Headers and Engine Performance

There are many factors to consider when it comes to the issue of automobile performance. Technically speaking, automobile performance can be assessed based on engine output and suspension performance. Engine output can be expressed in terms of power, torque, speed and mileage. On the other hand, suspension performance can be assessed based on ride comfort and maneuverability of an automobile. Collectively, these factors determine the performance of an automobile. These factors can be improved in certain ways. For instance, adding certain performance parts such as headers can significantly increase the mechanical output of the engine. There is no need to overhaul the engine to improve its performance.

Headers are among the aftermarket performance parts that you can add to your automobile to increase its performance. Headers are typically not built-in features of automobiles. They are classified as add-on accessories. They are generally installed on modified automobiles that are intended for racing or off-road driving. In most cases, installing headers requires bypassing the catalytic converters. This is the main reason why the installation of headers is strictly regulated in most states. In most cases, it is prohibited to install headers on ordinary streetcars. Bypassing the catalytic converter can have serious environmental consequence.

Headers basically eliminate or reduce backpressure. This is accomplished by allowing greater space for the exiting exhaust gases. Backpressure is detrimental to engine combustion because it causes the engine to inefficiently burn fuel. It may also cause the engine to work extra harder. Headers are structurally similar to exhaust manifolds. The branching bundles of fused tubes of headers lead to a common exit that is otherwise known as collector. In this manner, the gaseous pressure of the exiting exhaust gases is significantly reduced. The exhaust gases are prevented from flowing back into the combustion chambers.

Correlating Suspension Performance to Engine Performance

When it comes to automobile performance, the raw mechanical output of the engine is not the only thing that matters. Engine power, torque and speed are meaningless if they are not effectively translated into actual useful work. Engine output can only be considered as useful if it is translated into distance traveled given certain load weight and amount of fuel. The actual translation of engine output can be affected by several factors. One of the factors that affect this is the ability of the suspension system to effectively compensate for vehicular vibrations and road unevenness. If the suspension system is not functioning well, some amount of engine output will be wasted.

If the suspension system is not very effective, the engine will need to spend more effort counteracting vibrations and vehicular instability. Tire traction will also be drastically affected if the suspension system is defective or not very effective. The automobile tires tend to jump off the ground due to road unevenness and vehicular vibrations. Instead of moving forward, some amount of torque and wheel motion are wasted. The suspension system prevents this from happening by allowing the tires to maintain their traction with the ground. Obviously, if the tires are always in contact with the ground, engine output will not be wasted.

Basically, the suspension system is comprised of several components that are mainly connected to the individual wheels. Most important of these components are the springs, shock absorbers, and control arms. These components directly compensate for the vertical oscillations of the automobile. To some extent, the tires themselves also compensate for the vertical oscillations of the automobile. Collectively, the fundamental suspension components compensate for vehicular vibrations in two ways. First, the compressive force of vibrations is cushioned. Second, the motion of vibration is counteracted. Cushioning the force of vibrations is the role of the shock absorber while counteracting the vibration motion is the role of the springs. Maintaining and periodically replacing the suspension components can significantly contribute to the overall performance of your automobile.