Installation of the Tru-X...
Installation of the Tru-X system was easier as a two-man job.
The MagnaFlow Tru-X system was a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory cat pipe. In addition to the stainless steel construction, the Tru-X featured provisions for the four oxygen sensors (before and after the cats). The system bolted to the factory exhaust manifolds and even relied on the factory mounting brackets (on the tranny mount).
After the installation of the new Tru-X system, we were instructed to take the car out for a quick drive to burn off the coating applied for shipping and storage. The power gain was immediately evident from behind the wheel. We were impressed that the power seemed to be better everywhere, not just at high rpm. The Dynojet verified what our backsides were telling us, with the peak power up by 11 hp, from 199 to 210 hp. Elsewhere along the curve, the power gains were up by as much as 12-13 hp. The torque gains were equally impressive, with the peak up to 281 lb-ft from a maximum of 268 with the stock cat pipe.
Given that the factory cat pipe was the restrictive component in the exhaust system, we expected little power gain from the axle-back exhaust. Taking nothing away from the impressive MagnaFlow performance after-cat exhaust system installed on our '96 project car, the reality is that even having no system would be of little benefit at the current power level.
Here is the finished installation...
Here is the finished installation of the X-pipe on Project RSC.
That said, the reason behind the installation of a new after-cat exhaust is more than just power. While the Tru-X cat pipe offered a slight change in the exhaust note, the real change came once we installed the new MagnaFlow stainless steel after-cat. We know the flow gains offered by the MagnaFlow will come in handy once we up the power output with cams, ported heads, and a new intake, but for now we would be satisfied with an improvement in sound quality.
The new system offered stainless steel construction (to ensure a long life), ease of installation (things were well labeled and fit as promised), and a throaty (but not overly obnoxious) sound quality. The kit came complete with everything needed to perform the installation, including a pair of different exhaust-tip mounts to work with the different model years. The polished mufflers were almost too nice to install under our high-mileage machine.
Before installing the Tru-X...
Before installing the Tru-X system, the guys at MagnaFlow installed one of the forward oxygen sensors (driver side). The passenger-side sensor was left out to facilitate installation of the system. A small dab of antiseize should be applied to the threads of the sensor before installation.
The front and rear (shown)...
The front and rear (shown) oxygen sensors were installed (remember the antiseize), as was the center mounting bracket (attached to the transmission mount).
After a brief drive to burn...
After a brief drive to burn off the coating applied for storage and shipping (a power gain was immediately apparent from behind the wheel), our Stepchild was back on the MagnaFlow DynoJet chassis dyno. The old buttometer was obviously still accurate, as the DynoJet indicated a peak-to-peak power gain of 11 hp (from 199 to 210 hp).
Next on the to-do list was...
Next on the to-do list was the MagnaFlow stainless steel performance after-cat exhaust system (PN 15638). As expected, the kit came with everything needed to install the system on our '96 GT.
The kit included polished...
The kit included polished stainless mufflers that featured 2.5-inch inlets and outlets. The mufflers looked so good we almost hated subjecting them to street use.
As expected of a high-quality...
As expected of a high-quality performance exhaust system, the MagnaFlow after-cat featured mandrel-bent tubing to maximize airflow for a given pipe diameter.
We also liked the tips supplied...
We also liked the tips supplied with the MagnaFlow kit. The tips were a significant step up from the factory units without being excessive. Project RSC is all about being understated (at least until we have some firepower to back things up).
Since the kit was designed...
Since the kit was designed for more than just the '96 model year, the MagnaFlow after-cat featured two different-style mounting brackets (for the exhaust tips).
Check out how the factory...
Check out how the factory after-cat necked down before entering the muffler.