Technical Powerflow Exhaust

[spiderboy]

Just got back from having a Powerflow system fitted to the Silver Spidermobile. The original system although only 20,000 miles old, had completely disintegrated.
The new system was fitted by District Garage in Bolton, and I can recommend them highly. Just get in touch with me if you want to contact them.
The engineer, Paul, played around with different silencers until he got the sound just right. I'd asked for Italianate and sporty without being loud or antisocial. The sound is a light ripping noise like a good Alfa Romeo! The cost was £315 all in, but they gave me a discount because I work for the the local NHS Trust.
All the mechanics really loved the car and their enthusiasm showed. a great service and I can enjoy the car now without fear of the pipes faling off in the road!
I'll post some pics when I get chance.

 

[Alan.D]

I had a powerflow system fitted as well and they do sound very nice

Once the baffles fill with carbon the noise will reduce slightly but the overall response and feel was much better....

 

[Mad Matt]

I always felt mine made a difference too (not Powerflow but still good), however I read a few atricles recently that made me think it might be psychological.

The first was in Evo magazine and was more about how to make your own manifold and how the shape has more to do with moving the power band than actually adding power.

The second was on an MG web site. They ran some rolling road tests and found that while the sound was better the power output was actually worse on the after market exhausts they tried. Of course that may be down to the good OE exhaust design or characteristics of the K series engine.

 

[Alan.D]

I think it all depends on the person making the exhaust as it's quite a complicated science to get it right. Much comes down to resinance and sound frequency which can either add to or hinder the gas flow causing more or less power. Just adding a big pipe isn't near good enough.

 

[MattB2k]

Funny I love my SS exhaust but i've read (somewhere cant recall where) that some manufacturers exhausts are so cleverly designed that they use the cars aerodynamics to actively pull the waste gases out?

 

[spiderboy]

Interesting theories! I can comment on the psychological aspect because I'm a psychologist! Yes its true, the sound makes you feel good and the car feels faster. After a high speed and spiriited run yesterday I can say with certainty that the car breathes better and seems smoother, especially on clutch take-up. Mind you, my original exhaust had been patched up so many times that it must have vibrated like hell!
The fitter commented on just how heavy the original system was, especially the centre box, so there is a useful weight saving.
I've got a nice twin tailpipe too, so it looks a bit different.

 

[LittleRedB]

I recently threw away my FIAT system for a second hand DTR system (thanks KC) and noticed a difference, not just in the great sound but in mid-top end performance - that said it would just be in me heeeead!

Great thing is that I now get a 'pop' when I change from 4th to 3rd or 3rd to 2nd - actually means that a little too much unburnt fuel is making it into the exhaust but until now was not making it through the additional 2 boxes that the FIAT system had!

I was in the process of saving for a powerflow system when KC offered me his old DTR system, depending on what happens with the gearbox I may treat myself to a Powerflow one day.................

 

[Mad Matt]

As I said earlier, I imagine the K-series engine has different characteristics, but this makes interesting reading nevertheless

http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/exhaust/catalysts.htm

I should have put the link in ly first post but I've only just found it. Oh the joys of old age.......