I have a y-pipe currently that goes to the cat then to single inlet dual outlet muffler. I wanted to know if i could change the y pipe to an x pipe and have more of a true dual? 2 cats, 2 mufflers etc etc... im told i have headers but i thought it was a manifold??? are they the same, i hate to sound like a noob lol... could i fit an H pipe and really get true dual?

 

so jusdging by your sig and post its a Y pipe into a muffler then into a 2 dual tips? you could get an X pipe for the absolute best flow, an H pipe usually has a deeper tone with only marginaly less flow, or a true dual settup with no crossovers. as for manifolds, they look like logs and are big and bulky and have only 3 sections bolted to your engine (on each side), headers (aftermarket, better than manifolds) will look more smooth, streamlined, and will have matings to each exhaust port (4 on each side) there are 2 kinds, long tubes and short tubes. shortys look more like manifolds but still have 4 ports and allow for the cats to be kept, and longtubes will extend out of your engine compartment to under your truck. if you still have the cats on then you dont have longtubes.
what you have described is known as a cat back system, where from the catalytic converters back things are changed but manifolds and collectors and cats are untouched (this type makes for better sound but offers little performance gain)

definantly get a better exhaust i sujest H pipe with bullet type mufflers (or better yet, none), and long tube headers, ditch the cats (unless you have an emmisions inspection/testing in your area, in which id at least sujest short tubes if you MUST retain the cats)

 

Long tube headers do not negate the use of catalytic converters. Even the stock stacked pair that come from the factory can be retained with long tube headers, although I'd highly recommend upgrading the cats.

I run a Bassani Hi flow catalytic converter behind my long tube headers. Easily passed even the stingent California emissions.

As for cats restricting the flow, I measured the exhaust velocity and emissions output at the muffler inlet with the Bassani catalytic converter and without. There was a miniscule difference in velocity without the catalytic converter (less than 1%... this wouldn't translate to even 1 horsepower)

However, the emissions content was up to 20x higher for certain hydrocarbons without the catalytic converter. The hydrocarbons you emit without catalytic converters are extreme greenhouse gases that have no natural process to break them down into soluble carbon forms. That is, some of these compounds will not break down in your lifetime, or your grandkids.

Do us all a favor who share this planet and run your system with a catalytic converter, even if you don't require emissions checks. A decent stainless-steel high flow converter costs $60-75.

Just because the stock cats are restrictive, doesn't mean you shouldn't replace them with a worthy setup. Your truck isn't going to pull any different with a well made cat matched to your exhaust system.

There is a reason many locales do require emissions tests. Some vehicles should not be driving our roads. A little responsibility goes a long way...

Mike

 

Catalytic converters reduce the amount of Carbon Monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, released, the greenhouse gasses that are eroding the ozone layer and contributing to global warming is Carbon Dioxide.

and my truck shouldnt be driving your roads, thats why its not, its driving my roads!

 

As Mike said there's no reason not to run a cat, the aftermarket units don't hurt performance and do cleanup the exhaust. Why polute more than necessary?

The exhaust system on these trucks has to run down the passenger side, so an X pipe won't give the scavenging benefits you get on a car where the crossover is the same distance from each bank. 2 cats, 2 mufflers, it's all just extra cost for no real benefit, especially since anything bigger than a mendrel bent single 2.5" system will hurt low rpm performance. There is just not enough performance in these motors to warrant all that plumbing, unless you have heads, cam, and maybe a blower on it. The 5.0 Mustangs came with dual 2.25" exhaust, and that motor made more power stock than any of the 5.0 truck versions. Don't get carried away with hanging monster big pipes under your truck.. it'll hurt more than it helps.

 

I think you might want to re-take your organic chemistry lesson. Carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas emitted from your tailpipe. Also, there are far worse things emitted from un-checked tailpipes. Some of those hydrocarbons, (especially Polycyclicaromatichydrocarbons- PAH's for short) are extreme carcinogens. They are water soluble, and end up in our water supply, in our agriculture, in our fish, and in our livestock. There is some current research at the University of Washington Medical center that is currently correlating PAH exposure to prostate cancer in men. Can you guess where most PAH exposure comes from?

The stuff you let sneak by out of your emissions is not only a detriment to the ozone layer, but everything the PAH's and PCB's dissolve in.

I live in Washington godblessmud. I drive through your town via HWY 2 and 203 at least twice a week. I've hunted ducks on the Snoqualmie since I was in junior high. The Skykomish river is my favorite river to take the drift boat on. You do drive on my roads, and contribute to the deteriorating quality in the rivers and water supplies in the area. It's a shame.

I don't have to run a catalytic converter either. But being that you can run one without bottlenecking the power output of your truck.... There is no logical reason you shouldn't run one.

If you still think running without one is justified, step outside your bubble and do some research.

Get your emissions in check. Every little bit helps

Mike

 

Amen Paul!

 

seems like that big word didnt come up in any of the converter informaition i found...but PAH is NATURALLY OCCURING...and has more sources than vehicles...see end of post...but first, here is your information on cats...

Three-way catalytic converters

A three-way catalytic converter has three simultaneous tasks:

1. Reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen: 2NO_x → xO₂ + N₂
2. Oxidation of (non greenhouse gas, but toxic) carbon monoxide to less harmful (greenhouse gas) carbon dioxide: 2CO + O₂ → 2CO₂
3. Oxidation of unburnt carcinogenic hydrocarbons (HC) to carbon dioxide and water: 2C_xH_y + (2x+y/2)O₂ → 2xCO₂ + yH₂O

These three reactions occur most efficiently when the catalytic converter receives exhaust from an engine running slightly above the stoichiometric point. This is between 14.8 and 14.9 parts air to 1 part fuel, by weight, for gasoline (the ratio for LPG, natural gas and ethanol fuels is slightly different, requiring modified fuel system settings when using those fuels). When there is more oxygen than required, then the system is said to be running lean, and the system is in oxidizing condition. In that case, the converter's two oxidizing reactions (oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons) are favoured, at the expense of the reducing reaction. When there is excessive fuel, then the engine is running rich. The reduction of NO_x is favoured, at the expense of CO and HC oxidation. If an engine could be held at the strict stoichiometric point for the fuel used, it is theoretically possible to reach 100% conversion efficiencies.

Since 1981, three-way catalytic converters have been at the heart of vehicle emission control systems in North American roadgoing vehicles, and have been used on "Large Spark Ignition" engines since 2001 in California, and from 2004 in the other 49 states. LSI engines are used in forklifts, aerial boom lifts, ice resurfacing machines and construction equipment. The converters used in these are three-way types designed to reduce combined NO_x+HC emissions from 12 gram/BHP-hour to 3 gram/BHP-hour or less, per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2004 regulations. A further drop to 2 gram/BHP-hour of NO_x+HC emissions is mandated in 2007 (note: NO_x is the industry standard short form for nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) both of which are smog precursors. HC is the industry short form for hydrocarbons). The EPA intends to introduce emissions rules for stationary Spark Ignition engines, to take effect in January 2008.



Two-way catalytic converters

A two-way catalytic converter has two simultaneous tasks:

1. Oxidation of (non greenhouse gas) carbon monoxide to (greenhouse gas) carbon dioxide: 2CO + O₂ → 2CO₂
2. Oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons (unburnt and partially-burnt fuel) to carbon dioxide and water: 2C_xH_y + (2x+y/2)O₂ → 2xCO₂ + yH₂O

This type of catalytic converter is widely used on diesel engines to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. They also were used on spark ignition (gasoline) engines in USA market automobiles up until 1981, when they were replaced by three-way converters due to regulatory changes requiring reductions on NO_x emissions.

Curiously, the regulations regarding hydrocarbons vary according to the engine regulated, as well as the jurisdiction. In some cases, "non-methane hydrocarbons" are regulated, while in other cases, "total hydrocarbons" are regulated. Technology for one application (to meet a non-methane hydrocarbon standard) may not be suitable for use in an application that has to meet a total hydrocarbon standard. Methane is more difficult to break down in a catalytic converter, so in effect a "non-methane hydrocarbon" standard can be considered to be looser. Since methane is a greenhouse gas, more interest is rising in how to eliminate emissions of it.

 

And the PAH stuff...no prostate cancer here...

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

This pamphlet provides answers to questions about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It will explain what polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are, where they are found, how they can affect your health, and what you can do to prevent or reduce your exposure to them.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals that are made when substances are burned. You can be exposed to PAHs by breathing smoke, eating foods that have been grilled or by coming into contact with soil containing PAHs. Some PAHs may cause cancer and may affect the eyes, kidneys and liver.

What are PAHs?

PAHs are a group of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil and gasoline. PAHs also are present in products made from fossil fuels, such as coal-tar pitch, creosote and asphalt. When coal is converted to natural gas, PAHs can be released. Therefore, some coal-gasification sites may have elevated levels of PAHs. PAHs also can be released into the air during the incomplete burning of fossil fuels and garbage. The less efficient the burning process, the more PAHs are given off. Forest fires and volcanoes can produce PAHs naturally.

Although hundreds of PAHs exist, two of the more common ones are benzo(a)pyrene and naphthalene.

How can I be exposed to PAHs?

PAHs are found throughout the environment in the air, water and soil, and can remain in the environment for months or years. Levels of PAHs in urban air may be 10 times greater than those found in rural areas. You also may be exposed to PAHs in soil near hazardous waste sites or near areas where coal, wood, gasoline or other products have been burned. Some water supplies in the United States have been found to have low levels of PAHs.

In the home, PAHs are present in tobacco smoke, smoke from wood burning stoves and fireplaces, creosote-treated wood products and some foods. Barbecuing, smoking or charring food over a fire greatly increases the amount of PAHs in the food. Other foods that may contain low levels of PAHs include roasted coffee, roasted peanuts, refined vegetable oil, grains, vegetables and fruits. A variety of cosmetics and shampoos are made with coal tar and therefore may contain PAHs. The PAH compound naphthalene is present in some mothballs.

How can PAHs affect my health?

The health effects that can be caused by exposure to PAHs depend on --

* how much has entered your body,
* how long you have been exposed to PAHs and
* how your body responds to PAHs.

It is not clear whether or not PAHs cause short-term health effects. Other chemicals commonly found with PAHs may be the cause of short-term symptoms such as eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and confusion.

Possible long-term health effects caused by exposure to PAHs may include cataracts, kidney and liver damage and jaundice. Repeated skin contact with the PAH naphthalene (found in some mothballs) can result in skin redness and irritation. Breathing or swallowing large amounts of naphthalene can cause the breakdown of red blood cells.

Some people who have breathed or touched mixtures of PAHs and other chemicals for long periods of time have developed cancer. Some PAHs have caused cancer in laboratory animals when they breathed air containing them (lung cancer), ingested them in food (stomach cancer) or had them applied to their skin (skin cancer).

How can I reduce my exposure to PAHs?

One of the greatest sources of exposure to PAHs is breathing these chemicals in tobacco smoke. Smokers can lower their own exposure and the exposure of their families by stopping smoking. Additional steps to lower exposure to PAHs include –

* eating less smoked and charbroiled foods;
* reducing the use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces;
* decreasing the use of coal-tar-based cosmetics and shampoos;
* using cedar shavings or aromatic herbs instead of mothballs, moth flakes and deodorant cakes; and
* when handling creosote-treated wood products, avoid skin contact by wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants and gloves.

What can medical tests tell me about my exposure to PAHs?

Tests are available to measure the presence of PAHs in blood or urine. These tests cannot be used to predict possible health effects, but can only show that you have been exposed to PAHs. These tests are not routinely available at a doctor's office because they require special equipment. Some hospitals can provide this testing. If you think you might be ill from exposure to PAHs, contact your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Environmental Health
525 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761
217-782-5830
TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466

This pamphlet was supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act trust fund through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

ANYWAYS

On my 88, it was two pipes comming from the manifold, a small H pipe where the o2 sensor sits and goes into the resonator, to a cat and then the exhaust. I cut right before the resonator and ran 2 1/2" piping all the way back with two dynomax ultra flo mufflers. About 2 months ago I put an X pipe and got noticeable performance, but it cut the sound down A LOT so it sounds like a y pipe. I don't like that. Put the X pipe as far forward as possible.

I cant see very much performance gains for what yo have now when you put two cats and two mufflers. The ultra flo mufflers are basically a glasspack but with a lifetime warranty. Probably one of the highest flowing mufflers. If I remember right, its 600 cfm more then flowmasters

 

This is only one of dozens of hydrocarbons that are released at a given amount. Due to its solubility in liquid, its especially detrimental later in the trophic web. It ends up in your food, and bio-accumulates at levels 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher in humans. Your body does not know how to break this down. These levels do not occur naturally!

The point was, this was one of the hydrocarbons that emit from the combustion of organic materials. I chose this one, because there is a direct link to us boys and our prostates. Apparently, that didn't hit home.

True, there are other ways this compound is introduced, but un-checked vehicle emissions is something we can directly effect. Similarly to methane derivitaves, vehicles are not the only guilty party. This can be said for many of our pollutants.

The big picture here is, there is no excuse why anyone should not be running a catalytic converter. Not whether PAH's or methane like compounds are the culprits to contamination. Or whether the catalytic converter search yielded no results about PAH's. PAH's by itself is a generic term that describes numerous compounds, most of which can occur naturally at very low levels.

Also, EPA regulates little in regards to PAH's in internal combustion vehicles. Especially in comparison, to CO (carbon monoxide) and NOx derivitaves.

There is still no logical reason one would not run a catalytic converter on their vehicle.......


Mike

 

Foxxx... its ongoing research. If you would like more information regarding this study- visit the University of Washington Medical Center research listing. Also, if you can access the American Journal of Medicine or the New England Journal of Medicine (many Universities have subscriptions available in their libraries), you will see these published works. With approved statistical analysis regarding these correlations.

It takes years often decades before the FDA will allow this kind of research to be broadcasted to the American Public. Especially, when these kind of decisions will have major commercial market effects.

We still can't share results regarding Orthotrycyclene (Birth control pills) and breast cancer in women. This is common knowledge in the medical field that years of hormone intake, has a direct link to breast cancer. This has been published in the American Journal of Medicine, British Journal of Medicine and many other accredited journals. Yet many of the public have no knowledge of this. And, Orthotricyclene is still given out to your mothers, sisters, and friends.

How long did it take for cigarettes to become listed with the surgeon general's warning? Many years after medical journals published results regarding its impacts.

Just because your google search did not produce results regarding the link between PAH exposure and prostate cancer in men, does not mean it doesn't exist.

Let me reiterate, this is ongoing, on the cusp research. Not 25 yr. old chemistry rhetoric regarding PAH's. Go to a library and do a real search in medical journals. Don't just hit PAH in google and copy and paste......

Good Luck,
Mike

 

to preserve originality in a classic...that seems logical enough for me...lol

 

Ignorance is bliss!

 

yes it is...yes it is...