I've read about all of the increased top-end power a Y-pipe, B-pipe, and cat-back exhaust but, how do these mods affect the torque curve? Specifically, how does it impact the daily driving characteristics around town? From my understanding of exhaust systems on motorcycles the 2k2 Maxima's OEM variable capacity muffler maximizes low- and mid-range torque by increasing backpressure while sacrificing a little power from the top because it is still a bit restrictive when fully opened, correct? If the principles are the same (bike engine to car engine) then installing an aftermarket exhaust will cause the low- and mid-range to be flat compared to stock while the upper 1/3 of the rev range will be absolutely kick-***. In the bike world this is easily remedied with a jet kit or fuel injection remap so you get the best of both worlds. How can this flatness or driveablity issue be remedied on the Max which has a much more sophisticated ECU than a motorcycle? As always, thanks for the replies.

 

My last two-wheeler was a Yamaha RD350...remember..da noisy, smelly, ultra-short wheelbase two-stroke with the bright yellow and black fairing and factory expansion chambers?

Sigh....

There are lots of theories about the effect of more or less backpressure on the Maxes. I still tend to be still somewhat skeptical that less BP is always better; subscribing like you to the 'some BP is good' theory, but the reality is that cars with Y-pipes and better B-pipes do indeed seem to dyno stronger pretty much thru the whole power curve beyond 2500 RPMs so...maybe the ECU is adjusting somehow...