We got a new exhaust system installed today--for interested folks,
here's the details:
Magna Flow muffler: $115
Connector pipe: $25
Tail Pipe: $40
Hangers: $20
Catalytic converter: $160
Total cost, incl. labor: $360
The mechanic started out by saying we're "hatin it" because we've
got this 4 cylinder hauling a heavy load, that there wasn't too much
he could do, but he'd try to help improve performance however he
could.
The mechanic used 2" exhaust pipe (shortened to exit behind the cab
on the driver's side--MANY THANKS to the list member who shared this
approach with this list--it saved us around $150 in pipe and labor
costs), one size up from the 1 3/4" pipe the old system had. The
Magna Flow muffler is apparently better than most mufflers owing to
its single pipe construction.
The cat. converter is a few inches shorter than the old one, which
had corrosion damage (can anyone explain why are there laws against
replacing a cat. converter?), so we'll hopefully see better
performance having gotten it replaced.
The mechanic said he couldn't recommend headers, that they work well
on a V8, but don't add much to a 4 cylinder with good air flow to
begin with, and that they couldn't do too much to help with
performance and gas mileage, but that we should see a boost in the
high end, maybe a slight drop in low end performance, and better mpg
by a mile or two per gallon.
He suggested we look into a permanent, high performance air filter,
which we'll look into. Does anyone have any opinions on these? Do
they improve mpg or power very much?
I didn't notice any increased noise with the new system, even though
the muffler pipe exits closer to the driver's side now. It ran
great, and we got up to 60 on the way home without any difficulty,
and I didn't notice any problems with pickup, it seemed to have good
power all around. One thing I noticed when I parked at home was how
warm the hood was. It was only around 70 degrees today; does the
hood heat up because the engine's hot from pulling a heavy rig
around, or because it's not insulated, or what? Could this be a sign
of a problem, or am I unnecessarily concerned about this--the oil
temp was fine, and the fluids are okay, according to my husband.
Any thoughts/ideas much appreciated.
best,
Rosannah
