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THE OLD RACING SAYING "WHEN THE GREEN FLAG DROPS, THE BS STOPS" IS WHAT INSPIRED US. DURING OUR WEEKLY EDITORIAL MEETING / BENCH RACING SESSION / DEBATE / ARGUMENT, THE STAFF OF THIS FINE PUBLICATION AGREED THAT BOLT-ON POWER PARTS WERE AN UNKNOWN ENTITY; AT LEAST IN REGARDS TO THE ACUTAL PERFORMANCE GAINS DELIVERED BY ANY PARTICULAR BOLT-ON POWER PART. WHAT WASN'T IN QUESTION WAS A TYPICAL BOLT-ON POWER PART'S EASE OF INSTALLION. WE ALL AGREED THAT MOST BOLT-ON POWER PARTS ARE JUST THAT - EASILY BOLTED ON AND WELL WITHIN THE MECHANICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE AVERAGE ENTHUSIAST.
So, there we were, in agreement as to the ease of installation, but in total disharmony in regards to the true effect of a series of bolt-on parts. That's when a plan was hatched; Round up several of the most popular bolt-on power parts, secure a typical American small-block V-8 for testing purposes, install said power parts, and record the results on a chassis dynamometer.
With the help of the gracious people at MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust, we were able to verify actual power gains before and after each power part was installed in a controlled an accurate manner. However, your results may vary. Don't expect V-8 power if you're installing these type of parts on a V-6. We installed an air intake tube from Brand A and gained a specific amount of horsepower, but your engine may not respond the same, it may show better results than ours. The point of this exercise was not to be specific regarding any engine or any power part; rather it was to illustrate the type and level of performance gains that any power part can typically produce.
That said, we were pleased to note that most of the components we installed did indeed produce appreciable and measurable power gains. There's a big difference between installing an exhaust system and giving it the old seat-of-the pants test while blasting up a nearby deserted road and performing a dyno test on the same system. Basically, numbers don't lie.
So let's get started; there are parts to install, power to be had, and torque to measure.
... MAGNAFLOW EXHAUST
Few mods pack a better punch than a high-flow exhaust system, and MagnaFlow manufactures one of the best. Built using mandrel tubing benders that allow the system's various curves to smoothly route the exhaust gas flow, and using stainless-steel materials, the MagnaFlow exhaust system performed impressively and was a looker as well. The complete system is 50-state legal, since it doesn't replace any components located in front of the catalytic converter. Aft the converter is a different matter, as the MagnaFlow system does away with the OE pipe, muffler, and hanger. Although a single 3-inch-diameter exhaust tube seemed small for a small-block V-8, the dyno test proved otherwise, releasing 22 ponies with the MagnaFlow installation.
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Magnaflow's stainless-steel exhaust system is typical of the company's complete line of true high-performance exhaust components. Using mandrel bends, stainless-steel construction, and a polished stainless-steel muffler, the Magnaflow system is well designed and exhibits a show-quality finish. Installation was easy, mainly due to the precise fit of the Magnaflow exhaust system and all the required attachment hardware included with the kit. After the connector between the catalytic converter and the exhaust system was removed, the center segment of the OE exhaust systems was likewise removed. The stock tailpipe was then unbolted, leaving a clear path for the Magnaflow install. The new system bolted into place with ease, and included a polished stainless-steel exhaust tip that turns gold with use. Best of all is Magnaflow's deep, throaty tone; the small-block engine's exhaust note was a well appreciated and not-unexpected benefit.
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