Does adding Headers, Cat delete pipe and Cat back exhaust really make a difference in Horsepower?

Question

Seems like changing some pipes wouldnt really do anything? I have an 02 S2000, and I purchased DC sports 4-2-1 Ceramic 1 piece header, a Berk Technology Delete pipe, and Skunk2 cat back dual exhaust, and really its just very loud. Im not really feeling Power gain.. I paid about $1,100 for all this, really I dont feel anything, it just sounds like an Indy car or somethin.

Answer 1

On some cars, the oem exhaust is tweaked for maximum power, you can replace anything you want, but because the oem deisgn already figured out how to get the most power from the parts, it will be a waste of money. This is very true with the f20 engine.
The only way to get noticable power, is to start upgrading internals.
Because your exhaust system is already on, its going to be hard to sell it to get your money back. Stick it on ebay and put the money towards a supercharger.

Answer 2

Removing too much back pressure can actually lower your horsepower - the engine needs some to scavenge the exhaust from the cylinder - so don't overdo it. Also, on a lot of cars, the ECU will dial the car back, so there is very little gain - you really need to do everything at once to see a significant difference. (I once saw a guy in a Corvette doing a dyno run. He had a fancy intake and exhaust, had changed the cams...power was almost no different from stock, since the ECU was factory.)

Opening the exhaust also changes the engine's characteristics. They tend to move the powerband up closer to redline, at the cost of low-end torque. This means that you have to let the engine rev more before shifting, and autos don't like it at all unless the shift points are changed to suit the powerband characteristics. I once got my old Mini (1098cc) from 40 hp (stock for that motor) all the way to 75 hp - almost a 90% increase. It was fast, but the power didn't even start until 3500 rpm, and there was very little sensation of torque. You had to "row" the car with the gearshift - just putting your foot down didn't do a damn thing. Hondas are especially prone to this problem, since the powerband is already at very high rpm, and the variable valve timing is still set for a stock engine with a stock powerband. Also, it could be that you can't use the less-restricted exhaust because the Intake is too restrictive. Or maybe the ports, valves and combustion chamber shape may be restricting the flow of gasses - the gasses have to be able to flow cleanly from one end to the other.

I've come across kids with fancy exhaust systems and nothing else. I can usually beat them - in a stock, base-model Ford Focus hatch. They may sound fast, but they often aren't.

Answer 3

Anytime you can get an engine to breath better you will make more horsepower. However you didn't get much for your 1100 bucks in my honest opinion. Been better off getting a header through Summit Racing and going to a muffler shop and having them put on duals for you. Ready made exhaust systmes are great for the supplier....kinda iffy for the buyer.

Answer 4

maybe the intake side is holding you back..
better air filter or a reprogram of the fi is in order..
on a carberated car you would need to install a larger fuel jet because the free flowing exhaust will tend to lean out the mix

Answer 5

with a better exaust u need more air and fuel....Best dollar for doller hop up is nitrous....400 dollars gets you 150+ hp..A turbo or blower for 2000 to 3000 gets u 100 to 200 all the time hp