The Truth About Back Pressure in Your Engine

TLDRBack pressure in your engine is always bad, as it hinders volumetric efficiency and reduces power. The trick is to have high velocity with low back pressure. Tubing size, mandrel bends, and a straight-through absorption muffler can all contribute to achieving this balance.

Key insights

💡Back pressure in your engine is always bad and hinders its performance.

🚀High velocity with low back pressure is key to maximizing power and torque.

🌀Smooth mandrel bends and correct sizing of tubing contribute to optimal exhaust flow.

🔊Absorption mufflers with straight-through designs help reduce back pressure without sacrificing power.

🚗Variable cam timing engines with minimal overlap are less affected by back pressure.

Q&A

Does back pressure in the exhaust system help or hurt engine performance?

Back pressure in the exhaust system always hurts engine performance, as it hinders volumetric efficiency and reduces power.

How can I achieve high velocity with low back pressure in my engine?

To achieve high velocity with low back pressure, use smooth mandrel bends, appropriate tubing sizing, and a straight-through absorption muffler.

Why do some engines require larger exhaust tubing?

Engines with high RPM capabilities and large cam overlap require larger exhaust tubing to maintain good velocity and reduce back pressure.

Can a catalytic converter affect exhaust velocity and back pressure?

Catalytic converters can affect exhaust velocity and back pressure, but their impact depends on engine modifications and tune.

Should I remove the catalytic converter for better performance?

Removing the catalytic converter is illegal for street-driven cars. In race cars, the need for better performance should be balanced with emission regulations and potential engine damage.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The common belief that back pressure is beneficial for engine power and torque is completely wrong.

02:40Engines require high velocity with low back pressure to maximize power and torque.

05:39Smooth mandrel bends and appropriate tubing sizing contribute to optimal exhaust flow.

07:40Absorption mufflers with straight-through designs help reduce back pressure without sacrificing power.

09:52Engines with high cam overlap and large RPM capabilities require larger exhaust tubing for better performance.