Tuning the car exhaust system

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

In the modern automotive world, the exhaust system performs not only the function of removing exhaust gases, but is also an integral element of tuning. Many are modifying this system with their own hands. Some turn to the service station for help. In today's article, we will look at what nuances should be paid attention to when tuning the exhaust system.

Device

First, consider what this system consists of:

• Exhaust manifold.
• Vibration absorbing bellows (not available on all vehicles).
• Resonator.
• Muffler.
• Connecting tubes.
• Fasteners (elastic bands, hooks).
• Sealing elements (heat resistant gasket).

Exhaust manifold replacement

Refinement of the exhaust system is better to start with the collector. It is through it that gases pass for the first time after being released from the cylinders. In the common people, this element is called a "spider" (for such a characteristic form of construction).

It comes in two types:

• Long.
• Short.

In the first case, the pipe scheme is built according to the formula 4-2-1. Tuning the Priory exhaust system is accompanied by the installation of a short "spider" with a 4-1 formula. What does this modification give? Due to the more complex geometry, the gas release pattern changes. Practice shows that after installing a short spider, the power increases by 7 percent. But it is worth noting that this increase is noticeable only at speeds above six thousand. At lower ranges, the car's torque is close to factory.

Increasing pipe diameter

With the increase in power, the amount of exhaust gases also increases. If you have a turbocharged engine with factory exhaust (which was normally designed for an atmospheric engine), you will not notice a noticeable increase in power, since the unit will “suffocate” with its own gases. Due to the small diameter of the pipes, they are not able to go outside at the same speed as the intake of air into the manifold. If a turbine is installed on a regular engine (or even a compressor driven by a crankshaft belt), it is worth tuning the exhaust system. Chevrolet Cruze is no exception. For comparison, you can take the factory parameters for the size of the pipes on cars of the same model with and without a turbocharged engine. In the first case, the diameter will be much larger.

When tuning the exhaust system, it is worth remembering that the larger the diameter of the pipe, the smaller itflow resistance.

Installing a sports muffler

In the common people it is called "forward current". This is the most popular exhaust system tuning. You can make it with your own hands. The essence of the refinement is simple - to increase the diameter of the exhaust at the end, thereby increasing the "purging" of gases. Now there are many sports mufflers of different diameters and shapes. They are mainly made of stainless steel and have a chrome finish.

Unlike regular mufflers, forward flows do not have separate chambers and gases are removed directly. Because of this, the resistance is reduced. But due to the lack of cameras, sound vibrations are not extinguished. Therefore, no matter how quiet the forward flow is, it will be an order of magnitude louder than a regular muffler. By the way, to reduce the sound of the exhaust, glass wool is used in sports mufflers. It fills the cavity between the perforated inner tube and the stainless steel body. When choosing, this point should be taken into account.

Jeep

Sometimes the exhaust system is tuned at the Niva. Of course, it is pointless to put forward flow here. But if it is a 16-valve engine, you can put a VAZ manifold 4-1. Additionally, pipes are processed. In place of regular ones, they put stainless steel elements.

The exhaust system of the UAZ Patriot can be tuned according to the same principle. What gives the installation of stainless pipes? Such an exhaust system will not be subject to corrosion. And as we know, SUVs oftenused in hostile environments. At the first dip in a ford, the factory exhaust will rust. Thus, the pipes burn through already a year after operation.

The installation of stainless steel products is not an aesthetic tuning at all, but a forced refinement. As practice shows, such an exhaust serves more than 10 years. Some reinforce the design of the muffler - it often breaks off-road. But the most correct solution is to install the element in the top of the car. In this case, the pipe will not experience high loads, shocks and deformations.

Removal of catalysts

This is another way to refine the exhaust system. Moreover, people who are far from motorsport and use the car for everyday use remove catalysts. Catalysts tend to clog. They serve up to 100-150 thousand kilometers. It would seem that it is worth replacing it with a new one? But the price of the catalyst is from 40 thousand rubles. And the procedure for its removal is up to 15.

Will the car get loud after this? Reviews say that the car will have a factory, quiet exhaust. And so that the car does not spend a lot of fuel after removing the catalyst, they are engaged in flashing the ECU. Also, this action turns off the "Check Engine" lamp on the instrument panel. Some note a noticeable increase in dynamics. After all, after removing the clogged catalyst, the gases will be freely released to the outside. If this is a tuning of the diesel exhaust system, then the particulate filter is removed. The price of the procedure is the same as in the case of gasoline cars.

Tuning errors

Producingfinalization of the exhaust system, you need to understand that this tuning is only an addition to the main one (that is, to a sports engine). It does not make sense to install a forward flow on cars with a standard engine. Already from the factory, the exhaust system is designed for the volume of exhaust gases that this engine produces. Therefore, it is reasonable to increase the "purging" and reduce the resistance only after installing the turbine or compressor. Mounting a sports muffler on a regular engine significantly increases the exhaust volume. At long distances, drivers and passengers have a severe headache, there is a wild ringing and hum in the ears.

Results

So, we found out how the exhaust system is tuned. Of the really useful improvements (for factory cars that have not been altered), we can note:

• Removing the catalyst with subsequent firmware.
• Removing the particulate filter.
• Replacing steel pipes with stainless ones.

Another refinement is the transfer of the muffler to an abnormal place (on the roof - for SUVs, or in the front fender - for sports cars used in drag racing or circuit racing).

Installing a short spider is only relevant if you have a high-speed motor. As for the forward flow, mounting it on a standard engine is more than pointless. Any modifications to the exhaust system should begin only after the preparation of the engine itself. This is the only way to achieve the desired result.