Any real hp gain from aftermarket exhaust?

[Steves87]

My stock exhaust is in perfect shape. The tips are still coated black like it came from the factory (read about this wearing off early on these cars?).

I was considering purchasing an exhaust this summer and wondered what type of HP gain is expected from an aftermarket exhaust if any?

I was leaning towards the Hooker since it was cheaper but dont want to have fitting issues. Is the ATR a bolt on or is any drilling needed?

 

[J Banning]

On a stock car I don't think you'll see anything. On a modified car... YES.

What's the rest of your combo?

The ATR stuff is bolt in. Can be a little finicky at times, but no mods are needed. Since it's all stainless, it will last a LONG time.

 

[stickybones]

If you don't like noise and drone and you don't really intend to race your car or anything, suggest you just leave the stock system in place.

 

[qwic87gn]

I don't know about just bolting on an exhaust system and gaining any noticable HP. But, on my car when I added ONLY a hooker catback with a test pipe it picked up 3-4 tenths and in the 1/4. It does have a drone that is annoying in the back seat at 2300 rpm. It's not bad at all in the front seats. There was some fitment issues(not bad). It does have a much better deeper throaty tone in my opinion.

 

[Steves87]

J,

At this point I am adding a Big Mouth intake, Joe Lubrant chip and fuel pump. I really don't want to do to much to the car. I am going to add some gauges since there really is nothing to monitor the cars engine.

 

[ES1]

Run a test pipe if you can or get a gutted cat.
I would buy a large neck innercooler and get an alky system.
The more boost the more fun.
Even if you don't want to be real aggressive, the difference in 15 & 19 is a lot.

 

[Steves87]

Where do I look to find differences in test pipes, prices, etc? Also can the test pipe be installed without any modifications. Hopefully just a bolt on.

 

[MistaScott]

You can usually find a test pipe on ebay for around $45. They bolt on.

 

[JToups386]

Back to your original question - "yes", you will see some gains in a different exhaust. There's a recent thread on this issue already, but I don't feel like digging for it, so, here's my take on the issue. The stock single muffler system is not mandrel bent, and the muffler itself is restrictive. Not to mention it sounds extremely weak, and especially by today's exhaust standards.

IMO, the Hooker catback is the best bang for the buck! "Yes" there are better overall systems out there, but nowhere near the price of the Hooker. It's a very nice mandrel bent system with high flowing straight-thru mufflers. Comes with all necessary moutning hardware, and the fit is excellent! I was very impressed at the ease of installation, requiring no welding, and can be done by one person. The only help I sought was for someone to help with evening the muffs out. (one to lay under car and adjust, and the other to sight in the view from the back).
It has a unique sound. It's not too throaty, but is very crisp. It doesn't make much noise at all until you stand on it, and then it perks up and buzzes nicely. My system came with a cat-converter replacement pipe (offroad use only ), and its general design will help HP by default. It's not stainless, but it is aluminized, which will last a very long time, unless you leave it submerged in a pool of salt water...

Cheap alternatives --- have your factory muffler cut off and just run straight stock diameter pipe out the back. It'll be louder than the Hooker, but it will certainly free up the flow.

And of course, if money is no object, you can get a nice ATR system, but be prepared to have your head spinning from the heavy drone at 2400-ish rpms. Good power though.

 

[QuickWrench]

Originally posted by JToups386
Back to your original question - "yes", you will see some gains in a different exhaust. There's a recent thread on this issue already, but I don't feel like digging for it, so, here's my take on the issue. The stock single muffler system is not mandrel bent, and the muffler itself is restrictive. Not to mention it sounds extremely weak, and especially by today's exhaust standards.

IMO, the Hooker catback is the best bang for the buck! "Yes" there are better overall systems out there, but nowhere near the price of the Hooker. It's a very nice mandrel bent system with high flowing straight-thru mufflers. Comes with all necessary moutning hardware, and the fit is excellent! I was very impressed at the ease of installation, requiring no welding, and can be done by one person. The only help I sought was for someone to help with evening the muffs out. (one to lay under car and adjust, and the other to sight in the view from the back).
It has a unique sound. It's not too throaty, but is very crisp. It doesn't make much noise at all until you stand on it, and then it perks up and buzzes nicely. My system came with a cat-converter replacement pipe (offroad use only ), and its general design will help HP by default. It's not stainless, but it is aluminized, which will last a very long time, unless you leave it submerged in a pool of salt water...

Cheap alternatives --- have your factory muffler cut off and just run straight stock diameter pipe out the back. It'll be louder than the Hooker, but it will certainly free up the flow.

And of course, if money is no object, you can get a nice ATR system, but be prepared to have your head spinning from the heavy drone at 2400-ish rpms. Good power though.

I've tried nearly all of the available exhausts over the years on the three TRs I've owned, with the exception of the Houstons. JToups386's post is right on.

If you do go with the Hooker system, I'd recommend verifying that the included mufflers are indeed the straight-through design; NOT the lousy chambered pieces.

One other point to keep in mind; When making exhaust changes, keep in mind that the most of the ATR, Hooker, and Houston systems all employ designs that get rid of the stock location of the muffler(s). This may not be important to you...until you have to remove the gas tank to service the hanger, pump, sock, or wiring. Dropping the tank with an aftermarket exhaust makes the job a breeze.


g'luck.

 

[turbo nasty]

remember the basics- engine as an air pump. Air in (intake) air out (exhaust).

Just crawl under and look at the factory exhaust system bends over the axle and into the muffler.

It was not very freeflowing.

All in what u want some are so so hesitant to change from stock. If it is a 50k or less car I would leave it stock. They are getting rarer