| Subject: | General Exhaust question |
| Question: | Hi. Sorry, I drive
an Integra but that expert was on vacation. I was recently told that
I shouldn't put a performance exhaust on my 91 (174,000 mi.) car because
the "engine is too old and worn and might throw a rod or something." I
didn't think this made sense, but I wanted to ask an expert just in
case. Even if it is, I didn't think it would make a difference or hurt
anything. I don't want to spray on it, I just want a better exhaust.
This guy is full of it, right? My car is in pretty good shape, considering.
Thanks very much. -katie hovany |
| Answer: | Katie, That guy IS full of it. Never in my experience have I ever heard of a engine blowing a rod because of the exhaust. It's kind of like saying that you got a flat tire because you ran out of windshield wiper fluid ;-) I have a '90 Eclipse, and I installed an entire new exhaust system on my car. My car was around 165,000 miles when I replaced my old exhaust. My car is fine and is running better than ever. Although the Integra engine is very durable and should last for
many more years, make sure is it totally free of any mechanical problems
before doing any performance enhancements. Whether your car is 12
years old with 174,000 miles or 1 year old with 174 miles, keep up
the regular maintenance. Start using synthetic motor oil if you aren't
already. Use some fuel injector clear every time you change your
oil. Make sure all your belts are in good shape and that you are
not leaking any fluids. Adding a performance cat-back exhaust system
will probably get you between 10-20 additional horsepower. An entire
new exhaust might get you around 30 extra. You may feel a little
extra acceleration, but don't expect a rocket car. Those exhaust
systems are expensive, so don't think the most expensive is the best.
Your engine may work a little harder, but it's nothing that will
cause any problems. Just don't redline it. |