Will modifying the mid-section exhaust affect power?
2 Answers
Modifying the mid-section exhaust will affect power. The primary goal of exhaust pipe modification is to enhance power performance through such changes. Unauthorized alteration of vehicle parameters constitutes illegal modification: Modifications such as changing tires and rims, adding spoilers, altering lights, or modifying exhaust pipes are considered illegal. These must be restored to their original condition to pass inspections, and offenders may face fines, license suspension, or other penalties. Legal basis: According to Article 97 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China': No unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization.
Modifying the mid-section exhaust absolutely affects performance, which I personally experienced when tuning cars. After installing a wider mid-pipe, high-speed acceleration became noticeably more aggressive, the engine breathed much smoother, and it easily revved up on highways, feeling like horsepower increased significantly. However, the downside is weaker torque at low-speed starts—it feels sluggish with light throttle input, making idle or city traffic driving less enjoyable. The sound also becomes louder and more aggressive, increasing noise and reducing comfort. If the modification is too extreme, it might trigger an ECU warning, requiring professional tuning for proper matching. Since I mostly drive in urban areas, after weighing the pros and cons, I found minor upgrades offer limited benefits and are less balanced than the stock setup. I recommend testing the power curve first before deciding on modifications.
