Open headers or not?

[rlinbatonrouge]

So what do y'all think about running open headers? I have heard from some that running like that would actually slow the car down and reduce HP, and I have heard some say the exact opposite. I have been looking into this QTEC thing since, and I was wondering what y'all thought. Sure can't beat the sound with the flip of a switch, though.

http://quicktimeperformance.com/QTEC/index.html

[jmichna]

Originally Posted by rlinbatonrouge

So what do y'all think about running open headers? I have heard from some that running like that would actually slow the car down and reduce HP, and I have heard some say the exact opposite. I have been looking into this QTEC thing since, and I was wondering what y'all thought. Sure can't beat the sound with the flip of a switch, though.

http://quicktimeperformance.com/QTEC/index.html

I think you need to buy that things and test it, then report back!

[Sp00ner]

Well, you aren't quite running open header, more of an open exhaust. I've seen alot of exhaust cut-outs in a lot of mags, but I don't know anyone that has personally installed one. I would think with a good flowing muffler, like a straight through design, you should have similar results. Unless you're going to put in front of the cat convertor, it's more like removing the muffler and shortening the exhaust tract. It is a neat little items though...

I have heard and read that TOO open of an exhaust, particuarly on N/A cars, can allow too much air to backflow into the system, which creates some backpressure. Goofy and someother people are runnning 3" exhaust systems though, and report no loss in power of any kind.

[rlinbatonrouge]

Originally Posted by Sp00ner

Well, you aren't quite running open header, more of an open exhaust. I've seen alot of exhaust cut-outs in a lot of mags, but I don't know anyone that has personally installed one. I would think with a good flowing muffler, like a straight through design, you should have similar results. Unless you're going to put in front of the cat convertor, it's more like removing the muffler and shortening the exhaust tract. It is a neat little items though...

I have heard and read that TOO open of an exhaust, particuarly on N/A cars, can allow too much air to backflow into the system, which creates some backpressure. Goofy and someother people are runnning 3" exhaust systems though, and report no loss in power of any kind.

This one is adjustable and goes in front of the cat so you don't have to run completly open. Even if this keeps the power the same, you can't deny the intimidation factor of hitting a switch and getting LOUD.

[Sp00ner]

Originally Posted by rlinbatonrouge

This one is adjustable and goes in front of the cat so you don't have to run completly open. Even if this keeps the power the same, you can't deny the intimidation factor of hitting a switch and getting LOUD.

Not at all! I love the idea of a switch that turn my car into a growling monster with just a flip. I'd love to install one of the dual setups into my Vette...

[XeroState]

I've seen this done on a few trucks (some desiel some not) and my god are they loud. I don't know the people and know nothing of the power output they gain or lose because of it but I can tell you if I heard that behind me, I would look for some F1 or NASCAR car or something. Also, it sets off alarms instantly as you drive by at a contest speed.

[rlinbatonrouge]

Some of my guys in the shop used to make their own like this, except they just used a cable that they would pull up on and move the valve to run the exhaust right out. I sent the company an email to get their ideas on weather or not this would help with HP. I'll let y'all know when I hear a response. One thing for sure, it will scare the living shit out of anyone next to you at a red light

[JPK]

I like the idea.

Where would you mount it? I would think as close to the manifold as possible. It's got to yield some power if you are shortening the exhaust travel and bypassing some bends and the muffler, right?

[jgb989989]

becuz your car is supercharged you might see slight loss becuz of lack of back pressure which creates a scavaging affect. a free flowing muffler and no cat should work fine.
now if you had a turbo like my srt you wouldnt have to worry about it becuz of the turbo in the exhaust path.

[JPK]

Originally Posted by jgb989989

becuz your car is supercharged you might see slight loss becuz of lack of back pressure which creates a scavaging affect. a free flowing muffler and no cat should work fine.
now if you had a turbo like my srt you wouldnt have to worry about it becuz of the turbo in the exhaust path.

That's what people said about upping the exhaust system to 3" and a few people on here have done it with no power loss.

I thought that "back pressure" theory was just a bunch of BS anyway.