Posted: Nov 09 2005 at 1:57pm | IP Logged

Sorry, I did leave out a few details.

I drive a 2000 CC 3.3L V6.

My Mods:

Bomz racing cold air intake.  Autoextreme TB Spacer.  Custom dual exhaust (no muffler).  And a simple Toneau cover.

I purchased my TB Spacer off Ebay.  There is a company there (Autoextreme) that makes them for many autos.  Just search for throttle body spacer on ebay, he has several and the only other one I have found for frontys besides the Airaid.  What year is yours and I'll post a link to one for ya.

Yes, with the few mods that I have made, I have notice an increase in HP and Torq.  Like I mentioned, I have kept up with a few Mustangs in my day, except for that darn limiter, governor, whatever you want to call it.

As far as my gas mileage, I have kept up with it since Sept. 2nd.  And I have adveraged between 24-33mpg City.  I AM NOT COMPLAINING!   Of course that depends on how I am driving as well.  I have had to change my lead foot for a feather weight.

I don't know if it makes a difference or not but I have also changed out the factory radiator for an aftermarket.  Nothing special, I purchaced it from O'Riley.

Posted: Nov 21 2005 at 5:55pm | IP Logged

I'd say either 2 1/4", or 2 1/2" 

To be quite honest, a cat back isn't worth the money.  A shop can do a custom job that costs HALF the money, and still flows just as well.  Plus you have more options.  While a cat-back kit gives you the pipes, muffler, and tip, you're restricted to just that.

With a custom setup, you choose the pipe size, the muffler you want, and the tips you want... plus where you want them to exit.

Posted: Nov 22 2005 at 10:15pm | IP Logged

Actually, "to be quite honest," in my opinion, a cat back system IS worth the money.  From what I've seen, a cat back system like Gibson's can be purchased and installed for half of what a custom exhaust system costs.  I'm not sure what math skills are used to determine otherwise, but I've seen posted on this particular forum that $400-500.00 has been spent for a reasonable custom exhaust system by some.  I spent $279.00 for my Gibson system thru Summit Racing - with free shipping.  If a custom system could be installed for half of this cost, that would put the price of a custom system around... what..? $140.00?  Anyone know of a shop that would install a worthwhile system for that? I sure don't! 

It may be true that going into your local good ole boy muffler shop opens up many choices and options, but my choice is to trust professionals who scientifically research and dyno test systems that work well together rather than letting young little Billy Bob at the local shop piece together what he thinks sounds and looks purty good.  The Gibson uses 2 1/2" aluminized or stainless steel pipe (your choice!) throughout, along with a low restriction muffler (again, your choice of aluminized or stainless steel  ) that has been matched to your specific engine by people with a bit more knowledge than what I've seen in most muffler shops.  The chrome tip that comes with it isn't half bad looking either.

As for the cat-back system not being worth the money; After installing my system - by myself in my driveway as opposed to paying some muffler shop their high hourly rates - I immediately noticed an increase in power, a cool deep rumbling sound from the tailpipe (not droning in the cab as another person has noted), and a slight increase in fuel mileage.  That's gotta be worth something, huh?  It may be true that these pricey custom systems may put out slightly more power when done by knowledgable individuals, but how many of us bought our Frontiers for their blistering acceleration anyway? I, like many of you enjoy tinkering with my vehicles to make them run better, stronger, more efficiently, but if blistering speed is what you're looking for, I hate to tell you, but you're in the wrong vehicle! 

My Frontier is an 03 supercharged crew cab that gets driven 1000 work related miles per week; mostly highway.  Other than the Gibson system and a K&N filter, my motor is completely stock.  Also contrary to what has been said by one individual, my factory supercharger doesn't suck, it blows. Isn't that what a supercharger does?  Seriously though, my Frontier has run over 62000 flawless miles in less than two years now.  Even though I've owned plenty of vehicles that would leave it in the dust, it has plenty of power to get me around slower drivers on the highway quickly enough.  The only drawback I see to my Frontier is having to run expensive premium fuel and getting no better that 16-17 mpg.  What's the record the rest of you have had to pay for fuel so far?  I may be fortunate in saying that the highest I've had to pay for premium here in New Mexico has been $3.40 per gallon.

Best wishes and no hard feelings. Just thought I'd share my own experiences.

Brad Martin

Phillippians 4:8

Posted: Nov 23 2005 at 2:08pm | IP Logged

The deals are out there, you just have to find them.  And luckily for the market, the prices for Cat-Back kits have come WAY DOWN.  Think back about a year and half ago.  That Gibson kit would have cost $500+.  Even now some companies are still raping people.  That's where getting a custom exhaust done cost half as much. 

Fastang wrote: but my choice is to trust professionals who scientifically research and dyno test systems that work well together rather than letting young little Billy Bob at the local shop piece together what he thinks sounds and looks purty good.  The Gibson uses 2 1/2" aluminized or stainless steel pipe (your choice!) throughout, along with a low restriction muffler (again, your choice of aluminized or stainless steel  ) that has been matched to your specific engine by people with a bit more knowledge than what I've seen in most muffler shops.  The chrome tip that comes with it isn't half bad looking either.

You ever take a companies exhaust and place it next to OEM?  Same path pattern, just bigger piping and less restrictive muffler.  Wow... a lot of R&D there.  Some try arguing that the Mandrel bent piping is why it is so much and worth it.  If you take motors like ours that don't put out 500 + HP... regular pressure bending works just as well.

Fastang wrote: As for the cat-back system not being worth the money; After installing my system - by myself in my driveway as opposed to paying some muffler shop their high hourly rates - I immediately noticed an increase in power, a cool deep rumbling sound from the tailpipe (not droning in the cab as another person has noted), and a slight increase in fuel mileage.  That's gotta be worth something, huh?  It may be true that these pricey custom systems may put out slightly more power when done by knowledgable individuals, but how many of us bought our Frontiers for their blistering acceleration anyway? I, like many of you enjoy tinkering with my vehicles to make them run better, stronger, more efficiently, but if blistering speed is what you're looking for, I hate to tell you, but you're in the wrong vehicle!  My Frontier is an 03 supercharged crew cab that gets driven 1000 work related miles per week; mostly highway.  Other than the Gibson system and a K&N filter, my motor is completely stock.  Also contrary to what has been said by one individual, my factory supercharger doesn't suck, it blows. Isn't that what a supercharger does?  Seriously though, my Frontier has run over 62000 flawless miles in less than two years now.  Even though I've owned plenty of vehicles that would leave it in the dust, it has plenty of power to get me around slower drivers on the highway quickly enough.  The only drawback I see to my Frontier is having to run expensive premium fuel and getting no better that 16-17 mpg.  What's the record the rest of you have had to pay for fuel so far?  I may be fortunate in saying that the highest I've had to pay for premium here in New Mexico has been $3.40 per gallon. Best wishes and no hard feelings. Just thought I'd share my own experiences. Brad Martin Phillippians 4:8

 
My 02 2wd Frontier with the KA24DE motor has beaten both the N/A and Supercharged models around here.  That is both in take off, and Top end speed.  All I had was a K&N filter, slight intake mod, and a Ravin muffler.    The fastest my truck has ever gone is 115 MPH... for a almost 4000 lb truck that's fast.  But you're right, I didn't buy it for the speed, that's why I have my project car in the garage.

I've driven the both the Supercharged edition, and N/A, and the N/A has better throttle response, and top end.  Plus the price quote for insurance I got between the 2 was about $200 less for the N/A edition.

Posted: Nov 23 2005 at 3:46pm | IP Logged

FrontyFan,

To be honest, I'm a little astounded myself.  But the numbers don't lie.  Now for the past 2 -3 weeks I have been adveraging about 20-24mpg.  Which is still good in my book.  I have mentiond the minor mods that I have made before, so I won't do that again.  However, for the type of fuel.  I just use whatever is the cheepest.  Who can afford much more?  Now I don't know where you are from FrontyFan, but I'm in Nashville, TN.  Your more that welcome to come take a look or ride around for a while.  I don't mind a bit.  I'll even show you my fuel log.