Hello,
I've been thinking about doing some modifications to my exhaust to try and utilize as much of stock exhaust as possible. I stated in one of my previous posts that my end goal isn't what it sounds like, but more for performance gains.
With the stock MCS R53 exhaust, it's stated everywhere that it's more restrictive than the JCW...etc. Is that in reference to the exhaust being routed through two resonators? Or is the "restriction" somewhere else in the system? I'm sure that there are certain stock pieces that aren't as good as aftermarket pieces. But is there a certain piece in particular that is the culprit in making the stock MCS exhaust not efficient that can be replaced?

Thanks for the clarification on what exactly people are referring to when they say that the exhaust is restrictive.

 

First, search for 'one ball'. This was an early mod to R53 exhausts that conceived by Andy at Ross Tech (Alright NAM veterans, who remembers Andy?). We prototyped the first ones, and tested them on the dyno. The results were underwhelming: about 1 whp right near redline. It did make a significant weight reduction.

If you have standard bolt-ons, the 2.25" stock exhaust can flow plenty: the limiting factors are elsewhere.

 

From what I was able to gather, most people did the "one-ball" for the sake of the sound and didn't see that much of a performance gain. Keeping in mind that it was hard to get a definitive answer because it seemed like it varied from person to person... But overall, not the ideal performance gains I'm hoping for =p

 

The exhaust isn't really the place to make power on the R53. Even aftermarket systems show minimal gains. FWIW I've read that adding a header is actually worth a little bit of power.

 

I've been focusing on some bolt-on upgrades for the engine. I was thinking in the back of my mind that at some point the exhaust will eventually be the limiting factor in my equation to make more power =p Not sure when that point will be hit, but if changing something in the factory system for now will help, I figured what the hell =p But I wasn't banking on significant gains from it.

 

Well there are plenty of people making 200whp with the one ball mod...which isn't far off from stock (see Helix's 1whp comment)...so IMO unless you're looking into a cam and BVH your exhaust should do its job quite well...unless you want a better exhaust note.

 

Thank you guys for the input! Much appreciated.