So I took my muffler off...

[cyomega]

[edit: Wow, post didn't go through the first time...]

Surprisingly, driving around with no muffler isn't all that loud. I was expecting to rattle windows (as my Miata did when I removed the cat and everything behind it), but the exhaust only really gets loud when you go WOT between 2000 & 3500 RPM. Other than that, it's eerily tame.

As far as how it drives, it seems to have a little bit more 'pep' I guess you could say. If I get on the gas, the car propels itself along quite nicely. If I had to make a guesstimate, I'd say I've gained maybe 5-8lb-ft of torque between 2500-5000RPM. I can't comment on HP just yet, I haven't had a chance to go full-throttle all the way to redline in 3rd (which I know previously would get me to about 73MPH), so I guess I'll report on that when I can.

Just thought I'd share...

 

[dominoy2k1]

why you take it off?....

 

[gjmoreo]

**** off topic ****

Hey dominoy2k1, where did u buy your apexi exhaust? where could I obtain info on one?

 

[cyomega]

why you take it off?....

It was a result of the combination of boredom and curiosity. Turned out well I think.

 

[dominoy2k1]

got off one of my buddies......was alot.....$200...paid for the name you know....you can get them off ebay i guess...or apexi site, find a dealer....

 

[herarety]

I can't comment on HP just yet, I haven't had a chance to go full-throttle all the way to redline in 3rd (which I know previously would get me to about 73MPH), so I guess I'll report on that when I can.

You're not expecting the 73mph mark to change, are you?

 

[cyomega]

You're not expecting the 73mph mark to change, are you?

Actually, I'm betting I can hit 75-80 now at the top of 3rd. Only reason is my friend removed the muffler on his 3000GT SL (note: NON-turbo) and he got it up to a little faster than before in each gear. I'm skeptical about major gains, considering this is, in fact, a 4-cylinder N/A 'Japanese-crap econo-box'

I'm going to give it a go tonight on the freeway and I'll post in the morning.

 

[herarety]

More power will just get you there faster. Your gearing hasn't changed.

 

[RAAZ227]

[edit: Wow, post didn't go through the first time...]

Surprisingly, driving around with no muffler isn't all that loud. I was expecting to rattle windows (as my Miata did when I removed the cat and everything behind it), but the exhaust only really gets loud when you go WOT between 2000 & 3500 RPM. Other than that, it's eerily tame.

As far as how it drives, it seems to have a little bit more 'pep' I guess you could say. If I get on the gas, the car propels itself along quite nicely. If I had to make a guesstimate, I'd say I've gained maybe 5-8lb-ft of torque between 2500-5000RPM. I can't comment on HP just yet, I haven't had a chance to go full-throttle all the way to redline in 3rd (which I know previously would get me to about 73MPH), so I guess I'll report on that when I can.

Just thought I'd share...

Just a side note: Backpressure is important to an N/A car. Were-as a straight through with vertually no backpresure is a plus for turbo cars. I wouldn't be supprised if you lost some torque by removing your muffler. But let us know what the out come is.

 

[Equinox]

yeah when you take that exhaust off the p5, you actually lose a lot of low end torque and gain some high end hp. You practicaly have to struggle to keep up with the flow of traffic after leaving a stop or a light. In fifth gear on the highway you can tap the gas and jump forward =)

 

[cyomega]

I wouldn't be supprised if you lost some torque by removing your muffler.

Yes, but I typically keep my revs above 3000RPM, so I'm used to driving right where the torque curve starts to get meaty.

yeah when you take that exhaust off the p5, you actually lose a lot of low end torque and gain some high end hp. You practicaly have to struggle to keep up with the flow of traffic after leaving a stop or a light.

Surprisingly, I accelerate from a stop slightly faster than I used to. Yes, It surprised me too.

As far as the speed issue is concerned, you're right about the gearing, not much difference. Turns out I got it up to ~78 in 3rd this morning, but I attribute this to two things:
1) minor weight loss
2) top end hp
In other words, the car accelerates to redline much faster after 6000RPM than before. Considering I like to keep my eyes on the road as opposed to the tach, I think I just got a little bit closer to the redline than I have been before due to the faster acceleration. (dunno)

All in all, a very interesting experiment.

 

[jared]

As far as the speed issue is concerned, you're right about the gearing, not much difference. Turns out I got it up to ~78 in 3rd this morning, but I attribute this to two things:
1) minor weight loss
2) top end hp
In other words, the car accelerates to redline much faster after 6000RPM than before. Considering I like to keep my eyes on the road as opposed to the tach, I think I just got a little bit closer to the redline than I have been before due to the faster acceleration. (dunno)

All in all, a very interesting experiment.

no matter WHAT. your speed will not be affected in certain gears. if you hit 73mph at 6K RPM in 3rd gear with a bone stock car. even if you added 1000 hp. you are still going to hit 73mph at 6K RPM in 3rd gear. unless you change the gearing somehow (ie:bigger wheels, new tranny, etc...)

 

[Little Beavis]

agreed
it would be cool to see a before and after dyno chart

I'd love to know the answer to the "need back pressure" discussion, but I won't get started on that one.

As far as being bored. . .get a job!