My 1986 Dodge Ram Van's 5.9L only produces ~150hp right now and when I looked the engine up, they're supposed to make 245hp, but emission standards made it drop a lot, so I think they added really restrictive cats (and mufflers maybe). So, if I remove these or replace them with high flowing ones, will it come close to 245hp?

 

In a word? No. not even close. Straight pipes *might* net you 10 hp. The biggest problem on these engines are the heads. You can't get power from junk heads. Rework or swap those and add a torquey cam and you'll be much closer to in business.



Welcome!

 

NO

 

Could you be more clear, not sure i understand what your saying. ��

Strait pipes over an exhaust system with mufflers doesn't make more power, a stock motor needs a certain amount of back pressure to make torque and torque is what moves the vehicle.

I've actually seen this on the engine dyno, a restriction was put in the exhaust after the dyno headers and the power levels went up.

 

i -

What Skwerly said.
About the HP: are you looking at HP numbers at the rear wheels vs HP at the flywheel? That might account for your difference.

Archer

 

Your just not going to gain that kind of H.P. by removing the exhaust on a stock van.... I just answered the question.

 

Bob -

This is the internet, you're not going to cloud the issue with facts, are you?

Guys -

Exhaust "restriction" may be the wrong word. There's an optimal exhaust cross-section per exhaust volume that allows an efficient rate of gas flow. That's why they make different diameter header primary tubes and exhaust pipes. A 2" exhaust on a 150 HP engine might be too big, and on a 500 HP engine, too small.
Think Bernoulli principle.

Archer

 

Bob -

This is the internet, you're not going to cloud the issue with facts, are you?

Oh, I see. It needs.... Ummmmmmm .... Ya !>>>>>>>>>It needs More Sugar.... ( Back when i was known as "Smokey Stratton" :Ya you know, Just like Smokey Yunick, but with lawnmower engines) I use to........ Oh never mind !!!!!

Come on guy's, You really dont think your going to make a 95HP gain JUST by putting a straight pipe on a all stock old Ram Van?

:::::: ok let me rephrase that:::::: Not going to Happen:::::

Just my 2 cents !!!!!!

If you do, do this, Please share the results. Fun topic, Thank you for asking the question.