hey guys. When my friend and I were changing out my clutch in my '85 12A, we decided to leave the exhast system off (except the manifold) so we could see what racing with open headers would almost be like. It was loud enough to wake up the neighbors 4 blocks away, which i expected, but when i drove it, it had no power at all. It must have lost at least 30 hp throughout the entire RPM range. I expected a loss in power at low RPM, but it performed like crap throughout the entire range! This makes me apprehensive about doing what i have in mind, a RB header into a straight pipe. What do you think went wrong?

 

So you're saying that when you put your cats and muffler back on, you experienced a power increase? That's some very strange **** man.

The stock manifold is probably still a big restriction, but I don't see how you would be losing power. Are you sure it just didn't feel different? Sometimes the seat of the pants dyno isn't too accurate.

I can tell you that you shouldn't be concerned about the headers, they are a wicked upgrade. They aren't kidding when they say it adds 20% more hp.

Oh, and don't even think about a straight pipe unless you're on a racetrack. That **** is so loud you'll damage your ears. You really want a good presilencer and muffler.

 

actually i am going to put an exhaust cut out after the header so i can switch between a restrictive system and a straight pipe at the push of a button.

 

where is the exhaust sensor on an '85 12A? maybe we had it disconected and the fuel system started running way too rich. Could that have caused the loss in power?

 

does anyone know where the exhaust oxygen sensor on an '85 12A is?

 

Never-Never Land. (There isn't one)

Derestricting the exhaust will make you run leaner. A lot leaner. You have to make this up with additional fueling, play with jets etc.

Also, psychologically, loud cars always seem slower, don't they?

 

i see thanks a lot how hard is it to find jets etc. for the nikki carb? where can i get them?