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PROJECT
"MEAN" STREET!
We find 50 horses easy by
uncorking the T/A's stuffed-up exhaust.
By: Richard A. Lentinello Pontiac High Performance
Mag, Feb 1996 |
Now that our 84 Trans Am is running smoothly and reliably,
we will procees with the step by step installation of
several after-market componants to see just how quick we
can get the old bird to run.
To maximize the potential of all subsequent performance
parts-computer chip, intake, cam, ignition, carb, heads; we'll
start with the exhaust system. A free flowing exhaust
ensures that the T/A will achieve the maximum performance
gain from each part we bolt on, due to the engine's abilty
to exhale it's spent exhaust gasses as quickly and efficently
as possible.
To help us meet our performance goals, we enlisted the
assistance of several companies whose quality products
have become known as the industry best.
In place of Restricted stock manifolds we're installing
Headman's tubular headers. We had the headers and crossover
pipr sprayed with a silver metallic-ceramic coating by
Jet-Hot coatings to reduce underhood heat and resist rusting.
The single catalytic converter was replaced with Random
Technology's Super High Flow converter. It's large 3-ince
inlet and outlet will provide unrestricted gas flow. To
matain the gases' steady flow the cat connects to FLOWMASTER
® Force II System. The system includes fully alluminized
3-inch pipes and FLOWMASTER'S new and quieter Three Chamber
muffler. And to make sure the headers stay sealed in place
without loosening, we used Mr. Gasket's high-performance
manifold gaskets and stage 8 locking safety bolts.
While all these parts combined will provide an increase
of approximately 50 horsepower, ifthey're not installed
properly, the entire system won't perform up to it';s
designed potential. Flowmaster's resident Pontiac specialist,
Paul Carver, recommended we contact Mufflex,
an authorized flowmaster dealer and installation center,
to have the entire exhaust system installed.
Located in nearby Trenton, NJ., owner Denny Tarcza and
crew labored a full seven hours on our T/A, custom tweaking
each component to make sure it fitted perfectly in place.
And it does, with nary a rattle to be heard. The engine
is now highly responsive, reacting actively to the throttle's
every movement. And we had an increase of nearly 2 mpg!
Best of all, it sounds totally cool with just the right
tone; in fact, it's a lot quieter than we thought it would
be.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to report just how
much quicker our T/A runs down the quarter with this new
exhaust at this time.
Article written by: Richard A. Lentinello
in the February 1996
Issue of High Performace Pontiac Magizine
Page 48 All Rights Reserved
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