I put 235/75/15 M/T's on 2.5 inch backspaced rims from RRO. This sure put a bind on the 1.6L on my 96 Tracker going down the highway! Not so bad on level ground, but hit a hill and you have to go to the floor with the pedal .  I was talking to a friend of mine and he suggested changing out the exhaust to a 2 1/2 inch and this might help the engine breath a little better. Of course we also talked about a K&N filter after the exhaust change out.

So here are my questions,......

1. Is changing the exhaust out and the new air filter going to help the engine performace that much?

2. How much did it cost you to put a free flow exhaust from the manifold to the tail pipe?

3. Is it worth the extra $250 for the header (if I change the exhaust out)?

Thanks for the help!

8 or 16v? It's definitly an improvement if you do the header, and larger exhaust and free breathing  air filter. But without gears, you will still struggle on long hills. If you do go the exhaust route, go for the header as well, makes a big difference.

It's a 16valve. I guess I'll have to talk the little lady into the header. Not sure if she is going to go far it though! Thanks for the reply!

Put an open filter element on it and 2 or 2.25 exhaust and you will notice a HUGE difference. I wouldn't spend money on a header for the 16v as their manifold flows pretty decent as is and don't go too big on exhaust diameter as it will hinder more than help. I put the air filter on my 16v 4 door and it woke it right up

Exhaust will help you but it has to be the proper size, if you do your homework on 4cyl engines.  It is the biggest no no to go with an exhaust size over 2 - 2.25.  People that think putting a 2 and a half on there 1.3 or 1.6 and getting a bigger performance boost out of it, are deffinatly suffering from the placebo effect.  2 and a half piping is to big, the 1.3 and 1.6 need back pressure to run properly so when you put the bigger exhaust on it doggs you out, the only thing its doing it making it sound faster.

For yours, the header and a new intake system would probbly give you some good results, possibly make 5th gear a little bit more enjoyable haha

Amilla

i have the stock header with a 2" cherrybomb and 2 1/8" tail pipe, no power lose, maybe a little more, but i think if you went with a 2" header there would be power loss

Thanks everyone! I called a muffler shop and they said that they could put a 2 inch free flow exhaust from the maniflod to the tail pipe in for me for less than $300! I think I'll give that a try with the new air filter and see how she performs.

for less than $300! I think I'll give that a try with the new air filter and see how she performs.

is that stainless steel? well worth to spend a little extra $ to get ss pipes

Yes go with some S.S. you will thank your self down the road.

Amilla

what about that other stuff? I think it's anodized alluminum or something. shops say it's as good as stainless but alot cheaper. I know I'm due for some new exaust from the cat back.

-Adam

I put 235/75/15 M/T's on 2.5 inch backspaced rims from RRO. This sure put a bind on the 1.6L on my 96 Tracker going down the highway!

When I put 235/75's on my 95, I only noticed a slight difference taking off on a hill, I learned to push the pedal more, and wind it up  On the highway, I find it drives better, even hitting a hill if you're in the 3900/4100rpm range, I don't even need to downshift to 4th.  I have no exhaust, stock air filter, and 185k Km on the engine.

what about that other stuff? I think it's anodized alluminum or something. shops say it's as good as stainless but alot cheaper. I know I'm due for some new exaust from the cat back.

-Adam

Aluminized tubing is what it is (word spelt wrong)
i think its pretty much just as good, most people go with it.


Amilla

i know on my 8valve engine, the calmini exhaust made a HUGE difference. i got the header, and 2" exhaust with turbo muffler and a high flow cat. i also got a k&n filter for the stock air box, and i think it helps a little.

[I have no exhaust, stock air filter, and 185k Km on the engine.
[/quote]

Uncivilized, I bet that if your running a staight manifold, that thing is really loud !LOL

I have no exhaust, stock air filter, and 185k Km on the engine.

Uncivilized, I bet that if your running a staight manifold, that thing is really loud !LOL

haha - sorry, what I meant was, no performance exhaust, it's stock.  But, yes, it is loud with only the manifold, a while back I crushed the lower flange on a rock ledge wheeling, it wouldn't re-connect to the CAT. It was awesome    Now that it's back together, I NEED to put something on.... I miss the sound.