Is it better to go with a flowmaster 40 and 2 1/2 inch pipe than to just put a new muffler on and go? What will I really gain for performance? What's the best size pipe to go with for a 2.3l? Should I go with single or duel exhaust?
For 2.3l single is best, Because there isn't enough power for a dual. But If you do go to a dual exhaust don't make the pipes any bigger than 2 inches.
As for the size of the pipe for a single 2 1/4 inch is best for 2.3l. Here's why 2 1/2 inch pipe is for engines that make around 200hp where as 2 1/4 inch is for engines that can make close to 150hp. If you go to big it will actually hurt your performance. What you do is measure your exhaust to see what size pipe you already have and add 1/4 inch you should get better performance. As for the muffler you can pick any one you what. Flowmaster 40 would be a great one.
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A Single system is much better and no muffler with a high flow cat. I have done a lot of testing on exhaust systems on 2.3 T engines. I run a 3" down pipe to a high flow cat. 2 1/2" from the cat to a mustang 2 1/2" tail pipe. Sounds great and is legal. Cat only systems make more ponies than no cat muffler systems.
the muffler isn't important as much the pipe diameter-like mike89 said go with 2in-any bigger you'll lose torque at the bottom end which you don't want to do-as far as mufflers go the skies the limit-i myself am going to take the cats off and go from one pipe to a "y" and split into 2 cherry bomb glasspacks-she'll purr
Removing the cat will cost you HP. The split system will cost you hp. If its turbo the smaller pipes will cost you HP. If its turbo. 3" to a 3" high flow 2 1/2 to the rear no mufflers.
cats are restrictive by nature and most of the later 2.3's have 2 of them- removing them will free up power because now the motor doesn't have to work hard to push the exhaust out and scavanging will be better-all these emission parts on motors are power robbers-blocking off the egr and removing the cats will really make a 2.3 come alive-i know i already did it-i can chirp the tires now but i have a 5 speed(jst remember 2 in pipes no bigger)
Actually the high flow 200 cell cats dont restrict. If you eliminate the cat your flow decreases. If you eliminate the EGR it limits the boost and timing events you can run. On a turbo car bigger is always better on pipes to an extent. Tom
Actually the high flow 200 cell cats dont restrict. If you eliminate the cat your flow decreases. If you eliminate the EGR it limits the boost and timing events you can run. On a turbo car bigger is always better on pipes to an extent. Tom
That's nice to know.....People.....I'm not running turbo. Just a normal 2.3l
hey there 93foxbody have you decided on what type of muffler your going to go with?
Either a Thrush Welded muffler, Glasspack or FlowMasters 40 Series. It's tough but the Thrush and Glasspack are the cheapest. I'm keeping the 2" exhaust and getting a tip welded on. Which one sounds better on the 2.3l?
Run 2 or 2.25 inch pipes... keeps the the power band low and helps with getting off the line...
If you still have the original cats on there, you may want to replace or remove them, as they do clog over time. Then it won't matter what size exhaust you have.
From what I've seen, most agree that the Flowmaster 40 produces the "best" sound. However, do some research and see what you like. Search YouTube for "2.3 Exhaust" or similar, and you'll find a few dozen clips of different setups.
My own setup is a bit oddball... I have 2.25" pipe, one stock cat, a '93 N/A exhaust manifold, and a non-stock muffler that I won't even name. It sounds great at idle, kind of like a motorcycle... but with any throttle it will turn ricers on... still working on it
Never pick an exhaust for its sound. Unless you want it to be stock. When dealing with low HP NA motors you can kill the torque curve with a poorly designed system. Choosing a system that is street lecal and emission clean is the best bet. Modern cats dont clog if yor tune and engine are in good shape. Removing a modern high flow cat does not gain you any HP. You loose HP. Running mufflers is a HP loosing deal especially on a 2.3 NA motor.
2.3l muffler system questions 
