Today I noticed that my car had a small hissing/high pitched sound coming from under my car when leaning out my driver's side door. My question is this: what effects will an exhaust leak have on the car's driveability? I've probably been driving with the exhaust like this since I got it, and feel it is a good time to upgrade from the b-pipe back since my muffler's outer casing is also rotting away. So again, what will be the affect of an exhaust leak on how the car behaves?
Thanks in advance,
Lou

 

when you have a leak, your losing back-pressure, but back-pressure isnt good anyways, but i hear that it does affect performance, but not to sure.

 

Exhaust leaks pretty much are just a loud sound that will follow you. Shouldnt affect peformance.

 

your car will loose performance with an leak, happen to several of my friends. its like 30 40 dollars for them to weld and patch it up

 

I currently have an exhaust leak as well due to a rear end accident. I definitely noticed a performance loss.

 

exhuast leak might actually give you better performance because it decreases restriction on the exhaust. Thats the whole reason why you get 20 hp from a y-pipe and another 5 from a catback. Too little back pressure is bad for low end, but having less is generally good. I would drive around with yer winders' open though. Don't wanna be gettin poisoned from the monox.

 

ye but having a leak in the wrong place could make you loose some torque

 

Please tell me you're kidding?

Dude fix your leak, it not only affects performance its bad for emissions.