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Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR  the exhaust consists of the headers which run down to the catalytic converter which connect to a resonator which runs back into dual mufflers. |
Sort of. There aren't "headers" so to speak, but exhaust manifolds. These connect to a down pipe (which does exactly what it applies, goes down under the car). The down pipe has the catalytic converter as a part of it. This connects to the cat-back section which has a resonator and mufflers.
This link might help you visualize the exhaust better:
http://www.naioa.com/v2/modules.php?...wtopic&t=13427 Quote:
Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR a lot of the post on here talk about downpipes but im not sure wat the real benefits of a downpipe are |
The stock downpipe is pretty constrictive since its a double walled design. A new downpipe gives you a more free flowing design and a better catalytic converter that won't eventually fail like the stock unit does.
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Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR or why there is resonator and then 2 muflers(seems like a ton of restriction to me). |
It only needs one muffler, technically. But, since there are two exhaust exits on the GP, there are two mufflers. The resonator is a pass-through design and as such does not create a restriction. Simplest way to put it is the resonator helps keep interior drone noise down, and the mufflers help keep the exterior noise down.
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Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR and there is only one catalytic converter on the 97-03 gt exhaust correct? |
Correct.
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Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR im looking to give my car some good sound,or at least something to try and compare to my 98 camaro z28.lol so what are my best options,im not looking to spend a lot of money though. |
Good luck. A V6 will never sound like a V8. Closest I ever got was when I had a horrible exhaust leak at a manifold joint:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...t=MOV02400.flv Quote:
Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR personally my best idea so far seems to be to just put an electric cutout on the exhaust piping before the catalytic converter but im not sure if its possible becuz theres not a whole lot of visible piping before the cat. |
Exhaust cut-outs can be more trouble than you think. The car is tuned for running with the cat-back, and if you suddenly open the down pipe up then the car will start to run lean as it flows more air. Lean = knock = tragic engine death.
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Originally Posted by M.$tErNeR thanks to anyone who had the patience to read all this. |
Wasn't so bad. Some more spacing and a few different paragraphs would've made for easier reading.