Exhaust question!

[donzred1]

I have a 95 neon I will be racing at a local speedway, my question is: Can I run open exhaust or will that slow the car down due to back pressure issues ect.? What is the best way to gain some power with modifiying the exhaust? Where can i cut it without having any issues? Thanks

[das2123]

The stock piping is 2.25" from the factory and flows well enough for up to 200-210HP. Upgrading the piping is worthless until you reach that point. You can however eliminate the last 90 degree bend and run a straight thru muffler. If you have a SOHC, then a DOHC muffler is a nice cheap upgrade.

[donzred1]

Will running no muffler and cat slow the car down at all? The speedway I'm racing at is derby style for compacts, so the louder the better! I'm going to try and make this car last the summer(for racing only) without totally trashing it! It's basically 5 laps on a oval clay/dirt track! What a way to say goodbye to my first car!

[das2123]

I doubt it hurts or helps you, but I don't know for sure. The idea that engines need exhaust backpressure is a common misconception. Your car doesn't need backpressure, but if the exhaust is too big, the exhaust gases will cool in the exhaust and lose velocity, creating more backpressure.

[HPNOTIQracing]

ive taken my muffler off and i got a little power throughout the band. then i hollowed the cat...effects..... its loud as hell, and with the sohc and my mods the car lost a little down low but hardly noticeable and gained a few hundred rpms at the top side.

best thing for the exhaust: long tube header, resonator in place of the cat and no/straight through muffler