Greg's2kGLE

Can some explain what is so special about the stock muffler? I hear people talking about variable backpressure, but what is that? Thanks!

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

try here. click the muffler portion

http://www.nissandriven.com/vehicles...utes/0,9443,47|31005|,00.html#midpageAnchor

IceY2K1

iTrader: (3)

Go to: http://www.nissandriven.com/

Then click, Maxima->Performance->Variable-Capacity Muffler->Video for a good visual explanation.

The link was being difficult.

max'n out

There is a plate basically that keeps backpressure in so you get more low end hp. At speed it begins to open giving you the high end hp.

IceY2K1

iTrader: (3)

Actually, it would be called torque on the low end not horsepower. I doubt you get any benefit other than a reduced sound level at idle/low rpm. The flap is not going to increase or reduce backpressure enough to make any real difference. Several people have found only a minimal gain(1-3hp) peak horsepower gain from NO catback. So, it's doubtful the increase or decrease in muffler volume does anything, but quiet things down. They aren't lying, but using sly marketing. If you increase the volume of an exhaust system, to a point, you will increase the overall power, but this is based on the assumption that it is already too small.

Kevin Wong

I actually installed one on my 97 SE. I thought it was a smart move after installing my y-pipe, RT cat, and B-pipe. I figure after increasing the flow of the exhaust system, I'd be losing out on the low end. Seeing how I'm always driving on the low-end (especially in the city) I wouldn't want to lose power there. The 5th gen muffler is great; it's quiet, improves the low, mid, and top end (especially when you openned up the exhaust).

Actually, I'm surprised no other company OEM or aftermarket has improved on this yet.