Added this summary up top for those that are curious, but would like to save the time of a massive read... lol
The question is BELOW the summary!
I have decided to run OEM Platinum NGK's (the OEM just means... TSRM specified) as I am not upgrading high enough to warrant fudging with Iridiums or lower temp cores.
Also, I am going with a 3" catback exhaust (will post pics when it arrives), test-pipe or magna cat to replace the stock catalytic converter (will decide at time of purchase and add pics when it arrives as well), and a 3" downpipe with integrated wastegate (again... will decide yada yada.. ).
The last part of the discussion (around page 10...) goes into dealing with the valve cover gaskes and spark plug galley cover.
There... that will save you time if your just curious...
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ORIGINAL QUESTION!
Hopefully this will come out as an intelligent post from somebody that is confused... lol. Or.. in otherwords.. some of this may come across as "stupid questions". Please be patient with me as I learn.
I have 2 questions, and after reading a whole lot over the past 2 months, I can't make a final decision on direction to go. The first area i am attacking on my 88 7MGTE is the hoses (all vacuum hoses are being replaced). Thats a simple no-brainer... My second area is the exhaust system and thats where I am stuck.
What I want to do with my car is get it to 300HP+. I dont see the need for 400 HP+ as it is my daily driver, but I do want the engine to run flawless as possible and last as long as possible with proper maintenance. (just to give you a bit of background)
I have read and researched a lot of exhaust systems, but have gotten to the point that i have too much info and not enough practical knowledge (ie. what works best) so I cant decide on which way to go. Utilizing the Stock CT26 turbo, I was wanting to go to 3" exhaust. So, I need to be corrected or verified on my assumptions...
1. I have been told that if I go 3" on a stock 7MGTE, I may end up losing low end torque as the turbo needs a little backpressure to spool up. Not sure if this is true.
2. I want to get a 3" catback exhaust, but dont know if I need the cat still when I live in Canada. I dont think its the law that I need it, but am more concerned that if I remove it, I will be screwing up the info the ECU gets somehow. I assume the 3" catback exhaust comes with the muffler, but am not certain. Does anyone here recommend a certain brand or set-up? I am aware that catback means.. "from the catalytic converter - back" but have mixed info on removing the cat infront of this. (mine is fine.. I could just leave it as long as its not going to cause a performance issue)
3. I think I need to upgrade my elbow/downpipe. I have seen a couple solutions to this (as the stock one apparently has a design flaw that builds up pressure) but can't decide on what would be the best "bang for the buck" solution. Hoping someone who is happy with theirs could share what they put on to help.
4. Do I need to get a downpipe if I keep the turbo stock?
5. Do I need to get a tuned header/exhaust manifold? Without upgrading/modifying my turbo, I am assuming that the stock manifold is fine.
I just want to do the whole exhaust system (from the block to the rear bumper) properly the first time and hope somebody can point me right so I dont end up doing this improperly.
The second question was regarding platinum spark plugs. I was talking to a mechanic last night regarding upgrading my plugs and stated I was going double plat. He told me on a turbo that that would be a mistake as they will melt slightly at high temp (run too hot) and cause other issues. (First I have heard of this...)
Therefore, he recommends I go with irridiums. They are a bit more expensive but if they are the best, then thats what I will go with. Any thoughts?
Thanks all for reading, hope I didnt ask this wrong.
The question is BELOW the summary!
I have decided to run OEM Platinum NGK's (the OEM just means... TSRM specified) as I am not upgrading high enough to warrant fudging with Iridiums or lower temp cores.
Also, I am going with a 3" catback exhaust (will post pics when it arrives), test-pipe or magna cat to replace the stock catalytic converter (will decide at time of purchase and add pics when it arrives as well), and a 3" downpipe with integrated wastegate (again... will decide yada yada.. ).
The last part of the discussion (around page 10...) goes into dealing with the valve cover gaskes and spark plug galley cover.
There... that will save you time if your just curious...
--------------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL QUESTION!
Hopefully this will come out as an intelligent post from somebody that is confused... lol. Or.. in otherwords.. some of this may come across as "stupid questions". Please be patient with me as I learn.
I have 2 questions, and after reading a whole lot over the past 2 months, I can't make a final decision on direction to go. The first area i am attacking on my 88 7MGTE is the hoses (all vacuum hoses are being replaced). Thats a simple no-brainer... My second area is the exhaust system and thats where I am stuck.
What I want to do with my car is get it to 300HP+. I dont see the need for 400 HP+ as it is my daily driver, but I do want the engine to run flawless as possible and last as long as possible with proper maintenance. (just to give you a bit of background)
I have read and researched a lot of exhaust systems, but have gotten to the point that i have too much info and not enough practical knowledge (ie. what works best) so I cant decide on which way to go. Utilizing the Stock CT26 turbo, I was wanting to go to 3" exhaust. So, I need to be corrected or verified on my assumptions...
1. I have been told that if I go 3" on a stock 7MGTE, I may end up losing low end torque as the turbo needs a little backpressure to spool up. Not sure if this is true.
2. I want to get a 3" catback exhaust, but dont know if I need the cat still when I live in Canada. I dont think its the law that I need it, but am more concerned that if I remove it, I will be screwing up the info the ECU gets somehow. I assume the 3" catback exhaust comes with the muffler, but am not certain. Does anyone here recommend a certain brand or set-up? I am aware that catback means.. "from the catalytic converter - back" but have mixed info on removing the cat infront of this. (mine is fine.. I could just leave it as long as its not going to cause a performance issue)
3. I think I need to upgrade my elbow/downpipe. I have seen a couple solutions to this (as the stock one apparently has a design flaw that builds up pressure) but can't decide on what would be the best "bang for the buck" solution. Hoping someone who is happy with theirs could share what they put on to help.
4. Do I need to get a downpipe if I keep the turbo stock?
5. Do I need to get a tuned header/exhaust manifold? Without upgrading/modifying my turbo, I am assuming that the stock manifold is fine.
I just want to do the whole exhaust system (from the block to the rear bumper) properly the first time and hope somebody can point me right so I dont end up doing this improperly.
The second question was regarding platinum spark plugs. I was talking to a mechanic last night regarding upgrading my plugs and stated I was going double plat. He told me on a turbo that that would be a mistake as they will melt slightly at high temp (run too hot) and cause other issues. (First I have heard of this...)
Therefore, he recommends I go with irridiums. They are a bit more expensive but if they are the best, then thats what I will go with. Any thoughts?
Thanks all for reading, hope I didnt ask this wrong.
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