exhaust build review

Looking for others' input on my exhaust build:

Down Pipe: Walker 55277 $47 *********** Improvement over stock or not? or go with a custom downpipe from a shop?
2.5" Cat: Magnaflow Hi Flow $66

2.5" Muffler: Borla Pro XS $75 *********** Is this the correct model? (offset input/output etc.)
2.5" Tail Pipe: Dynomax Tail Pipe 44171 $44

Exhauster Header: I have a 1999 and would prefer to find a solution that doesn't involve grinding (some 99 owners experience with the APN header). Any input?

Also, how many O2 sensors are needed and brand = ntk? (1 upstream cat and another downstream cat?)


Bases:
1. cat is cheap and high flow, is 2.5"
2. muffler review (stangnet.com dead thread now) stated a "mild tone" yet it had the one of highest HP gains (results at end of post)


copied dead stangnet.com review

The results in HP order:
1.Flowtech Warlock (open) 374.2 hp/ 333.1 tq
2.Bassani Real Street 373.7 hp/ 333.8 tq
3.Hooker Maxflow 373.5 hp/ 333 tq
4.Borla XS 373.3 hp/ 332.6 tq
5.Magnaflow 372.8 / 332.5 tq
6.MAC 372.3 hp / 331.5 tq
7.Flowtech Afterburner 372.3 hp/ 330.1 tq
8.Hooker Aerochamber 372.1 hp/ 330.4 tq
9.Bassani 372 hp/ 333.5 tq
10.Spintech 371.6 hp/ 332.2 tq
11.Edelbrock Performer RPM 370.9 hp / 331.3 tq
12.Borla XR1 370 hp/ 334 tq
13.Flowtech Terminator 369.5 hp / 331.3 tq
14.Dynomax Ultra Flo 369.4 / 333.2 tq
15.Flowmaster 369.4 hp / 331.8 tq
16.Flowtech Warlock 366.3 hp / 325.3 tq
17.No muffs 365.2 hp / 330.1 tq

Sound Off in Quietest to Loudest (Decibels):

1.Borla XS, 80db at idle, 90db at 2,000 rpm, 110db at WOT.
2.Hooker Maxflow, 80db at idle, 90db at 2,000 rpm, 120db at WOT.
3.Magnaflow, 82db at idle, 91 at 2,000 rpm, 114db at WOT.
4.Flowmaster, 82db at idle, 93 at 2,000 rpm, 115db at WOT.
5.Flowtech Warlock, 83db at idle, 92 at 2,000 rpm, 112db at WOT.
6.Dynomax UltraFlo, 83db at idle, 94 at 2,000 rpm, 113db at WOT.
7.Borla XR1, 83db at idle, 96db at 2,000 rpm, 118db at WOT.
8.Bassani Street, 83db at idle, 96db at 2,000 rpm, 120db at WOT.
9.Edelbrock RPM, 84db at idle, 93db at 2,000 rpm, 118db at WOT.
10.Bassani Real Street, 84db at idle, 96db at 2,000 rpm, MAX. (120+db).
11.Flowtech Afterburner, 86db at idle, 94db at 2,000 rpm, 115db at WOT.
12.Flowtech Terminator, 86db at idle, 94db at 2,000 rpm, 119db at WOT.
13.Hooker Aerochamber, 87db at idle, 94db at 2,000 rpm, 114db at WOT.
14.SpinTech, 87db at idle, 97db at 2,000 rpm, 116db at WOT.
15.MAC, 87db at idle, 98db at 2,000 rpm, 119db at WOT.
16.No Muffler, 91db at idle, 103db at 2,000 rpm, MAX. (120+db).

Thanks for your time

Mirage mobile said:

Down Pipe: Walker 55277 $47 *********** Improvement over stock or not? or go with a custom downpipe from a shop?

Click to expand...

Go custom. The Walker is a kinked up pos.

Exhauster Header: I have a 1999 and would prefer to find a solution that doesn't involve grinding

Click to expand...

Grinding isn't hard nor is it major in this case. A slight dent in the pipe also won't hurt much.

Also, how many O2 sensors are needed and brand = ntk? (1 upstream cat and another downstream cat?)

Click to expand...

Correct on both counts.

What muffler A does compared to muffler B on a mustang has absolutely zero bearing on the tractor motor in your jeep....unless you swapped for a ford.

Talyn said:

Go custom. The Walker is a kinked up pos.
Grinding isn't hard nor is it major in this case. A slight dent in the pipe also won't hurt much. Correct on both counts.

Click to expand...

Thanks Talyn. I appreciate your input and previous posts on this site.

DeftwillP said:

What muffler A does compared to muffler B on a mustang has absolutely zero bearing on the tractor motor in your jeep....unless you swapped for a ford.

Click to expand...

DeftwillP, I'm not sure how you concluded that the previously mentioned fluid and thermohydraulic systems can be 100% uncorrelated. If true, many people would be interested in reading your proof.

How much are you looking to spend on your header? I have really been looking at headers lately. I have a 99 as well.

I think the best price I found on a "Name" brand was around 300 for Gibson. If you are on a budget the ATP or APN are both around 170 shipped. I just ordered the ATP yesterday from Rockauto 170 shipped. I am really not all that worried about getting every single ounce of hp out my every day driver, just looking for a decent aftermarket header that has a good warranty and will last awhile.

I do not have a crack in my existing exhaust header at this time, and am on the fence about revamping the entire exhaust system in 1 or 2 phases (everything now or just header-back now).

Gibson has nickel and SS models that can be found for ~$300 at times, which is what I am tempted to purchase. That's above my current willingness to pay but is tempting with potential APN fitment issues because I would need to perform the swap in one day as this is my DD.

Would you estimate $40-60 for the custom 2.5" downpipe?