Exhaust questionI have a 2002 Cavalier Z24, I want to put an exhaust system on it, my friends have told me to just get the muffler box you want (flowmaster Super 44) and replace the stock box, I know how to weld so that helps, but some people are saying not to do that cause it will mess up things up on my car. But other friends have done that to there sport cars and they say its fine. Need to know who’s right, or some advice.
I own a shop, build race engines, and have did many exhaust systems in my time. Caleb, you are right with what you are wanting to do. It can only make it run better, and there is nothing it can mess up. Most people that tell you stuff like that haven't go a clue, so don't listen to ignorant people. I have heard that back pressure thing till I'm sick of it! ALL mufflers have back pressure, and you free up some of it, and you make more power, but its at the expense of more noise. Have you ever noticed the faster the car, the louder it is? That ought to be the clue here. The super flowmaster is an excellent choice. When it comes to welding, I have put many of them on with a torch, and a clothes hanger (old school lol) but it does work well. Mig welding is the best I have found, but you got to watch about the aluminumized pipes though, they will blow out on you when you weld unless you fly when you hit the trigger. Some will put off smoke that will make you kind of sick to your stomach too, but I have heard all my life that buttermilk will keep you from getting sick. Who knows? Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!
Take a motorcycle safety and skills course please. I dont believe riding a street bike is something people should learn on their own but the licencing people hand out this stupid book after a knowledge test, skimming over all the skills a motorcyclist should have.
If you just weld on a new muffler you are still going to have backpressure in the system.Backpressure is what will mess up your engine.You need to buy a complete exhaust system.You are going to need headers and the aftermarket exhaust system.If you choose a catback exhaust you will have less problems getting the car smog checked but you will lose some power.
I've heard that a performance muffler can cause a problem with the computer in that performance may suffer due to the fact that the computer is looking for a stock muffler. Unless you can find a place that makes them specifically for your car it might be a good idea to check around first.
