Hey guys. I've been thinking about putting an exhaust system on my car. I don't really care about sound, I just want whatever has the best performance. My car has a 350 bored .30 over, k&n cai, and it is currently straight piped. I'm looking at three possibilities:
1. Keep it straight piped
2. Flowmaster American Thunder cat back system
3. Hooker Super Competition cat back system
Let me know which one provides the best performance and I'll go with it. Thanks!!

 

Oh and by the way. Should I put a cat back in it?

 

With performance it is all bout flow. What could be better then a straight pipe? We would need more information about your existing system but without some mods to the motor I doubt your exhaust is holding you back.

 

Ok but I've also heard a couple of bad things about straight pipes. I've heard that they don't have enough back pressure causing the fumes to escape the valves to quickly resulting in loss of power. I've also heard that straight pipes can cause you valves to cool to quickly after you shut off the engine in turn causing problems. This might be wrong but that's what I've heard

 

Just do dumps below the rear axle if you want good flow and sound.

 

The myth about back pressure is just that a myth, I have heard it 100's of time. Talk to any real engine builder and ask how much back pressure he would like. If you could make it work a vacuum cleaner to the exhaust pipe would add power.

 

Here's the story about back pressure....it's bad, end of story!
And no, straight pipes aren't going to make your valves cool down too fast and warp. Guys even run open headers at the strip and don't have issues. Open shorty exhaust manifolds or headers, a big maybe. Running with no exhaust manifolds at all, could happen, but with that I'd be more worried about the flames shooting out more than anything.

 

ok. Would dual straight pipes be better than just a single pipe? And how about headers?

 

Headers are a definite plus. Between duals and single pipe, as long as the volume of the single pipe diameter is not less than the volume of both duals, it won't really matter. But some like the sound of true duals better.

 

Bro, there are many companies that make great cat backs. Go with SLP and you will never be happier. Nouph said.