ATR Exhaust

Has anybody tried or currently using the ATR Exaust system. Is it worth the 500.00 or can I get better with a local shop!!!
Is the exhaust stainless or aluminum!


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1987 tc Boost Valve,Kn Filter.Motorsport roller cam high rev springs,new prc shocks and springs.3'down pipe high flow cat walker turbo II mufflers 2 1/2 inch dual exhaust.

It's stainless steel. Mine didn't fit worth a crap over the axle, and many others have complained about the fit too. The muffler sounds great, but I would see if they'll guarantee the fit before you take the plunge. OR, buy some 3" mandrel U-bends from Jeg's for over the axle and a nice straight through 3" muffler (not chambered) and get a muffler shop to do the rest.

I have the ATR 2 1/2" dual system on my 88 TC. In my case, fit was pretty good -- didnt need to rebend anything or "hammer fit" anything. The way ATR says to hang the tail pipes is stupid and almost impossible to do, so I fabbed up my own hangers... no biggy.

To put the cost in perspective, spend the $500 once, and the stainless system will last forever. As a cost comparison, I had to replace the exhaust system on my 91 Escort winter car this past summer. The CHEAPEST PARTS I could find came to $290!!! Note that $$ figure is for parts only, I did the install myself. The Escort system will rust off in 3 years, and I will have to pop for another $300 system. Based on that, the $500 ATR system is a pretty good deal.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 20 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 00 Windstar (wifes vehicle)

Daniel

from my experience, the ATR system is a quality kit.

If I was an adept welder, I would have installed the system myself. I'm not, however, so I went to a local custom exhaust guy who came highly recommended. He did the worst job I've ever seen. It is hideous. Not only does the tailpipe hit the frame at the slightest bump in the road, but he convinced me that he should weld the whole thing up to prevent leaks. So now I've got one piece from the turbo to the back bumper. Not smart, huh? Plus there are a few small pieces of 3" steel (NOT stainless) welded in there to complete the system ... another stupid move. Soon I will be removing the tailpipe and putting on a side pipe if I can get away with it [Image: biggrin.gif]

My point: the ATR system is well assembled. However, MAKE SURE that you've got the tailpipe located properly before you fasten everything under there. Even try to bottom out the rear axle to see if it will strike the tailpipe. As Jeff said, the hangers are useless (they came out in the wrong spot).

Phil

Originally posted by philS:
Daniel

from my experience, the ATR system is a quality kit.

If I was an adept welder, I would have installed the system myself. I'm not, however, so I went to a local custom exhaust guy who came highly recommended. He did the worst job I've ever seen. It is hideous. Not only does the tailpipe hit the frame at the [b]slightest bump in the road, but he convinced me that he should weld the whole thing up to prevent leaks. So now I've got one piece from the turbo to the back bumper. Not smart, huh? Plus there are a few small pieces of 3" steel (NOT stainless) welded in there to complete the system ... another stupid move. Soon I will be removing the tailpipe and putting on a side pipe if I can get away with it [Image: biggrin.gif]

My point: the ATR system is well assembled. However, MAKE SURE that you've got the tailpipe located properly before you fasten everything under there. Even try to bottom out the rear axle to see if it will strike the tailpipe. As Jeff said, the hangers are useless (they came out in the wrong spot).

Phil[/B]

Phil, I don't think your welder is at fault about the pipe over the axle. Mine was set back about 7" past where it should have been and hit the axle over the tiniest bump too. I watched the exhaust shop put it on and it wasn't a matter of incorrect installation. I got so sick of the exhaust hitting that I had it chopped off and a smaller tail put on. Great quality for a $400 single exhaust eh?

It seems that more people have had trouble with the 3in system than the 2 1/2. Anybody else have any comments on the 2 1/2 VS the 3in ATR system? If I get a ATR system I think it will be the 2 1/2 duels. I know that a single 3 in is suppose to out flow a duel 2 1/2, but by how much? What is the horsepower difference? The duels are also more expensive. There are some things that might favor the duel 2 1/2 system though. If the car is lowered, will the rear axle hit the 3in pipe? I have a set of FMS springs that I am going to put on, and I don,t want any exhaust interference. I also like the looks of twin tailpipes.
Jeff K, did you have to remove and reweld the ATR hangers? What did you have to do?
Something else, In Corky Bells book, he says that Stainless steel expands quite a bit when it is heated up. A Stainless exhaust may seal when it heats up,and may not need to be welded. This may help cause the cracking that is reported in the ATR header. A Stainless Steel system may need to be able to expand and contract.
B D

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87 TC 5-Speed
88 Thunderbird Sport 5.0
91 Ranger

BD... the tailpipe brackets on the ATR dual system were basically straight tabs sticking straight up off the pipes. You were supposed to drill holes in the vertical metal piece that the rear valence panel fits up to (the vert. metal section directly behind the gas tank), and mount the tabs on the pipes to the drilled holes. Considering there is about 4" between the gas tank and the vertical panel, drilling holes wasnt possible without dropping the gas tank. I just welded up some L brackets to secure the tabs on the pipes to the original hanger locations, and use rubber isolators between the L bracket and tabs on the pipe.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 20 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 00 Windstar (wifes vehicle)