Mazda MX-6 Forum banner
Cancel

headers vs cutout

733 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  Elmer_Fudd, 
T
currently my exhaust system is completely stock with the exception that I have a test pipe and cutout avaiable to me. It is already installed, and I can manually unscrew the cap and have my exhaust exiting immediatly after the headers.

I know that using the cutout is extremely loud, i've done it before. Now here is my main question. Which will actually net larger gains? Should I install some ebay headers or should i invest in an electric cutout option where i can change that from inside the car?

headers would gain hp all the time, but i'm not sure. I'll probably stay NA for another year or so, then i'll boost it.

opinions? or should i find a dyno, & dyno it with and without the cutout, look at the gains, then see if headers would gain more. I know headers are good for about 5-10 hp, right?

thank in advance everybody
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
KING6
Gains are less then you think for both
Reply
Save
Like
BOYZERO
a cut out is not where you want to focus, its the exit at the heads.
Reply
Save
Like
Ryan
Running straight open you are likely to loose more HP/TQ across the whole RPM band than you will gain.

In back to back testing running, with Ebay Headers, 2.5" manderel bends, a Magnaflow resonator after the cat, and side exit, the car has MUCH better throttle response and jumps out of corners much more aggressively (more torque) than with a testpipe. The only tangible gains with a TP were above 6krpm increasing with revs, with a severe loss below 5500.

In other words, while the cutout is great for being noisy, it doesn't help you in going fast.

Such is why I still run the stock cat. :)

Ryan
Reply
Save
Like
Chefsp0t
^X2

I have had straight and resonated pipes and stock and high flow cats. I can say that I noticed more power from the high flow cat than either test pipe. The sound is nicer too. This was all on my old motor w/ a cold air intake, hotshot headers, and a borla catback.
Reply
Save
Like
E
cut-outs are best for turbo applications, with N/A a certain amount of backpressure is required so a cut-out might actually underperform a well designed full exhaust
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mazda MX-6 Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mazda MX-6 owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about restorations, performance, upgrades, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
2G MX6 General 1G MX6 General Gallery Australia & New Zealand 1G MX6 Forced Induction
Top