Quote:
Originally Posted by sugarwood
SSIs and an M&K muffler reminds me of something I've always wanted to ask, so I am very glad this thread was started.
Does the act of simply replacing a stock exhaust with a less restrictive header exhaust automatically increase horsepower? Or does the engine need to be re-tuned or rechipped to take advantage of the new exhaust? I would think the latter since the engine timing and cam is the same as it always was, right? Is it like having a larger diameter garden hose but not turning the faucet any higher? To take advantage you need to turn up the faucet?
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Garden hose can be used for a good analogy, and I think you are on the right track.
From my understanding, it is really a function of the system as a whole. If in a stock or factory design, the exhaust system is the most restrictive part of the system, then yes, replacing would allow more overall system flow (higher performance) up to the point that restrictions in fuel/air delivery (intake size, valve lift and duration, etc...) become evident. then there is compression and ignition and all that to consider as well. A chip combined with an exhaust system is a cost effective way to increase performance on a 3.2l
However, simply putting a SSI system and performance muffler on your 3.2L does not automatically turn you into a complete clueless ignorant a**hole by default.
I am running SSIs and a RSR muffler design with a SW chip on my 86 3.2L. I did before and after kiddie dyno runs. I strapped my 3 year girl to a creeper and towed her around the neighborhood doing 1st thru 3rd gear pulls to redline. After which she simply stated: "I want to go watch Daniel Tiger" I fixed her a snack, put her in front of her show, and then did the swap.
Doing the same test after the swap resulting in her not even being able to scream or cry. She just sort of shook in wide eyed terror in her mother's arms. the wife was not happy. I figured that was good for at least 15 extra horse powers! If the wife threatened divorce, we surely would have been looking at least a 25hp gain.