mustangslayer86

Ok... I have a 1986 Camaro Z28. I have a Flowmaster 80 series muffler on it and everything else is completely stock (basing on looks). I do have an air pump and I'm really not too sure of the size of my pipes here. Whatever is stock is whatever I have. I was wondering if anyone here can help me out. If anyone knows the sizes of them basing on the vehicle. I was also wondering if taking off my catalytic converter would give my muffler a better sound. Also, without the air pipe would the engine suffer? I'm not really concerned about miles per gallon at this point, but I do want a better sounding exhaust and try to stay away from the police. My friend tells me it will be louder, but not loud enough where the police go... "OMG PULL HIM OVER HE HAS NO CAT". And if I do decide to take it out can the new pipe be clamped on over it? I'm actually going to try to complete anything I'm doing to it by tomorrow.. I'm going to the beach for senior week. I'm also going to check my emissions in my state to see how it works. I'm honestly not even sure yet. Let me know some good options guys. I'll be sure to check them out.

ChillPhatCat

It will be louder, but not by much... without headers, removing the stock cat won't do much to sound volume and without a high flow or removed cat, headers won't do much to the sound volume. Most states require a cat on cars 25 years old or newer. So unless you've got a connection in the inspection business or plan to put the cat back on around inspection time, it might be in your best interest to leave the cat there. You can get aftermarket headers and cats that will hook up straight to your emissions equipment... and that would definitely make the car sound meaner... I know that's beyond your timeframe though, and the most expensive solution.

I will say this, if you've got stock manifolds and pipes... the only benefit (if it's a positive in your mind) will be increased volume to the exhaust note... you really won't gain any power until you take care of the other two factors.

mustangslayer86

OK. Yeah. I don't go for emissions. My family hasn't had to since we don't have a county facility yet. I can cut it off without worry, but how much louder would it be? And what should I do with the A.I.R. pipe? Need more feedback on this. Probably quick too. I'd be working on it tomorrow during the day and leaving in the evening.

gurkgurkgurk

u can just put hat AIR pipe where ever i mean it just blows air into the cat, and if your not gonna run a cat than just attach the tube somewhere out of the way, if u want a nice looking fix youd have to disconnect the smog pump in the engine compartment.

mustangslayer86

It doesn't need to look good. I just really want to know if I'll be impressed by the sound change as opposed to with my cat on.

ChillPhatCat

I don't think anybody but you will notice the difference... But, most people report being happy with the sound change going from cat to straight pipe.

mustangslayer86

Oh, I see. I'll try it when I get home from my week at the beach. Don't want to have something go wrong down there. Thanks guys.