cheste1
Member
Lack of bolt-ons for FX50 = custom work req'd
After much thought, I have decided that I'm better off doing something right the first time after spending way too many hours/money on vehicles in the past and implementing half-assed solutions. So, after trying to go the muffler delete route with custom mandrel bent 2.25" pipes and getting the pricing (~$5-600 est. w/ SS pipes, tips, & labor), I decided against it just for the mere 'sound'. Instead, I have been investigating a true custom performance dual exhaust for the 50 and have come up with some ideas.
I am confident that 2.5" SS tubing with a crossover pipe would work well over the standard 2.25" for a custom cat-back exhaust implementation on the FX50 since that appears to be the way the v6 FXs aftermarket bolt-ons are crafted. But I think that a 2.75" may perform better on the 50 if I can open her up from the headers back. However, this means the removal of the stock cats, replacing those with hi-flo cats with an override for the emission alerts, new custom headers/collectors, and the likely need to port/polish cylinder head exhaust ports. Easier said than done, right? To my knowledge, there isn't an override capability for these cats as of yet. - Problem #1
Going the route of just a 2.5" dual cat-back without this work ahead of the cats means that I'm 'stuck' with that 2.5" tubing and a potential lower performance (estimated at 15hp and 20tq gains with the 2.5" cat-back system), especially if I want to go bigger with engine upgrades down the road. Going the alternative route with 2.75" tubing is going to certainly cost more, but I'll only have to do the exhaust stream 1x. Not to mention that the naturally aspirated vehicle performance should be better than a cat-back, assuming the back pressure sizing difference does not shift the torque curve too far.
So, I contacted a local custom fabrication shop that does mandrel work and discussed my options. I have a meeting with them next week to see if this is all doable and to get estimates on performance gains (or losses) and costs. It's good to know that they have done work on an FX before, albeit the v6 FX35 cat-back (couldn't tell what gen this is from the underside). http://mandrelbend.com/mandrelbend.com/gallery.asp?ContentId=151 Is this the car of anybody here?
I think the biggest challenge will be the cats and my warranty concerns for potentially having to port/polish - Problem #2. Thoughts? Am I trying to embark into territory that's just not practical at this point in time with the 2.75" pipe route? Should I just settle for the 1st alternative cat-back custom exhaust and call it a day? Maybe I could sell that cat-back if I ever wanted to go to the alternative 2.75" route down the road to try and recoup some of the costs. Suggestions anyone? Is there anything else I have not considered that perhaps I should before I go meet with these guys?
After much thought, I have decided that I'm better off doing something right the first time after spending way too many hours/money on vehicles in the past and implementing half-assed solutions. So, after trying to go the muffler delete route with custom mandrel bent 2.25" pipes and getting the pricing (~$5-600 est. w/ SS pipes, tips, & labor), I decided against it just for the mere 'sound'. Instead, I have been investigating a true custom performance dual exhaust for the 50 and have come up with some ideas.
I am confident that 2.5" SS tubing with a crossover pipe would work well over the standard 2.25" for a custom cat-back exhaust implementation on the FX50 since that appears to be the way the v6 FXs aftermarket bolt-ons are crafted. But I think that a 2.75" may perform better on the 50 if I can open her up from the headers back. However, this means the removal of the stock cats, replacing those with hi-flo cats with an override for the emission alerts, new custom headers/collectors, and the likely need to port/polish cylinder head exhaust ports. Easier said than done, right? To my knowledge, there isn't an override capability for these cats as of yet. - Problem #1
Going the route of just a 2.5" dual cat-back without this work ahead of the cats means that I'm 'stuck' with that 2.5" tubing and a potential lower performance (estimated at 15hp and 20tq gains with the 2.5" cat-back system), especially if I want to go bigger with engine upgrades down the road. Going the alternative route with 2.75" tubing is going to certainly cost more, but I'll only have to do the exhaust stream 1x. Not to mention that the naturally aspirated vehicle performance should be better than a cat-back, assuming the back pressure sizing difference does not shift the torque curve too far.
So, I contacted a local custom fabrication shop that does mandrel work and discussed my options. I have a meeting with them next week to see if this is all doable and to get estimates on performance gains (or losses) and costs. It's good to know that they have done work on an FX before, albeit the v6 FX35 cat-back (couldn't tell what gen this is from the underside). http://mandrelbend.com/mandrelbend.com/gallery.asp?ContentId=151 Is this the car of anybody here?
I think the biggest challenge will be the cats and my warranty concerns for potentially having to port/polish - Problem #2. Thoughts? Am I trying to embark into territory that's just not practical at this point in time with the 2.75" pipe route? Should I just settle for the 1st alternative cat-back custom exhaust and call it a day? Maybe I could sell that cat-back if I ever wanted to go to the alternative 2.75" route down the road to try and recoup some of the costs. Suggestions anyone? Is there anything else I have not considered that perhaps I should before I go meet with these guys?
