[talentjeep]

I need to replace my catalytic converter and my muffler. So I'm thinking of changing the exhaust configuration so that it exits on the side of the Jeep, before the axle "hump" that the pipe makes.

I expect things might be a little noisier.

Would removing a few feet from the exhaust pipe help airflow?
Would eliminating the "hump" make my engine more vulnerable in water crossings?

I would also try to eliminate the flange that bolts to the transmission cross member. It's just a pain to mess with and it's gasket anytime I need to take the cross member off.

Opinions?

[talentjeep]

Anyone? Even just to tell me I'm an idiot?

[Dunc]

Fab up a 90* bend off the header and angle it up through the hood. Put a pipe on it so it vents above the roof line and you'll be good to go.

[talentjeep]

That would look pretty awesome.

And it would probably be louder than the 490 International we have at my work.

Someone else on the forums told me it would make me more vulnerable in water crossings to eliminate the "hump." I just wondered if it was true.

[Fir3Chi3f]

I wouldn't worry about water crossings and the exhaust, after all the engine is pumping air out of the pipe. The humps sole purpose in life is not to get hit by an axle.

Not that it is the most reliable of resources: Amazon.com: Monster Garage: How to Customize Damn Near Anything (9780760317488): Lee Klancher, Lee Klancher Editor: Books Explains exhaust configurations and how a shorter pipe does not help with exhaust flow.

The other stuff like- out the hood and mufflerless I'd leave up to you. I just wouldn't be able to stand a mufflerless car for very long on the highway

[talentjeep]

Originally Posted by Fir3Chi3f

The other stuff like- out the hood and mufflerless I'd leave up to you. I just wouldn't be able to stand a mufflerless car for very long on the highway

I forget that I can't sound sarcastic online. I figured he was being sarcastic too.

I agree with you on the hump thing. Without buying the book I'll just agree on the airflow thing. Maybe if I was running straight pipes then shorter would be better?

I need something that doesn't wake up the whole neighborhood when I leave at 6:00am. I am going to keep a cat and a muffler on it no matter what I do. Emissions aside I don't want my O2 sensor to start freaking out or any other weird engine problems. I wouldn't mind being a little louder though and I would still like to eliminate that annoying flange on the cross member. I hope to run by a shop on Saturday and see what they think.