Really been thinking about extrude honing

**Naaman** · 01-11-2018, 04:22 AM

So, I'm pretty happy with my car's power, but am considering "completing" the build as an NA car with a FAST 92.

The biggest reason I have yet to pull the trigger on that, though, is that my exhaust manifolds are stock.

I do not have headers primarily because up till now, I've never had the financial wherewithal to afford any. BUT..... seeing as how I have bottomed out my car a couple times (and I believe that one of those time actually cost me previous cat-back) AND I think that the car is obnoxiously loud with the hardened push rods and heads/cam (despite the Magnaflow being relatively quiet), I'm thinking that extrude honing might be the answer.

I know, I know: power per dollar and all that. But, I'm really not as concerned about the actual dyno number as much as I'm concerned about freeing up enough exaust flow to make the FAST worthwhile.

One of the things I would hope to achieve is a balanced power band: I know intake manifolds often push the performance higher into the rev range at the expense of low end torque. Having looked at a few dynos of the FAST 92, it seems to gain power up top without losing anything down low. Can anyone here confirm?

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-11-2018, 06:19 AM

The FAST 92 is a pretty good product. While shopping for parts on my 403 I came across several articles that basically the point was their 102's work better are for bigger ci builds or high nitrous shots on stock LS1 blocks, both need more air flow and volume over a stock block and ci. The 92 was designed for that and from the testing in the articles that on a 383ci stroker you would need a 92 minimal to get any benefits.

Regarding the torque band there are several factors that effect where it comes in and flattens out. Cam profile, heads, timing as well as intake and exhaust all effect it. I would say go for the 92 if you can get it for a good price otherwise the LS6 is still a reasonable option for your build.

**Naaman** · 01-11-2018, 11:44 AM

Yeah, I have the LS6 on there now. The FAST is for down the road when I resume putting money into the car's performance again (right now, just want to work on making it more pleasurable to cruise in... mostly with some DIY home projects. Also working on some other projects for the time being). But when I get back around to the next phase on the car, I don't want to spend ~$1500 on induction parts and then have them yield no gains because the exhaust is holding it back. But, I also don't want to be scraping on the ground or rumbling super loud. If extrude honing turns out not to work for the FAST, I might just stop with the build altogether (that's how much I don't want the extra noise and lower clearance).

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-11-2018, 12:11 PM

I'm low to the ground (less than a soda can in a couple of spots) and have LT headers. Only issues I have are speed bumps when they are higher then normal. I was able to tweak my ORY and the rest of my exhaust to have it tight to the body but not slap it too. I also once it got into an all around clearance I weld the ORY up instead of using the band clamps. When the time comes to replace my LT's due to age I'll have the V band clamps installed.

If you're looking for a cruiser I would honestly stick with stock manifolds. Mid Length headers aren't worth it and Short Run headers are mostly for turbo builds. A good Magnaflow muffler will give you the sound and flow I think you're looking for. LT's are more for performance builds and or wanting to be loud as F#@k doing so

You may need to check on your states regs on LT headers. Most states have restrictions on them. AL is still for now one of the "Free States".

SLP Loud Mouth and Rustmasters (Flowmaster) have very high Rasp IMHO. Magnaflow has the rumble. There are a couple of mufflers on Ebay that a few of my friends like but I'd have to ask.

**Naaman** · 01-11-2018, 11:38 PM

Yeah, I have a Magnaflow right now. It's 3" after the cats. What I'm concerned with is the noise under the hood, as opposed to the noise at the exhaust. The muffler does a good job taming it down.

AZ doesn't have strict emissions laws. They just hook up to the computer and check for codes.

I know lots of folks run headers with no issues. My problem is those rare, once-every-couple-years situations where something stupid happens. I just don't want the headache or the worry of it, and I'm thinking that extrude honing might be the alternative I'm looking for.