So Fix it

Seeing a vehicle with open headers is far less common than the majority of vehicles equipped with a full exhaust system. Open headers are extremely loud, potentially illegal on public roads and most commonly used on a race track. Open headers are the optimal design for exhausting engine gasses.

Exhaust Design

A full exhaust system is made of multiple components, which release gasses exhausted from an engines combustion chamber. Starting at the engines cylinder ports, an exhaust manifold or headers direct exhaust into a front pipe that leads into a catalytic converter, which acts as a filter. Exhaust then heads into a muffler, where engine exhaust sound is muffled, and finally it releases through a tailpipe. Open headers directly exhaust gasses from the engine through piping pointed outside.

Performance

Open headers provide optimal exhaust flow and velocity while minimizing back-pressure, which smothers engine power because of the direct path from engine to the air.

DMV & Emission Testing

The Department of Motor Vehicles sets vehicle requirements that vary by state. Open headers are often illegal because harmful exhaust gasses are not filtered and delivered straight into the air. Open headers will fail emission testing. There are exceptions. For example, Delaware requires every vehicle originally equipped with a catalytic converter to have one.

According to Jacques Richot of Mister Transmission in Winnipeg, "Most new transmissions are actually rebuilds. Only a few manufacturers sell [transmissions] fully new." Before buying a new transmission, familiarize yourself with the different types.

New Transmissions

Only a handful of companies make new transmissions as replacement parts. In most cases, new transmissions only come with a new car. If a garage offers you a "new" transmission, ask whether it is actually new or a factory-rebuilt transmission.

Used Transmissions

A used transmission is just what it sounds like: a transmission removed from another car. If you buy a used transmission, ask about its condition and whether it has undergone a maintenance check. Also ask about any guarantees that may come with it.

Rebuilt Transmission

Transmission rebuilds usually occur at a garage and may involve the rebuilding of your current transmission. In a rebuild, the mechanic takes apart and cleans your transmission, repairing or replacing any damaged parts.

Remanufactured

Remanufactured transmissions are the same as factory-rebuilt transmissions. The process remains essentially the same as with a rebuilt transmission except a remanufacture occurs in a factory setting. The cars original manufacturer usually performs this job, which usually comes with a guarantee or warranty from the company.

Tip

According to Cottman Transmissions in Des Moines, Iowa, you may save money by pricing the transmission and installation separately. Obtain one quote for the transmission itself and another quote for the cost of installing the transmission. You may be able to buy the transmission elsewhere at a lower price and then pay to have it installed.

Properly implemented, either single or dual exhaust systems can perform well on most any truck. The question largely comes down to matter of perence in sound, appearance and budget.

Horsepower

Horsepower is a matter of exhaust flow, and it matters little whether that flow issues through one big pipe or two smaller ones.

Sound

Because dual pipes split the flow, it is easier to hear the sound of individual cylinders firing. Many people per some sort of dual exhaust for their more analog exhaust note.

Budget

Most people who replace a trucks exhaust system will opt not to use a true dual exhaust system, because often the entire system must replaced, from exhaust manifold to tailpipe.

Velocity and Torque

If there is one good argument for dual pipes, it is that using two smaller pipes will cause an increase in exhaust velocity, which may help boost torque for towing.

Turbodiesels

Almost all turbo-diesel trucks work best with a single large exhaust pipe, since the turbo only has one large exhaust outlet anyway.

As the key component in a vehicles emissions control system (and some machinery as well), catalytic converters are responsible for turning tons of potentially harmful exhaust emissions into harmless carbon dioxide. Until the early 1990s, the catalyst supports in these systems were almost entirely ceramic. Recently, however, metal supports are slowly beginning to replace ceramic as the material of choice. There are a number of reasons for this continuing shift in the industry, many of which have to do with the elemental properties of metal vs. ceramic.

How the Catalytic Process Works

To better understand the differences in metal and ceramic catalyst supports, it is necessary to first appreciate how catalysts and the catalytic converters they are housed in function. As carbon monoxide and other harmful gases are passed through an exhaust system, heat produces a chemical reaction with "catalysts" housed in the converter. The result of this reaction is the dangerous gases are cleaned and converted to harmless carbon dioxide before being admitted into the atmosphere.

Thermal Properties

One of the most significant differences in metal and ceramic catalysts are the superior thermal properties of metal. Because harmful gases like carbon monoxide are converted only when high temperatures are reached, the more quickly the engine warms, the more efficient is the conversion of gases. Also, metals improved heat conductivity does not take as long as a ceramic catalyst to reach high temperatures, which allows for a more uniform transfer of heat through the system.

Mounting Placement

Metal catalysts allow the converter to be mounted closer to the engine, increasing heat flow. This is particularly important in cold conditions, when the engine, and subsequently the catalytic converter, take longer to warm up. This closer placement also results in less vibration, backflow of gases and pressure drop (as much as 15 to 30 percent less) than comparable ceramic catalysts.

Manufacturing Process

Metal catalysts are made via a production process prior to the assembly of the converter, so they can be easily changed or adapted if needed. The manufacturer simply needs to change the shape of the "cell" support. Ceramic, on the other hand, is much less flexible to change dimensions. From a manufacturing perspective, both metal and ceramic catalysts are priced about the same. The distinction is in the performance and enhanced efficiencies that metal provides.

Silicone and dielectric grease are used to seal objects from foreign materials and dust. Both materials are used in electrical applications because of their resistance to high temperatures and electrical charges.

Appearance

Dielectric and silicon grease are translucent allowing light to pass through them; dielectric grease distorts the light passing through it. Silicon grease is also used as a polish for kitchen equipment and in the manufacture of food packaging products.

Electrical

The most common use of dielectric grease is in electrical applications as it does not allow foreign material to stick to conductors or allow an electrical charge to pass between contact points. Silicon grease is used in plumbing applications as it provides a waterproof seal.

Applications

Dielectric grease is often used in electrical applications, such as sealing cables and terminals from moisture. Silicone grease is used for a variety of applications including in the automotive industry and rubber parts manufacturing.

A head gasket seals an engine as well as the pathways of oil and coolant within the engine. An intake manifold gasket seals the cylinder heads and the intake manifold together. Information on these parts can be beneficial as they can both experience leaks leading to other problems if left unchecked.

Manifold Gasket Leak

A leak in the intake manifold gasket can lead to coolant running down the sides of a vehicles engine. Some vehicles have become well known for springing leaks in their intake manifold gaskets. These vehicles, however, are usually equipped with plastic manifold gaskets which tend to fail sooner than other gaskets.

Head Gasket Leak

A head gasket can leak either coolant or compression. Coolant leaks in a head gasket will be discovered fairly quickly due to the fact that an engine will run hot as a result. Although compression leaks cause engines to lose a lot of their power, they will not prohibit you from continuing to drive the vehicle.

Considerations

Some motors are prone to coolant leaks in their intake manifold gaskets. There are also some vehicles which have motors prone to head gasket failure. Review consumer guides and other forums to determine if a particular vehicle is subject to head gasket failure more often than others.