I didn't test a THDP against a 3" dp, but I did test it vs. a 2.5" down pipe. Here are my results:
Here's the numbers from the test performed at Buicks @ Bristol 2001. Everything else was equal except the elbow.
Ported elbow/2.5" ATR downpipe/testpipe:
11.840 @ 113.08
11.859 @ 114.66
11.836 @ 114.72
Average:
11.845 @ 114.15 (avg 60 ft 1.680)
Terry houston 3" DP/Capped dump pipe:
11.745 @ 115.36
11.788 @ 116.05
11.838 @ 115.62
Average:
11.790 @ 115.67 (avg 60 ft 1.687)
Difference = .055 seconds and 1.52 mph
The results surprised me. I thought the THDP would be worth more. These weren't even all the runs. If I factored in the others (made it an avg of 5 runs each) the stock elbow ET would be a little closer (though the mph would stay about the same).
You can't knock a 1.5 mph increase, but it appears to help the top end charge more than the ET. The rest of the combo is stock driveline, stock intercooler with a neck, bluetops, TA49, 275/60 BFG's weather was in the mid 60's, track elevation 1400 ft or so. Your results may vary.