I'm at the stage where I need to start installing the exhaust in my Turbo Pinto (1973). I mocked up the stock exhaust (from the exhaust manifold to the CAT) and found things very tight as well as the exhaust seeming to position itself down about 1-2 inches further than needed.
For cost considerations I'd like to use the stock (1988) Turbo Coupe exhaust..., at least as much as possible. Here are some considerations:
1. I'm far from being "Green," but did consider retaining the CAT. Here in Calif. the smog cut-off year is 1975 so it is not necessary, but just a thought.
2 The 87-87 T/C's had the 'dual exhaust'. I'm not sure how that would work on the Pinto getting by the gas tank on the drivers side. My thinking is it is probably too difficult if not impossible. Again, just a thought.
3. I have an excellent condition 3-1/4" exhaust system from someone's diesel truck. I also have some three chamber Flowmasters around here. I have often heard that Turbo exhausts need to be as large as possible, but is 3-1/4" too large for a stock engine? Note that I would still likely be using the stock T/C head pipe until I get past the bellhousing and under the car.
Anyway, I have a MIG welder so piecing it together is no problem. But, I have no way of bending the pipe. I'd appreciate any input - especially giving to the consideration of cost, what I already have "in stock" and my willingness to cut and weld.
Thanks, Tom
Quote from: Wittsend on September 01, 2008, 10:50:10 AM
I'm at the stage where I need to start installing the exhaust in my Turbo Pinto (1973). I mocked up the stock exhaust (from the exhaust manifold to the CAT) and found things very tight as well as the exhaust seeming to position itself down about 1-2 inches further than needed.
For cost considerations I'd like to use the stock (1988) Turbo Coupe exhaust..., at least as much as possible. Here are some considerations:
1. I'm far from being "Green," but did consider retaining the CAT. Here in Calif. the smog cut-off year is 1975 so it is not necessary, but just a thought.
2 The 87-87 T/C's had the 'dual exhaust'. I'm not sure how that would work on the Pinto getting by the gas tank on the drivers side. My thinking is it is probably too difficult if not impossible. Again, just a thought.
3. I have an excellent condition 3-1/4" exhaust system from someone's diesel truck. I also have some three chamber Flowmasters around here. I have often heard that Turbo exhausts need to be as large as possible, but is 3-1/4" too large for a stock engine? Note that I would still likely be using the stock T/C head pipe until I get past the bellhousing and under the car.
Anyway, I have a MIG welder so piecing it together is no problem. But, I have no way of bending the pipe. I'd appreciate any input - especially giving to the consideration of cost, what I already have "in stock" and my willingness to cut and weld.
Thanks, Tom
This would be great in the FAQ thread on turbo swaps.
Bill
I have seen 3" on pintos, so you may be OK with 3.25.
As for the flowmaster, they are less than ideal for turbo cars... as they are a chambered exhaust and meant to work with exhaust pulses. Turbos prefer straight thru mufflers.
As for it being too big for the engine, the turbine makes a bit of backpressure... you really cant go too big, as long as it fits.
Jim
I am running a 3 inch from the cat back with no muffler.It has been on there for over 3 years with no tickets for excessive noise.
i ran 3.5 dumping in front of the axle with no muffler or cat, but i did add a flex pipe. i havent driven the car yet but i have heard it run. not too loud at idle but a little noisy under throttle.
i had a flow master on my car when i got it, and i hated it. i thought it sounded terrible. thats just my opinion though. i think the 2.3 sounds much better with the bigger pipes. id see what could create with that diesel exhaust.
bob
i run 4" off the turbo and it drops down to 3" and its 3 all the way back to the bumper. 3" bullet muffler on the end and a flex pipe at the bottom of the down pipe. idles fairly quiet but gets kinda loud under hard throttle. sam (aka whistler) on turboford has 3.5 from the turbo to the rear bumper.