custom exhaust for $750/ should I?

[onerareviper]

Go with a pre-designed system. Corsa with high flow cats would be my choice. If you decide to go the custom route, and like it loud, use a pair of bullet mufflers from Dynomax (I think). I believe this is the Bellanger setup. Some people use only 2 in the rear, others use 4 with 2 additional in the side sills.

IMHO, the Viper doesn't sound good, so to make it sound good takes a lot of experimentation, etc... Most aftermarket companies did this experimentation.

For example, it is nearly impossible to make a nice V8 sound bad. You could slap on any exhaust, and it still sounds good. Our V10 is the opposite. Only a few of the systems can make it sound good. But when it does, WOW!!!!

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

I have the Borla and really like the way it sounds!! I think that it is louder than the Corsa.....Kurt

 

[Ulysses]

If the shop has data and you like what it says, I say go for it!!!

It was not clear in your post if this is a full system (headers on down). Questions should pertain to quality, guarantee and power and torque. I would ask to see some dyno sheets. Ask if their system will require any modifications to the structure or shimming of the engine. If you want to be able to swap out to stock if need be, ask if the system is can be easily broken down and removed. Check if the stock heat shields can be used. I recall that you got rid of the 2000 and got a newer Viper. Keep in mind the OBDII problem.

 

[ruckdr]

Is it Stainless Steel ?? Is that important to you?? This actually sounds high, friends of mine had dual cat back systems fabricated, not for Viper, for about $500.00. (V8 stuff).
Do Corsa 3".
Later,

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

It doesn't sound like a bad deal to me. What do most catbacks cost, $1,500? A catback aint rocket science.

 

[ruckdr]

steelgts,
You do of course have smooth tubes and filters (Sean Roe)?
You must do this to open up the input, since you are opening up the output.
Later,

 

[Snake Bitten]

steelgts

Take a digi camera a document the occasion...I would be very interested in seeing this in progress and some final pics...is there going to be an "H" pipe involved, I would like to see where they install this in the system? Can't wait to see the before and after dyno numbers...Where are they getting the exhaust tips from?

 

[Snake Bitten]

steelgts

IMHO, probably not a good idea to dyno your new car prior to completing the break in procedure...on the dyno, you will run through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pretty easy, but in 4th, the 1:1 gear, you really have to put the hammer down and run the rpm's up to 6K...I wouldn't do it...

And I beg of you to find out where those tips are from...I am doing custom exhaust as well and cannot seem to locate tips...Corsa, Borla, B&B, all will not sell just the tips...and I don't like the Megaphones, which is the only tips I can find...

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by steelgts:

he said i should see a 50 hp increase. is this true?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well at first I thought "go for it." But if the guy is telling you 50hp increase with a catback he doesn't know what he's doing or he's a salesman.

Pass.

 

[Snake Bitten]

Jorge,

Break in procedure...

First 200 miles keep under 2.5K with light throttle run-ups
Chanage oil
400 miles under 3.5K RPM
600 miles under 4K
800 miles under 4.5K
1000 miles under 5K

Thanks in advance for the tip info!

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

Chuck,

I think the 50 HP increase is for the cat-back <u>plus</u> the belanger headers, T&D's and high-flow cats. All that should net you at least a 50 HP increase.

 

[ruckdr]

Jorge,
Go to this site and find a 2000 Viper with similar mods that you are doing, and see the Dyno pulls. WAIT for after break in.
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/mes13310/mods.htm

Since you will not have a stock reference Dyno Pull, look on the above site for "Stock" reference pulls.
50 HP increase is where - RWHP or Flywheel ??
I think 50 RWHP increase is a bit optimistic; remember a cat back system in and of itself will add very little HP, the choke point on the exhaust side are the headers and cats, which you are adding.
Later,

 

[MichaelP]

A number of people on the board seem to have strong feelings about the quality of the sound of a Viper. You see posts where people installed one exhaust and didn't like it so they had to buy another one.

You have no idea what this custom exhaust will sound like. Are you willing to take that chance?