Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
#1
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Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Hey guys. I'm at the point of an ls swap where I need my exhaust done.
Car is an 86 Camaro ls swapped with stock 4.8/4l60e combo, ls1 stock converter, 1 7/8 speed engineering long tubes, 3:73 4th gen rear upgrade.
I plan on building a n/a cammed , ported heads 6.0 that will be at least 400 at the wheels.
So I need something that will be a good fit for the engine that I plan to swap into the car at a later date.
What would you guys recommend?
2 1/2 inch custom y coming of the headers transitioning to 3 inch going into magnaflow catback then out catback as dual exhaust
Or
True duals 2 1/2 inch
Car is an 86 Camaro ls swapped with stock 4.8/4l60e combo, ls1 stock converter, 1 7/8 speed engineering long tubes, 3:73 4th gen rear upgrade.
I plan on building a n/a cammed , ported heads 6.0 that will be at least 400 at the wheels.
So I need something that will be a good fit for the engine that I plan to swap into the car at a later date.
What would you guys recommend?
2 1/2 inch custom y coming of the headers transitioning to 3 inch going into magnaflow catback then out catback as dual exhaust
Or
True duals 2 1/2 inch
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
I've read that the Speed Engineering headers are a close fit to Holley's Hooker BlackHeart headers (although I can't confirm). If that's the case, and seeing that a single 3" isn't really going to cut it for 400 RWHP, I'd go for Holley's matching full dual exhaust system.
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501439-RHKR
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501326-RHKR
It would require a transmission crossmember modification or replacement to bolt in though.
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501439-RHKR
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501326-RHKR
It would require a transmission crossmember modification or replacement to bolt in though.
#3
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
I've read that the Speed Engineering headers are a close fit to Holley's Hooker BlackHeart headers (although I can't confirm). If that's the case, and seeing that a single 3" isn't really going to cut it for 400 RWHP, I'd go for Holley's matching full dual exhaust system.
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501439-RHKR
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501326-RHKR
It would require a transmission crossmember modification or replacement to bolt in though.
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501439-RHKR
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_p.../70501326-RHKR
It would require a transmission crossmember modification or replacement to bolt in though.
How many hp is the 3 inch catback single pipe good for?
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Regarding price, getting a y-pipe built out of stainless is pricey too. At least a well built one is. I've been there.
As for fitment, the Speed Engineering vs BlackHeart could probably be searched out here. But as you state, yes there could be a fitment issue.
On the performance side, that would have a lot to do with the single muffler.
A rule of thumb is that 2.2 CFM per CHP is required of an exhaust system before output starts to become limited. Lets say your 400 RWHP translates to 470 CHP. That's in excess of 1000 CFM needed and in a single muffler, that equals really loud.
Before I get set on fire here, yes, you can certainly get away with less. Many have. But I think it would be fair to say they're limiting the full potential.
There are also formulas that can be used to determine the CFM of the pipes themselves but a simple comparison shows that there's 9.8 sq.in. in the duals as compared to 7 sq.in. with the single 3". That's a 40% bump in capacity.
I believe Toddoky (a member here) from Holley has stated the dual BlackHeart (2 x 2-1/2") is good to about 450 HP. Taking that bit of engineering knowledge (Tod is an engineer at Holley), you can see how the 3" would be rated considerably less.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exha...t-exhaust.html
As for fitment, the Speed Engineering vs BlackHeart could probably be searched out here. But as you state, yes there could be a fitment issue.
On the performance side, that would have a lot to do with the single muffler.
A rule of thumb is that 2.2 CFM per CHP is required of an exhaust system before output starts to become limited. Lets say your 400 RWHP translates to 470 CHP. That's in excess of 1000 CFM needed and in a single muffler, that equals really loud.
Before I get set on fire here, yes, you can certainly get away with less. Many have. But I think it would be fair to say they're limiting the full potential.
There are also formulas that can be used to determine the CFM of the pipes themselves but a simple comparison shows that there's 9.8 sq.in. in the duals as compared to 7 sq.in. with the single 3". That's a 40% bump in capacity.
I believe Toddoky (a member here) from Holley has stated the dual BlackHeart (2 x 2-1/2") is good to about 450 HP. Taking that bit of engineering knowledge (Tod is an engineer at Holley), you can see how the 3" would be rated considerably less.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/exha...t-exhaust.html
Last edited by skinny z; 10-24-2020 at 03:44 PM.
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Hey man. I feel your pain. One thing led to another on my rebuild and now I'm at a point where I can't pull the trigger on the next step.
Good thing it's a hobby.
Good thing it's a hobby.
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#8
Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Google: engine masters single vs dual exhaust or watch it on motortrend on demand
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OriginalGuster (11-19-2020), WildCard600 (11-09-2020)
#9
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
I decided to pull the trigger on the Holley true dual system for 4l60e. It's on back order until next week, so hopefully it'll ship out next week.. I'm also fabricating a transmission crossmember.
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skinny z (11-02-2020)
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
It'll be interesting to see how close the Speed Engineering headers are.
As for the crossmember, the Hooker/Holley part is probably are good template to work from.
I'll be waiting for your progress.
Good luck.
As for the crossmember, the Hooker/Holley part is probably are good template to work from.
I'll be waiting for your progress.
Good luck.
#11
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
As far as the speed engineering headers fitment of the holley true dual system, I came across this thread linked below so I decided to get it. Worse case hopefully it's not too much off
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...ooker.html.com
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Way back, when putting together an 80's Monte Carlo, I used 4" steel pipe that was cut in half so as to make an arch. This made a convenient bridge between the sections of the original crossmember for the exhaust to pass under. Like a pair of eyebrows. Pictures weren't as easy to come by then as they are now but there's undoubtedly something floating around the interweb as an example. Maybe I can dig up something.
#13
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Way back, when putting together an 80's Monte Carlo, I used 4" steel pipe that was cut in half so as to make an arch. This made a convenient bridge between the sections of the original crossmember for the exhaust to pass under. Like a pair of eyebrows. Pictures weren't as easy to come by then as they are now but there's undoubtedly something floating around the interweb as an example. Maybe I can dig up something.
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
A 3" over the axle can be pretty decent if the system has a really good Y-pipe merge and a straight through muffler. I've heard Flowmaster sells a really good merge. There are one or two places that sell a 3.5" over the axle. And there is also the 4" over the axle but gosh they are loud.
I had a 6.0L 2000 Camaro with cheap Pacesetter long tube headers, patched into the teeny tiny stock exhaust, and an obnoxious Hooker muffler at the back. I'm mean we're talking cheap *** exhaust and it went 118 mph in the 1/4.
I had a 6.0L 2000 Camaro with cheap Pacesetter long tube headers, patched into the teeny tiny stock exhaust, and an obnoxious Hooker muffler at the back. I'm mean we're talking cheap *** exhaust and it went 118 mph in the 1/4.
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
Way back, when putting together an 80's Monte Carlo, I used 4" steel pipe that was cut in half so as to make an arch. This made a convenient bridge between the sections of the original crossmember for the exhaust to pass under. Like a pair of eyebrows. Pictures weren't as easy to come by then as they are now but there's undoubtedly something floating around the interweb as an example. Maybe I can dig up something.
something like this?
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Bills87IROC (10-18-2022)
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
To quote Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa, "That's a bingo!"
(Although the Monte Carlo crossmember is somewhat longer and thicker so the effect isn't so dramatic)
Nicely done by the way.
(Although the Monte Carlo crossmember is somewhat longer and thicker so the effect isn't so dramatic)
Nicely done by the way.
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Bills87IROC (10-18-2022)
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skinny z (11-03-2020)
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#20
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
I will have to look in another direction for now
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
So, where do you stand at the moment? Did you get the headers?
I've come across a 4th gen dual exhaust kit (don't recall whose and my files are in my PC). I've been told from the cats back (or thereabouts, with or without cats) it's identical to a 3rd but there again, such as is the possibility with the Speed Engineering headers, there will be some fab work to get from the collectors to whatever part of the exhaust is next.
I'll see if I can find that file and any information on how well it fits.
I've come across a 4th gen dual exhaust kit (don't recall whose and my files are in my PC). I've been told from the cats back (or thereabouts, with or without cats) it's identical to a 3rd but there again, such as is the possibility with the Speed Engineering headers, there will be some fab work to get from the collectors to whatever part of the exhaust is next.
I'll see if I can find that file and any information on how well it fits.
#22
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
So, where do you stand at the moment? Did you get the headers?
I've come across a 4th gen dual exhaust kit (don't recall whose and my files are in my PC). I've been told from the cats back (or thereabouts, with or without cats) it's identical to a 3rd but there again, such as is the possibility with the Speed Engineering headers, there will be some fab work to get from the collectors to whatever part of the exhaust is next.
I'll see if I can find that file and any information on how well it fits.
I've come across a 4th gen dual exhaust kit (don't recall whose and my files are in my PC). I've been told from the cats back (or thereabouts, with or without cats) it's identical to a 3rd but there again, such as is the possibility with the Speed Engineering headers, there will be some fab work to get from the collectors to whatever part of the exhaust is next.
I'll see if I can find that file and any information on how well it fits.
I seen that dual exhaust for 4th gen cars , but its 3"..
#23
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Re: Ls Swap single 3 inch to catback or 2 1/2 true duals
So, where do you stand at the moment? Did you get the headers?
I've come across a 4th gen dual exhaust kit (don't recall whose and my files are in my PC). I've been told from the cats back (or thereabouts, with or without cats) it's identical to a 3rd but there again, such as is the possibility with the Speed Engineering headers, there will be some fab work to get from the collectors to whatever part of the exhaust is next.
I'll see if I can find that file and any information on how well it fits.
I've come across a 4th gen dual exhaust kit (don't recall whose and my files are in my PC). I've been told from the cats back (or thereabouts, with or without cats) it's identical to a 3rd but there again, such as is the possibility with the Speed Engineering headers, there will be some fab work to get from the collectors to whatever part of the exhaust is next.
I'll see if I can find that file and any information on how well it fits.
They shipped today. Apparently, they were the last pair in stock because now they aren't available till 1/31/21 and I believe the 409 version aren't available until 11/30/20
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