[wvstar]

Will be taking ownership of an '01 GT around the end of the week.

The car has a BBK 2-1/2" X pipe (offroad version w/o converters) installed with stock headers. As I will have a difficult time getting the car inspected in WV w/o converters, I'm looking into replacing the current X pipe with either a BBK 2-1/2" X or H pipe WITH the hi flow converters.

Does anyone know if such a swap will be just a simple bolt off - bolt on effort or will other mods be required? The car comes with a Diablo computer programmer so I'm sure the rear O2 sensors have been turned off. Can anyone tell me if the computer will need any changes once a pipe with converters is installed? I would think with the O2 sensors left turned off...it might be okay (but what do I know - rookie here).

The car also has Cobra R 17x10" (according to current owner) wheels. It has 245/45zr17 tires on it now..but they are needing replaced. Is this a good size tire to stay with or can / should I bump it up some? If so...to what size?

The wheels are the polished variety. I really prefer the grey classic crager-style wheels better. Anyone know what a set of 4 would typically cost?

Any info anyone can share will be most appreciated.

Looking forward to getting this baby home in my garage!

Ron

[braupe]

If you have 17x10" wheels I would go with at least a 275/40/17 tire, that should help keep all four corners planted to the pavement. Next, the wheels you are thinking of are the bullits. they look great I think, and so do the cobra r's. I have bullits so if you are intrested in a trade let me know. And 3rd, I dont know how mechanically inclined you are, but if you have the basic skills you should be able to do the swap your self. With that in mind, I tried it my self, but the factory nuts and bolts had been in place for over 80,000 miles and were so stiff that I broke several wrenches, and extensions. And still broke a stud off in the header. And if you have the tuner go a head and turn the o2's on as long as you have cats, I imagine it would run alittle better.

I hope this helps, and welcome to AFM.

[carguy1985]

xpipe will bolt off very easy its 2 bolts preside up at the motor(4 total) and 4 where the xpipe ends and meets the catback...... along with that you will need to swap over the 02 sensors but thats cake.


as for the wheels on a 17x10.5 a 275/40 will work but possibly not use all contact patch, 315/35 is whats recommended.

[wvstar]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like she may be shoed a little small as is.

I'm hoping to be able to get the state inspection sticker w/o having to touch the exhaust...but it's getting harder all the time to find a shop willing to do it. I will most likely pick up the pipe w/converters to have just in case...even if I do manage to squeeze by this year.

I wouldn't think with the straight flow cats performance nor sound should be sacrificed too much.

I'll keep you in mind on the bullits - shipping would eat us alive - TX to WV. I'll probably run the Cobra Rs for now - my son thinks I'm stupid for not wanting to keep them anyway. He's almost 18 and drives a totally tricked-out '97 Z24 Cavalier. So the Ford vs Chevy battle begins at our house! LOL

Ron

[wvstar]

Sounds easy enough. I just need to make sure I order the correct pipe. I found the BBK X pipe (with converters) at LMPerformance website for around $329 shipped - sound reasonable?

As for tires...looks like I'm going to have to do some shopping and comparing to figure out what I want. Thanks for your input.

Ron

[mmelton]

Originally Posted by wvstar

Sounds easy enough. I just need to make sure I order the correct pipe. I found the BBK X pipe (with converters) at LMPerformance website for around $329 shipped - sound reasonable?

As for tires...looks like I'm going to have to do some shopping and comparing to figure out what I want. Thanks for your input.

Ron

I would check out prices for tires a The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels they usually have good price for several types of tires and wheels with shipping.

[mmelton]

Originally Posted by wvstar

Sounds easy enough. I just need to make sure I order the correct pipe. I found the BBK X pipe (with converters) at LMPerformance website for around $329 shipped - sound reasonable?

As for tires...looks like I'm going to have to do some shopping and comparing to figure out what I want. Thanks for your input.

Ron

As for tire prices i would check The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels they have good prices on tires and wheels with shipping.

[FunkyBoss]

$329 shipped is pretty good, but I'd go with another brand like Magnaflow or Bassani, or maybe find a used one, they are all over the forums. The cats will effect sound and will be a bit quiter, but in my opinion sound better. No need to turn the rear O2's on.

As for tires, don't put 275's on the front or you'll find your car pulling in every rut in the road. My car has 255/45's in the front and pulls all over the place.

[wvstar]

I've checked them out and agree they do have great prices. We bought the tires for my son's car there...General Exclaim UHPs.

A good friend of mine manages a tire shop here in P-burg and I can usually get pretty decent prices thru him. I just priced some Riken 275x40x17s there @ $116. On the net I saw them for $130.

[wvstar]

Wouldn't think width of tire would have anything to do with the car wanting to follow ruts/groves...unless they're improperly inflated or pretty worn...or maybe the shocks/struts.

[wvstar]

What's the major difference between an "X" pipe and an "H" pipe? One louder / better performance/less restriction? Appearance wise...the BBKs look a little different but I don't really understand what they do differently. Any input helpful on my decision before I order one or the other.

I love the way the car sounds with the offroad X on it...but am sure will not pass state inspection.

Who knows which sounds better: H w/cats or X w/cats?

[braupe]

See this thread, it will answer your question.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...offroad-h.html

Good luck.

[carguy1985]

99-04 Mustang Exhaust at AmericanMuscle - Free Shipping


affordable xpipes here... free shipping too

type it "mustangboards" in the coupon code box to get extra 6% off

[wvstar]

Braupe,
Sounds like a lot of different opinions. That's kinda like asking which pipe sounds better on the Roadstar motorcycle forum! Everybody has their preferences.

I guess w/o hearing them for myself...I'll just need to take a stab in the dark, make a pic, and hope for the best!

[wvstar]

Carguy,
Thanks for that URL to the website. Looks like they do have some decent prices (especially with the free ship & 6% off). Fantastic!

I was thinking about the BBK 2.5" shorty-H pipe w/cats...but the car is still running stock headers. I'm wondering if I need something more like the Mac Catted H pipe - looks like it is longer and would reach up to the stock headers. Or are there down pipes from the stock headers that allow you to bolt up the shorty-version H / X pipes?

Darn! Wish the heck I had the car already. Hard to tell what I need when I can't even go out and look to see what it's got. I looked at the exhaust under the car when I checked it out and remembered seeing no cats. The owner says it has the BBK 2.5 X pipe. Would that be the shorty?...Think I'm going to have to wait until I get her in my garage to order.

And on that note (another stupid opinion ? here)...is one of the Mac / BBK / Bassani /magnaflow brands better quality / sound than the others? Want to do this right the FIRST time hopefully.

Thanks!