> From: James Bird <BirdJD@internetmci.com>
> To: 'Dakota List' <dakota@ait.fredonia.edu>
>
> Well I stop by the local muffler shop that might be doing the work, and he
> tells me that I am NUTS for putting a Gibson ($99) on if I am planning to
> install the DT headers and new MP chip (the year it comes out), and paying
> extra for all Mandrel bends. He said the ONLY way to go is a good
> Flowmaster. I explained that I have heard the 2 stage units and they are
> too loud for me. He tells me that Flowmaster makes a much better unit than
> the two stage and it's much quieter. He highly recommended that I let him
> install the Flowmaster of his choice ($140) and if I don't like it, he'll
> make it better until I'm happy.
>
> Now we are talking $145 for the muffler, and about $300 worth of pipe
> bending/welding, and mending. He'll be putting a 3" pipe coming from the
> Catalyst, and will re-install the O2 sensor in that 3" pipe, then running
> dual 2.5" out the passenger side.
These prices sound way high. What local shop? I've seen Dak
installations by Johny Franklin and Ram installations by both Franklin
and Valley Muffler. Valley Muffler job was way cheaper, about $50
cheaper. A RAM with a 2 chamber Flowmaster with 2.5" duals out was
only about $150 total. Franklin did do a nice job of sticking the 3"
pipe onto the back of the converter so the converter was now 3" out.
This can't be done on the Rams, so I don't know if Valley can/will do
the same on a Dakota.
Both shops ran the drivers side pipe VERY close to the spare tire.
Franklin welded on a small tab where the pipe is closest to the tire.
Since the tab is steel that is welded to the pipe and it will be as hot
as the pipe this does more damage than good. I'd definately stick with
a single 3" out, even though the uneven lengths of the duals give a
nice stereo effect from the phase differences.
> This shop is in Santa Rosa, about 1 mile from the Flowmaster headquarters.
> I guess he might know what he's doing. He even offered me to meet one of
> the guru's at Flowmaster and listen to his 318.
Let me know if this is going to happen, I'd like to be there. I have
driven a Dak with the flowmaster 2 chamber with duals out. It wasn't
tooo loud, but the sound wasn't that nice either. I'm planning on getting
a Gibson sometime this summer. I want a low rumble, not a droning sound.
Frank Ball frankb@sr.hp.com
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