Mine turn down right at the axle. No issues with fumes or anything. Even with the quarter windows open and sitting at a light. Now, when they didn't have the turn downs on the end of the mufflers, it could get a little smelly at times. Then there is the issue of floorpan... My first car had a seriously rotted floor pan (71 Torino), and we had to run with the windows down to keep the fumes flowing. Even in January!
I have turn-downs on my 5.0. Pointed right at the coils. No problems with fumes, I do catch a hint of "that sulfer like cat smell" on the freeway, but nothing major. They do get some of the componets underneath kinda dirty though.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. Just because you don't smell exhaust, doesn't mean it's not there. There is no way you can dump it under your car and think none will find its way inside. Personally, I would not dump it under the car, especially if you have children who ride in the back seat.
When I put my turn downs on I had every intention of coming back and running tail pipes out back but I didn't want them hanging down under the valance panel. I have an extra valance I am going to modify with cut-outs so I can tuck them up a little tighter similar to a 70 Mach I. Due to Katrina this is now just a small issue that's been on the back burner for a while. I'll get it like I want one day.
I agree...I hate starting mine up when it's dusty and there are other cars around. Need to go ahead and finish that little job soon.
For those who like to live on the edge you might want to pickup a CO detector at your hardware store for those long trips.
