In the modern automotive world, the exhaust system performs not only the function of exhaust gas exhaust, but also is an integral element of tuning. Many modify this system with their own hands. Some ask for help at the service station. In today's article, we will consider what nuances should be paid attention to when tuning the exhaust system.
Device
To begin, consider what this system consists of:
- Exhaust manifold.
- Vibration absorbing corrugation (not installed on all cars).
- Resonator.
- Muffler.
- Connecting tubes.
- Fasteners (rubber bands, hooks).
- Sealing elements (heat-resistant gasket).
Exhaust manifold replacement
Finalization of the exhaust system is best to start with the collector. It is through it that gases pass for the first time after being released from the cylinders. In common people, this element is called a "spider" (for such a characteristic form of construction).
It is of two types:
In the first case, the pipe scheme is built according to the formula 4-2-1. Tuning the exhaust system "Priors" is accompanied by the installation of a short "spider" with the formula 4-1. What does this revision give? Thanks to a more complex geometry, the gas discharge pattern is changing. Practice shows that after installing a short spider, the power increases by 7 percent. But it is worth noting that this increase is noticeable only at speeds of more than six thousand. In the lower ranges, the vehicle's torque is close to the factory one.
Pipe diameter increase
With increasing power, the amount of exhaust gases also increases. If you have a turbocharged engine at the factory exhaust (which was normally designed for an atmospheric engine), you will not notice a noticeable increase in power, since the unit will "choke" with its own gases. Due to the small diameter of the pipes, they are not able to go out at the same speed as the air inlet into the manifold. If a turbine is installed on a regular motor (or even a compressor driven by a crankshaft belt), it is worth tuning the exhaust system. Chevrolet Cruze is no exception. For comparison, you can take the factory pipe size parameters on cars of the same model with and without a turbocharged engine. In the first case, the diameter will be much larger.
When tuning the exhaust system, it is worth remembering that the larger the diameter of the pipe, the less its resistance to flow.
Installing a Sports Muffler
In common people it is called "forward flow". This is the most popular exhaust system tuning. You can do it yourself. The essence of the refinement is simple - to increase the exhaust diameter at the end, thereby increasing the "purge" of gases. Now there are many sports silencers of different diameters and shapes. They are mainly made of stainless steel and have a chrome finish.
Unlike standard silencers, direct exhaust pipes do not have separate chambers and gases are removed directly. In view of this, the resistance decreases. But due to the lack of cameras, sound vibrations are not damped. Therefore, no matter how quiet the forward flow is, it will be an order of magnitude louder than a standard muffler. By the way, glass wool is used in sports silencers to reduce exhaust sound. It fills the cavity between the perforated inner tube and the stainless housing. When choosing it is worth considering this moment.
Jeeps
Sometimes the exhaust system is also tuned on the Niva. Of course, putting forward flow here is pointless. But if it is a 16-valve engine, you can put a VAZ collector 4-1. Additionally pipes are processed. In place of the staff, put the elements of stainless steel.
According to the same principle, the exhaust system of the UAZ Patriot can be tuned. What gives the installation of stainless pipes? Such an exhaust system will not corrode. And as we know, SUVs are often used in aggressive environments. At the first dipping into the ford, the factory exhaust will rust. Thus, the pipes burn out a year after operation.
The installation of stainless steel products is not at all aesthetic tuning, but a forced revision. As practice shows, such an exhaust has been used for more than 10 years. Some reinforce the silencer design - it often breaks off offroad. But the most correct decision is to install the element in the upper car. In this case, the pipe will not experience high loads, impacts and deformations.
Catalyst Removal
This is another way to refine the exhaust system. Moreover, people who are far from motorsport and use the car on a daily basis remove catalysts. Catalysts tend to clog. They serve up to 100-150 thousand kilometers. It would seem that it is worth replacing it with a new one? But the price of the catalyst is from 40 thousand rubles. And the procedure for its removal is up to 15.
Will the car become loud after that? Reviews say that the car will have a factory, quiet exhaust. And so that the car does not spend a lot of fuel after removing the catalyst, the computer is flashing. This action also turns off the Check Engine lamp on the instrument panel. Some note a marked increase in dynamics. After all, after removing the clogged catalyst, the gases will be freely released outside. If it is tuning the exhaust system of a diesel engine, then they remove the particulate filter. The price of the procedure is the same as in the case of gasoline cars.
Tuning Errors
When finalizing the exhaust system, you need to understand that this tuning is only an addition to the main one (that is, to a sports engine). It does not make sense to install a direct exhaust pipe on cars with a standard engine. Already from the factory, the exhaust system is designed for the amount of exhaust gas that this engine produces. Therefore, it is reasonable to increase the “purge” and decrease the resistance only after installing a turbine or compressor. Mounting a sports silencer on a standard engine noticeably increases the volume of the exhaust. At long distances, drivers and passengers have a headache, a wild ringing and a rumble in their ears.
Summary
So, we found out how the exhaust system is tuned. Of the really useful improvements (for factory cars that have not undergone alterations), it can be noted:
- Catalyst removal followed by flashing.
- Particulate filter removal.
- Replacing stainless steel pipes.
Another refinement is the transfer of the muffler to an abnormal place (on the roof - for SUVs, or in the front wing - for sports cars used in drag racing or ring racing).
Installing a short spider is relevant only with a high-speed motor. As for the direct flow, mounting it on a full-time engine is more than meaningless. Any modifications to the exhaust system should only begin after preparing the engine itself. This is the only way to achieve the desired result.