build my single exhaust

[brokebill]

And you only need an h-pipe if you're having dual exhaust installed. Helps even out the exhaust flow, helps for a few ponies. You can't install them on single exhaust, and even if you did... it would be utterly pointless.


( i think i've been swayed to the dual side)

really seems more what i'd want if i can keep it reaonable

[88Vic]

I think you should get some Mustang shorty headers, 2.25" downpipes and a Mustang H-pipe (also 2.25") with turbo mufflers. That'll flow far better then stock and sound much nicer. You can put turndowns after the mufflers or if you want to run it out the back get some Impala SS tailpipes, which may require a bit of work to fit because they're 2.5" diameter. That set up will also work for future engine upgrades.

Or, you can just get a stock H-pipe off a Vic/GM/TC with duals and gut the first set of cats and run no muffler. Won't be as good as the first option but it's still much better flowing and sounding then stock, and a bit cheaper then the first option.

[CheeseSteakJim]

Only do 2.5" if you're staying with single exhaust. A stock Panther doesn't make enough power to get any large benefit from 2.5" exhaust to begin with, and 2.5" duals on a stock lopo is just a waste of time. Getting rid of that gigantic constrictive muffler is going to help you a lot as it is.

And if you're looking for easy duals, use stock tailpipes. Sidepipes require a bit of planning and modding, and it sounds like you're trying to keep cost/effort to a minimum. These cars weren't made for sidepipes... you have to really want them in order to make it work.

[Nathan in MI]

2.25" downpipes and a Mustang H-pipe (also 2.25")

Mustang H-pipes have the downpipes built in.

[88Vic]

Mustang H-pipes have the downpipes built in.

They do? I thought only the offroad H-pipes had downpipes built in and the regular H-pipes had separate downpipes and cats.

[Nathan in MI]

[88Vic]

Oh, I never realized that was all one, I thought it was in pieces (I have seen it in pieces before, must have been a home hack job), my mistake.

[brokebill]

should probably just get rid of the catalytic converters all together . and an h pipe is worth my trouble? its function is exactly? sorry, just trying to get a real grip. thanks

[88Vic]

An H-pipe provides back pressure be evening out the exhaust from both pipes, and it also gives the exhaust a deeper rumble too. It's definetely worth it and the stock 2" H-pipe can be had for very cheap.

[CheeseSteakJim]

Oh, I never realized that was all one, I thought it was in pieces (I have seen it in pieces before, must have been a home hack job), my mistake.

It's possible you saw an H or X pipe that was meant for long-tube headers, in which case they're quite a bit shorter.

should probably just get rid of the catalytic converters all together . and an h pipe is worth my trouble? its function is exactly? sorry, just trying to get a real grip. thanks

Your car has two exhaust manifolds, one off each side of the motor. The Y-pipe is shaped like a Y and makes the two pipes merge into one. An H-pipe looks more or less like an H. It maintains the dual exhaust, with the middle part being a crossover to aid in balancing out exhaust pressure. There are also X-pipes which are more efficient than H-pipes but also more expensive. The picture 88Vic posted above is of an X-pipe. There are no X-pipes made specifically for a Panther, those would either have to be a custom job or Mustang parts.

[brokebill]

thanks for making that clear. every little bit helps Ruby go a little farther.

[87_crown_vic]

i have the same X pipe pictured above but with no cats. it will be connected to BBK shorty headers

[murphmobile2]

Glad you chose to go with duals!

You can still run 2" if you want if you're upgrading to duals. Exhaust shops can make h-pipes for about $30.

And I wouldn't remove the cats unless they're causing you problems. By keeping them on you'll be saving money for the rest of the exhaust. It will also keep it from getting too loud, if you just want a little grumble from a set of performance mufflers.

[brokebill]

unbolted the remnants of the old y pipe today.(the rest of the exhaust from there back has been gone a long time)
good pressure coming through the catalytic converters so will leave them alone for now.

my old exhaust pipe for right side is still in good shape so i just need a h pipe,
exh. pipe for left side,
2 mufflers and a couple hangers.

is this all? should i have any trouble bolting it together in the driveway?
thanks

[murphmobile2]

One thing to think on, you're going to have to fabricate a section from your original pipe up to the converters. The front half of the exhaust was intended for single, not dual. I still say just take it up to a muffler shop and save yourself the hassle. They can get everything set up in the factory spots for duals like the interceptors have. They can also build you the h-pipe. I also really like how clean it looks when a shop does it.

How's the process of deciding between a set of mufflers going?