JJones_86

Hey Guys, I was just wondering if it was bad for the engine to run on open headers.. I'm installing my X-Pipe, and I just wanted to take it down the street without any midpipe just for fun. I'm just wondering if this is bad for the engine and what could happen? I just want to see if I notice a big increase in power. Thanks.

dsg04gt

U'll be fine just around the block once or twice, but ive heard its not good for any type of long period of time. I think somebody said that since the hot exhaust gases usually exit out the tailpipes, they are now exiting directly under the engine which can heat things up. I heard it doesnt sound that great either, but im still gonna idle it for a minute next week when my new set up arrives.

weasel1088

it could run totally ****ty with no backpressure or svanging(sp??)

straitwangin

yeah ur actually gonna decrease horsepower, but it is fun to start it up with open headers, we did this in auto class and it rumbles the whole shop(about 5 bays) in my buddies 03 gt.

2000GT4.6

If you don't have LTs on your car, your front 02 sensors are in the midpipe. This is NOT a good idea.

I don't think the car will even run, but if it did it would be a BAD idea.

Just don't do it.

StangChik

o2 sensore are not going to keep his car from running, it might throw a check engine light but it won't do anything else

JJones_86

I've heard that running the engine on open headers could mess up your valves or something like that, but I've also heard of people doing it, so I was just curious if what I heard was right or not.

StangChik

ok guys i'm not expert, but i come from a family of drag racers, so i hear about a lot of stuff like this.

Have you guys ever heard of cut-outs, drag racers use these to uncap their exhaust ONLY when racing...they completely "cut-out" the exhaust system from the headers back. This way there is no restriction from exhaust...it will not hurt it if is not done for a long time, and it some times it can prove to be benificial. When you're drag racing you are only using this unrestricted exhaust for a very short period of time. Do some research you'll see what i mean..now granted its not going to do anything but make a stock car really loud.. but if you have some decent modifications on your car, this unrestricted exhaust could be good,,,BUT do not do this for extended periods of time, it can heat up to much and harm some things.

JJones_86

Ok thanks for the information guys and gal I appreciate it!

cobrapony27

it will be ok just to crank it for a few seconds, but i wouldnt drive it with out the o2's hooked up.