Wedge TR8 Headers/Exhaust

[chrisc]

So, I've finally assembled the components to take my current headers and exhaust off my car (the exhaust is on its last-legs).

I will be running the Tri-Y TR8 headers back to new intermediate mufflers back to over the axle pipes. I don't intend to put new rear mufflers on.

Question, anyone have a similar set-up? Am I heading down the path of annoying my neighbors too much?

Current set-up is factory manifolds with straight pipes (no balance pipe) over the axle to rear mufflers. Even with just the rear mufflers on, the car is a little too subtle to my ears.

The tubular header will certainly enhance the sound quality, wonder if the muffler trade-off is a wash? I probably will gain some benefit (not necessarily an aural benefit) from the intermediate muffler/balance pipe that is automatically built-in.

Any other known "gotchas" or issues with installation or my plan I need to be aware of?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, Chris -

I have headers with glasspacks mounted midship on mine, and small reverse-flow resonators in the rear. It has a very nice sound - quiet, but aggressive, if that makes sense.

Mickey

 

[DNK]

Would think a crossover of some kind is needed.I'm probably going to have mine custom made locally next month.

 

[JFS]

I have the ss headers and "loud" system from Rimmer Bros. It has an H pipe a bit behind the collectors and only a pair of small resonators behind the rear axel. It's gotten a bit louder over the last couple of years, but seems to be acceptable (I like it) unless I "get on it" (then I really like it). It has a very nice rumble at idle with my mild cam. I live in the city and have received no complaints or tickets so far -- but a lot of people have admired the sound.

 

[chrisc]

Thanks for the input and descriptions of your systems so far. I may have to modify my approach some to achieve what I'm after, which more of the pure V8 rumble that I'm sure is there just needs to be unleashed. Don't want to be obnoxious, just less mellow....

 

[PATR8]

I have the exact set as Mickey and like the sound and simplicity of the exhaust

 

[DNK]

What are reverse flow mufflers.
Do you mount them backwards? :thumbsup:

 

[amcboy]

they only work when the car is in reverse...


I'd recommend the H-pipe highly.

 

[chrisc]

I'm with you Don....what's reverse flow? Who makes it, size, etc..a quick perusal through the JEGS catalog did not reveal anything so described. I see resonator tips, but no reverse flow resonators...

Chris

 

[DNK]

While we're at it. When my exhaust is built I am contemplating switching from the round exhaust tips to a more oval shape. Has anybody seen this done on the *8. What's everybody's thoughts on my idea?

 

[vagt6]

Hey, guys, I recall the original equipment TR-8s are very quiet. I've seen/heard concours TR-8s and it's amazing how quiet the engine is.

Is the OEM exhaust system relatively restrictive? Not good for modified engines?

Just wondering. There could be a TR-8 in my future, I'm trying to learn more.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I'm with you Don....what's reverse flow? Who makes it, size, etc..a quick perusal through the JEGS catalog did not reveal anything so described. I see resonator tips, but no reverse flow resonators...

Chris

Hi, Chris -

There are two basic forms of mufflers - Straight-through and reverse flow. Straight-through mufflers reduce back pressure effectively, but are louder. Reverse flow (and the "Turbo" design) mufflers take the flow of exhaust through chambers in order to silence the exaust.

Better definition here:

https://books.google.com/books?id=D...lDES4zN&sig=MrbQgArFNgXnKpe94hlm0JLlKTU&hl=en

What I did was go with straight-through glasspacks mounted under the cabin, and with the proper crossover to help equalize the flow, and small turbo mufflers at the rear. It has a very nice, mellow sound while driving around town, and is very quiet on the road, until you really put your foot in it!

Hope this helps.

Mickey

 

[Mickey Richaud]

While we're at it. When my exhaust is built I am contemplating switching from the round exhaust tips to a more oval shape. Has anybody seen this done on the *8. What's everybody's thoughts on my idea?

Hey, Don -

I've seen one TR8 with the oval tips. Looked pretty good. I've also seen the double, slanted tips on each side. A little overdone for my taste, unless the outlets aren't too large. It's all in what speaks to you.

Mickey

 

[swift6]

Hey, guys, I recall the original equipment TR-8s are very quiet. I've seen/heard concours TR-8s and it's amazing how quiet the engine is.

Is the OEM exhaust system relatively restrictive? Not good for modified engines?

Just wondering. There could be a TR-8 in my future, I'm trying to learn more.

Thanks for the input!

They are pretty quiet in stock form. Fairly restrictive too. Considering engines tend to be glorified air pumps the stock TR8 is pretty restricted on both sides of the engine.

TR8's are pretty fun. Coupe's especially but I could be biased. :wink:

 

[DNK]

Convertibles Rule :thumbsup:

 

[chrisc]

You can definitely get just about any tip shape you want with the exhaust finishers/extensions. There are some very nice options on JEGS or Summitt -- price runs the gamut also.

Chris

 

[chrisc]

Mark, in terms of the quietness of stock TR8's, my experience is based on the two I've owned; one completely stock on the intake and exhaust (very quiet). and my current car that now has a Holley conversion and just one set of stock mufflers (rear) a notch higher on the mellow scale, but still quiet. I started the thread to see what others are doing or have done to put a little noise in their drive! As Shawn said, they are pretty sedate and restrictive in stock form. But there is a wide potential for mod's/enhancements. If you get one, you'll be hooked like the rest of us!

At the other extreme of how good a TR8 can really sound -- check out Woody's bad 8. You can find it on youtube. Incredible. Of course he's got a few more mods in the engine than most of us have also!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWui6STT0tY

Mickey, thanks for the explanation. Sounds similar in concept to the resonated tips that I've seen. Where did you source your turbo mufflers from?

Might also be interesting if anyone else has sound files or sound/video of what they have modified to "hear" the end result. There are some other good examples on youtube, but must be a whole lot more out there.

Chris

 

[swift6]

When I replaced my stock mufflers (they were falling apart) I just went to a local shop and we installed four small glasspacks to replace the original mufflers and resonators. Barely increased the sound. Planning something different when I add headers but for now its okay, not great but okay. The FHC blocks a lot of the noise anyway.

I've seen a couple of YouTube videos where you can hear some exhaust set ups pretty well. Including the Rimmer "Performance Loud" vs "Performance Quiet" systems. The 'quiet' still had a pretty throaty sound to it.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Mickey, thanks for the explanation. Sounds similar in concept to the resonated tips that I've seen. Where did you source your turbo mufflers from?
Chris

Chris -

The mufflers were in stock at a local muffler shop. Nothing special, really. The trick is to find some that are small enough to fit. I'll try to get some measurements for you later.

Mickey

 

[chrisc]

Simple, maybe obvious question...

Each exhaust port has an individual gasket, is it necessary or advisable to put any gasket seal on either side of the gasket when putting the header on? In other words will the gasket seal sufficiently on its own?

Thanks,
Chris