Headers & exhaust for the smart?

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Permalink Reply by smartster on April 10, 2008 at 2:19pm

I know of 2 companies that are working on creating headers & exhaust systems with the goal of having them ready for May to use on the forfiveone during this years Cannonball Run. For me the few cons are nothing compared to the pros of extra power, different sound and depending on the kit a possibly different look to the rear of the smart.

PROS

1) different sound, while this could also be a con as some like it some hate it but its always a way to make a vehicle a little different.

2) increase horsepower, but some system are too free flowing and see a drop in torque at some points on the power band, no idea what will be the outcome of the smart packages.

3) possible visual improvement of the rear depending on where the pipe exit the muffler.


CONS:

1) Servicing, as sometimes the aftermarket systems don't holdup to salt/poor road conditions like the factory mufflers so might need to be replaced sooner and Midas won't have these units in stock.

2) Possible DOT issues, state by state will have different rules on changing mufflers/cat systems, and both the companies we are talking with at present don't have the plan to get California approved systems, but they will pass the checks just not getting the official stamp on the box.

3) The European 451 and the Canadian/America 451 are different muffler systems, so have to be careful if/when you are ordering an aftermarket system that its built for the market you bought your smart in.


If either of the companies manage to get the muffler systems ready for May I'll have it on the smart during the events in the US so you might be able to come out and get a first hand look at the system.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff on April 10, 2008 at 2:37pm

They already have them out there. Evul Twins Thru SmartsRus has performance parts. I am working with a friend whomakes custom SS exhaust for Harleys and are looking to use a SS Supertrapp as the Muffler as they can be tuned for different motors . there will be some problems with this because of government regulations. but hey, I am a Harley guy.As far as pros and cons, With my idea, opening up the breathing of the motor, you can get better performance both in fuel milage and speed. depending how you choose to tune the exhaust. Of course, you will also have to open up the intake as well. this can be done by either rmodifying the breather box orchanging to an open element type air cleaner. If you know what you are doing and have some motor head skills to tinker around with the car you should be able to come up with something.Cons. Watch out for big brother.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Goins on April 13, 2008 at 1:22am

Used headers on many cars in the past. Generally added HP (a few) and upped the mileage, depending upon how restrictive the stock exhaust was. Not a proponent of loud, but like efficient. Should be relatively easy to do, and I know for certain there are several header builders working on it at the moment. Dougs headers for sure and others.

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Permalink Reply by mr bad example on April 17, 2008 at 9:35pm

ok, they just made one, check it out here!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAhy75Nu0Ww

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Permalink Reply by smartster on April 17, 2008 at 9:56pm

Wow, seems like a good week for the smart, the kit for our project car was finished this week also, sadly no youtube video of it, but that will come in May right now its on the plane heading here along with our new intake system.

M.B.E. you and the others that come out are going to be in for a real treat, I think I'll be letting people test/drive the smart at the track to let them see the difference.

As for Road America, sadly the smart USA rep currently won't be out at that track but they will be coming to some as smart USA will be offering a range of aftermarket parts directly from smart, it would seem they are getting into the idea that people want to make the smart even more unique then it already is.

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Permalink Reply by mr bad example on April 17, 2008 at 10:23pm

that's cool!!!! maybe i'll do the springs then as well, i can do the exhaust myself, might have to go to the dealer and pay nosebleed labor for the springs... but if i can get the springs for $100, it's worth it! smarties will put mini owners to shame! i popped on my "got 50 mpg?" decal on my car today, that'll end a few questions, i had a woman driving a "dealer" car ask me about it today in traffic, got another guy video me on his cell phone yesterday, it never ends...

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