straight pipe

February 24, 2017, 05:40:20 PM

Hi,
looking for a straight pipe for a 84 2.3 t'bird... does anyone manufacture one?
with less back pressure is there any negative performance effects?

straight pipe

Reply #1 – February 24, 2017, 07:30:39 PM

No, you can't buy a straight pipe. I don't know whether you're looking to eliminate your catalytic converter or your ler, but neither is that advisable.
First, let's say you want to go catless. Catless is inadvisable, especially on a turbo engine, because hot exhaust flows faster, cats (when they're working) increase EGT through the catalytic reaction. This is why you see turbos covered in heat wrap, or heat shields. This isn't to reduce underhood heat (although it is a secondary benefit) it's to keep the heat in and that helps reduce lag by some measure. If you're concerned about the heath of your catalyst and it's ability to flow freely, replace it with one from Magnaflow. It's also illegal in all 50 states to eliminate it, which is why nobody makes one for street driven cars.
Second, you don't want to eliminate the ler. You don't want to do this for a couple reasons, not least of which that it would result in an exhaust note that hasn't got any "shape", and wouldn't sound good, just loud. From a dynamics standpoint, especially an inline turbo engine, is that it acts as a capacitor of sorts. A well chosen ler (straight through is a superior choice for a turbo engine) allows an area for expansion, which causes a pressure differential area. The pressure in the ler will be lower than in the intermediate pipe, and as we know, high pressure wants to equalize with low pressure. This will ALSO help keep the turbo spooled. I'm not advocating for a multipath tube ler like stock, but you need an area for expansion. You use the pressure to your advantage, like a siphon. There's a lot more science to explain it in greater detail, but it would eventually just turn into noise. As above, a ler and a perimeter exit are required by law in all 50 states (for common sense reasons).
If you can't be deterred, your answer is that you'll have to make your own.
A lot of guys run 2.5" from the turbo outlet to the atmosphere (until they have something wild enough to need 3"), check out stinger performance, where you'll find mostly 3" parts.

straight pipe

Reply #2 – February 25, 2017, 08:36:19 AM

Thanks for the information. I was looking to go Catless but my gut told me there may be negative effects by doing so... my thoughts were , with less backpressure , increase turbo lag. I didnt know it had to do with exhaust heat thanks again.

straight pipe

Reply #3 – February 25, 2017, 09:39:57 PM

I made my own exhaust for my 2.3T swapped Cougar. I used a Stinger performance 3" downpipe, a Dynomax race bullet, a 45 degree bend and a few short pieces of pipe. Works great and was easy to do. It exits in front of the rear tire and looks like this...

Sounds like this...

YouTube video:

You should register at Turboford.org. There is a lot more tech for 2.3s over there.