Efficiency over aesthetics (sound)

[eddied]

Two questions: 1st) I am interested in modifying to a true dual exhaust if that will improve performance and my gas mileage. The second part of this question is I can get a Mach 1 exhaust take-off at $75.00 but would the stock mufflers on them significantly reduce performance compared to Flowmasters' or a comparable muffler and is there a difference in performance between an X & H mid pipe adapters? Lastly, I attempted to change my fuel filter on my '03 V6 but the fuel lines on both connections to the filter were metal lines (unlike my Ranger where I could easily pull the filter away from the rubber lines) and could not pull the filter off (I'm not weak and didn't want to force or bend anything). Is there a trick to this?

Thanks for any help!

[SpectorV]

flowmasters are not known for their performance gains so you would probably not notice much of a difference.

[Kiljosh]

Yep, get a straight through design muffler if you want power over sound.

And you need special fuel line disconnect tools to change the filter I believe.

[I_luv_HP&trq]

there's a schrader vavle on the fuel rail under your hood where you can relieve some pressure. It's under a small plastic cap. Use a small screwdriver or something to push on it. Kind of like deflating a bicycle tire. Make sure you have a rag to soak up the fuel.
Yes you need a fuel line disconnect tool. This is where I screwed up. Don't get a cheapie one like I did. The tool snaps onto the fuel line and basically pushes itself off of the fuel filter. Make sure you have rags present for this too as it will leak a bit of gas.

[lowflyn]

Yupp, what they said, you need a tool. I picked one up from Oreilly's for like 5 bucks and had mine changed in 5 minutes, instead of using the shrader valve however I pulled the fuse for my fuel pump and cranked the car till it died.

As far as the exhaust, I used to have mach1 takeoffs on my car, loved the sound, just not quite enough for me.

[bbunt302]

Here's a tip for changing the fuel filter. No matter how frustrated you get trying to get the damn thing off there because of the crappy Autozone special disconnect tool you've got... make sure to keep your eyes somewhere other than directly under the filter.

I can promise you that the filter will come off when you least expect it. If you don't follow this advice, your eyes will really hate you for it.

[MonteCitan]

Quote: Originally Posted by bbunt302 I can promise you that the filter will come off when you least expect it. If you don't follow this advice, your eyes will really hate you for it.

lmao I hear that I've gotten fuel sprayed into my eyes on more than one occasion... and that's wearing safety glasses.. it didn't hurt at all, but I'm sure its not healthy..

[bbunt302]

Well, I got it "poured" into mine not wearing safety glasses and it burned like a motherfucker.