* Loud Noise Pollution: Straight pipes are incredibly loud, exceeding legal noise limits in most areas. This can lead to fines and even legal trouble. It's also incredibly inconsiderate to your neighbors and the community.
* Backpressure Issues: Exhaust systems are designed to manage backpressure. Straight pipes drastically reduce backpressure. While some argue this increases horsepower slightly, it can also lead to several problems:
* Engine damage: Improper backpressure can cause overheating, reduced performance, and even damage to internal engine components.
* Lean condition: Reduced backpressure can lead to a lean air/fuel mixture, increasing the risk of detonation (engine knocking) which is very destructive to the engine.
* Increased emissions: Straight pipes bypass emission control systems, resulting in significantly higher levels of harmful pollutants.
* Resonance and Drone: The lack of muffling creates unpleasant and potentially damaging vibrations and drone, especially at certain RPM ranges. This constant drone can be fatiguing and even harmful over extended periods.
* Safety Hazards: The extreme noise can be a safety hazard, reducing your ability to hear approaching emergency vehicles or other traffic.
While some people modify their exhaust systems for performance gains, it should be done responsibly with consideration for backpressure and noise reduction. A well-designed performance exhaust system will offer improvements without the significant drawbacks of straight pipes. Simply put, the risks outweigh any potential (and likely minimal) performance benefits.
