A Few Questions About Exhaust Systems

[mrcheeze]

Ok, I drive a 94 Talon N/T. I was thinking of going turbo but read about alot of horrible things that could go wrong so I decided on an All-Motor build. I have a few questions regarding the exhaust system for N/A cars. First, do you want more or less backpressure for non turbo? Second, what diameter piping should be used to achieve this back pressure? Third, Would exhaust cutouts improve anything? i would like to have control over the sound which is why i am thinking about the cutouts. Also what are the performance and sound differences between 3in exhaust and 2.5 inch exhaust? Finally, would the cat rob power? If possible, i would like to remain emissions legal. (I live in California)

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

First off with any small displacement N/A motor you want some backpressure. Only on forced induction cars do you need to get the exhaust out as fast as possible. Secondly, I would go with an aftermarket header, and a full 2.5" exhaust system and put a cat in it just to make things happy. It won't hurt your performance any. An exhaust cutout would just free up your exhaust and it would be A) loud and annoying B) kill your gas milage, might affect your performance negatively and smell up your car when you open it from the fumes comming out. On a N/A car I would go with nothing bigger than 2.5". There will be a little sound difference between 2.5" and 3" but the 3" would just be a little louder and deeper but not nothing that will be to noticeable.