2000 Altima Exhaust Mods

[methodmix]

I've been reading multiple forums and performance parts websites about the importance of having a really efficient exhaust and how upgrading to a cold air intake is almost useless without also upgrading to a high-flow exhaust system. Specifically, catalytic converters are prone to getting clogged and reducing the exhaust flow rate (I'm guessing this would increase backpressure?). My altima has roughly 96k miles and it's likely that one or both of my catalytic converters is due for replacement/upgrade.

With that in mind, I live in the state of FL where emissions tests are not state mandated, so I was curious how practical it would be to upgrade to a high-flow performance catalytic converter. Has anyone attempted this and noticed results such as throttle response, fuel economy, horsepower/torque increase? Currently, the only mod my vehicle has is a drop-in K&N air filter (not much, I know). Also, would an aftermarket muffler really make much of a difference over the stock muffler (minus the noise factor)?

Thanks in advance for any response you provide!

P.S. Has anyone tried upgrading their ECU from Jet Chips?

[InnerDragon103]

Do you have a 5 speed or an automatic tranny? Honestly man, altima's (or at least the first and second generation ones, like the one you have) don't respond wonderfully to upgrades; as a matter of fact, when i put an after market intake in, it didn't perform better at all. An exhaust is going to decrease the pressure and may probably result in LESS low end power. In other words it'll just make it noisy and your fuel economy will most likely depreciate.

[methodmix]

Originally Posted by InnerDragon103

Do you have a 5 speed or an automatic tranny? Honestly man, altima's (or at least the first and second generation ones, like the one you have) don't respond wonderfully to upgrades; as a matter of fact, when i put an after market intake in, it didn't perform better at all. An exhaust is going to decrease the pressure and may probably result in LESS low end power. In other words it'll just make it noisy and your fuel economy will most likely depreciate.

I appreciate the quick reply! I've got the 4 speed auto. I'm not surprised at all that the after market intake didn't work because they only provide short ram intakes which are exposed to engine heat (unlike the stock intake which is housed in plastic to help insulate engine heat), thus take in warmer air. I'm not sure I agree on your theory about less exhaust pressure resulting in less power, but I'm also no expert in that area. I just know that better exhaust flow usually means more power and better fuel economy. Agree?

Thanks again man!

[InnerDragon103]

well the low end power may not improve but higher end power probably will. and yea you're right more exhaust flow is a better thing... you'll just REALLY notice the difference if you changed the cat converter and headers and did some other mods in addition to the exhuast pipe.