Exhaust dent: affecting power?

A couple of years ago I hit a rock when my exhaust was hanging low (before I got it re-fastened), and it put this sizable dent in my exhaust toward the back. I would say the diameter of the exhaust is restricted 30-40% at the point where the rock hit. Do you think this is affecting performance in any way? My power is less than it used to be, but I think it might be a fuel pressure problem (I'm replacing the pressure regulator).

P.S. How do I attach pictures?

kaspr,

Yes, this pinch is hindering performance, especially if its BEFORE the muffler. It shouldn't make too much difference, but it'll cause excess back-pressure. The sensors in the car can read this and is probably throwing a code to the motor.

Change the exhaust before the pressure regulators. See if it helps anything.

In order to post a image you can either put IMAGE LINK or use an <a href> HTML code to post it.

http://concours.smugmug.com/photos/643933-M-1.jpg

put that inside the brackets and you get...

http://concours.smugmug.com/photos/643933-M-1.jpg

Depends on the size of the ding. If it isn't much, then it shouldn't make enough of a difference on the backpressure.

You probably have other problems that are resulting in the loss of power, especially if you haven't had this loss of power until recently.

Actually, this happened a few years ago, which is about how long I've been putting up with reduced power. Here's the pics that I've finally uploaded. Thanks for the instructions! Would you say that this is a significant ding?

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1848369/45746/user_45746/T1_45746_1848369.JPG (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=1848369)
http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1848375/45746/user_45746/T1_45746_1848375.JPG (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=1848375)
http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1848379/45746/user_45746/T1_45746_1848379.JPG (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=1848379)

That IS a significant ding, plus it's right in the bend (where flow is restricted to begin with). Fix it. You'll notice a difference right away.

Dan