There are a few ways to get some good horsepower gains when adding aftermarket accessories. Few provide the sound and performance of a good exhaust system.
Factory exhaust is usually used to muffle sound and increase back pressure in an engine. Increasing the back pressure will add fuel economy, but sacrifice a little power. The result is a restrictive, quiet flowing exhaust. This can be ideal for those of us trying to conserve fuel, but there is horsepower there just waiting to be unleashed.
The combustion engine in essence, breathes in and out, and the more efficient this process is, the more power you create in the combustion chambers. Adding accessories such as an air intake will increase the available air in the cylinders, increasing the oxygen content and air volume. This makes the explosions in the combustion chamber more powerful. Fire needs heat (spark), oxygen (air) and something to burn (fuel). Increase any or all of these, and the fires burn hotter and more explosively. The intake allows more air to enter the system, but the exhaust will restrict the flow of exhaust gases out of the combustion chambers. Replacing the factory exhaust with a more free flowing exhaust will allow more are to travel in and out of the system freely, unlocking the power potential of your sleeping giant!
Not only will you feel the difference in the performance, but you will hear and feel the difference in how the car sounds. The less restrictive exhaust will let the engine come to life. These performance increases may be at the sacrifice of a little fuel economy due to more aggressive driving habits, but these upgrades will make your vehicle more fun to drive!
