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How much HP improvement?

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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 11:00 AM
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Default How much HP improvement?

I am going to replace the exhaust system and intake with a Blackwing and (probably) Borla exhaust. Aside from all the advertising hype what could I reasonably expect in a HP improvement, and will my fuel consumption suffer?
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 12:26 PM
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Not headers just axle back?
Maybe 5-10 total.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 12:28 PM
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It will inhale and exhale a little better, but that's about it.
Your mileage may suffer due to your heavier foot.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 12:28 PM
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I assume youre talking about a cat back eh? You wont notice very much difference if thats the case. Save your money, buy headers, X pipe along with your cat back and CAI.... then youll notice a real difference. Your gas mileage will probably suffer only because youll tend to rev a little higher because youll like the new exhaust note.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 12:41 PM
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Go with a Vararam. Your mpg increase from it due to the higher airflow will compensate for your heavier foot
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by vettman96
"what could I reasonably expect in a HP improvement"
What does this mean to you?

There will be an improvement and probably a slight increase in mpg's if you drive the same.

When changing filters and exhaust, the gains are typically in the upper rpm's. So, if you want more "power" in the normal driving rpm's then you may be a little disappointed.

You may notice that because it can rev more freely, the improved throttle response may be noticed. Maybe.

I noticed an improvement above 4500 or so after installing Borla straight pipes and a Blackwing. But it wasn't until I removed the cats that I saw a bigger improvement it the engines ability to rev quicker at higher rpm's.

Get a custom tune also.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by BurningRubberC5
Go with a Vararam. Your mpg increase from it due to the higher airflow will compensate for your heavier foot


Vararam and some resonably priced headers and see some good hp and even better performance increases
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 06:07 PM
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I appreciate the knowledge.

I dont beat the car when I drive, and dont think that will change after I do these changes, but it is good to know.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by baxsom
Not headers just axle back?
Maybe 5-10 total.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 06:26 PM
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I would say about 15 hp.
No decrease in fuel mileage.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 06:26 PM
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You won't see much difference - probably won't hardly feel it in reality - just may sound like you've increased the HP.
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Old Apr 17, 2011 | 06:31 PM
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I have a Blackwing with an Icebox, vararam powerduct with relocated MAF and TI exhaust, did the mods this past winter, no noticeable power gain, though the fuel economy went up by about 1.5 mpg in the city.
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