Two questions...

1) Anyone have some idea how much power to expect from a Y pipe for an early 3rd gen max ('89)?

2) I'm trying to decide between the WSP Y pipe or making my own Y pipe (I can get mandrel bent pipe for really cheap and I'm a good welder). My decision hinges on the diameter of the stock stainless flex pipe. I think the WSP Y pipe uses a 2.5" flex pipe. If the stock stainless flex pipe isn't 2.5", it probably isn't worth making my own.

 

It's not

 

Why NOT? Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Have you tried contacting WSP and asking them? Also people say the best gains are when it's combined with a CAI. There, now it's not a total waste of time!

 

I believe you are suppose to get about a 12 HP gain with the Y-pipe installed with stock exhaust. I believe I got that much. My butt dyno results say that you can tell a difference thoughout the entire range (low, mid, and high). And the noise didn't get any louder, it just got slightly deeper. Sounds great and now, my car goes atleast 4 or 5 tenths faster on the 1/4 mile. I am going to run my car at the drag strip to find out the WSP Y-pipe gain for sure.

 

Aaron,

That's pretty incredible! 4 to 5 tenths in the 1/4 from just a Y-pipe on an otherwise stock exhaust?

I'm new to the import performance scene. All my experience is in American musclecar performance.

These single exhausts must be pretty restrictive to free up that much.

By the way, I never see anyone mention tubular steel headers for Maxima's. Why is that? Are the stock iron manifolds that good? Or is there just not enough interest? Or what?

Thanks for any feedback, folks.

Kirk

 

I think lack of interrest is a big part of it. I heard of someone who got their stock manifolds ported and gained a whopping 1 hp. Why bother?