My '98 GSR currently has a 2.25 yonaka catback with a muffler delete. I also recently had my catalytic converter replaced with a 2.25 universal one.

My car will crackle/pop a little when abruptly letting off the gas at the right rpm, and also when cracking vtech or shifting. I also did manage to get a loud bang when slapping the rev limiter/shifting at 8.2k... I love the sound of my exhaust, but a mechanic was telling me that backfiring can be really hard on your exhaust valves... Am I damaging my engine by running this exhaust system? What about damaging my cat?

If someone could explain the science behind it, all I'm finding is a bunch of conflicting info online as well as when talking to different people and it's kinda frustrating..

Thanks!

Edit: only other modification is a cold air intake..

 

Generally backfires from exhaust are a sign of exhaust leaks or somehow fresh air entering your exhaust system. I would look there first before anything. Also if a valve adjustment is way out of wack that can cause it as well.

you can actually tune for pops and backfires on decel if that’s what the costumer wants, I would say it’s actually harder on the exhaust system itself then anything else.

 

Improper ignition timing can also cause/contribute to this.

 

Its funny Tuners offer this function as a option on there tune with a small flame sometimes after, I see advertisements on there pages for adding this haha I guess people like the popping sound as they decel in there little race cars lol I never liked it but I see allot of cars with it and it only makes there cars sound like its misfiring lol

 

You have no idea the amount of dumb texts I get about “crackle pop” tunes lol. Omg I can’t wait for that fad to be over

 

haha yea tell me about it. This guy passes me in his Ford focus ST and popped a few farts out with a flame that looked like it came from a Old Bic lighter then glanced at me in my Integra and thought he showed me something new lol i started to SMH..


Send them this pic when they want that snap crakle n pop tune lol!

 

If I ever saw a tuner advertising exhaust pop tuning as a "feature", I would immediately write out that tuner as being reputable lol.

 

He is actually pretty popular in Southern SD and Mexico I wont say names but I guess you got to make customers somehow..

 

I don't think the pops themselves will cause any damage, but you should figure out why they are happening.

- Could be running too rich due to a multitude of different reasons
- TPS sensor not reading correctly, and not shutting off injectors when the throttle is closed
- Ignition timing or mechanical timing not right
- Exhaust leaks


But hey at least you're fitting in with the trends for now

https://www.facebook.com/carmmunityio/videos/1747001005402895/?t=34


I messed with my tune so that there is more delay between when throttle is closed and injectors shut off, so that there is no hesitation during a quick shift. It works, but now I do get a little pop every now and then when shifting because of it.

 

I dont think it was backfiring before the muffler delete, I'll have to ask the guy I bought the car from. Isn't it simply because I have a 2.25" exhaust without a muffler? The mechanic I spoke with was trying to tell me that my exhaust is way overkill, and backfires caused by the muffler delete will damage my exhaust valves.

It's really just subtle crackling I'm hearing when decelerating, and occasional riffle sounding bangs when revving it high and shifting.

Is my exhaust causing my engine to run worse?

Sorry I'm a car noob. Thanks

 

Your exhaust is probably fine besides pissing off your neighbors and other pedestrians lol.

 

LESSON NUMBER 1 in car modification/tuning:

MOST "MECHANICS" DONT KNOW ****.

Unfortunately you will need to learn how these things work on your own and find your own fixes and answers. The internet has everything you need if you put in a little effort. I guarantee you 999 times out of 1000 you will get the wrong answer from some "mechanic". You will not burn your valves by removing a muffler. IMMEDIATELY stop listening to this guy.

Sorry I'm yelling, I hate that crap...

LIFE LESSON #53: Just because someone happens to do something for a living, that does not mean they know anything about what they do. This applies globally, not just mechanics

 

Removing your muffler won’t burn your valves.. how many open header Honda’s have been around over the years that never had any valve issues..

 

Damn, hit a sore spot with the_unknown lol

But yes he's right. A muffler delete would in no way cause burning exhaust valves. Open header doesn't even cause burnt valves (although unless it's a drag only car, open header should never be used...)

 

 

Sure, but fueling off throttle and running retarded ignition at low throttle angles (you know, exactly the kind of stuff you do to a calibration to make it pop and crackle) does increase exhaust temps and could burn a valve in extreme cases.

Also, totally my opinion here... But straight piped exhaust on a street car, especially an NA one, is dumb AF and sounds awful.

 

Blame the 2 steps lol

 

Yah but thats not what the mechanic told him and wasn't the question in play here. I doubt that mechanic nor this op understand what you're even talking about, much less how to go about modifying those things.

And yes, this type of stuff rubs me in the worst way