If you want maximum performance, go with a mandrel bend system, its more costly, but is also the best flowing system, hands down.