Exhaust Headers Research Guide

Exhaust Headers Research Guide Glossary Terms

• Backpressure
• CARB EO
• Chrome
• Chromium
• Diameter
• Engine Scavenging
• Existentialist
• Magnuson Moss Warranty Act
• Mandrel Bender
• Smog
• Strongman

Exhaust Headers Research Guide Glossary Definitions

Backpressure

Backpressure is the plague of inefficient exhaust systems. When spent gases cannot flow freely through the exhaust manifold, they cause gaseous gridlock in your engine and cylinders. Since the gases cannot escape at the proper velocity, your engine has to work harder to force the fumes out. As a result, you lose horsepower, torque and fuel economy.

CARB EO

CARB is an acronym for the California Air Resources Board, which is California's regulatory agency tasked to set the state's acceptable automotive emissions levels. Most performance exhaust headers are built to meet CARB's strict requirements, and they receive a CARB EO number that certifies their compliance. When you go for your smog tests, be sure to bring along the CARB EO number to avoid any questions during the visual examination.

Chrome

Chrome is a traditional, time-honored automotive finishing technique for many parts and trim pieces. A thin layer of chromium is applied over a nickel base, and the result is a mirror-like shine and excellent resistance to rust. The one downside to chrome is that the decorative layer can chip or peel off over time.

Chromium

Chromium is the 24th element on the periodic table, and it is the main ingredient in stainless steel. In fact, the reason that stainless steel is so resilient to rust, corrosion and tarnish is because of the high chromium content, at least 10.5%.

Diameter

A straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle or sphere and connects two opposite points. Mathematically, the diameter of a circle is expressed as 2r, with "r" representing the radius of the circle or sphere.

Engine Scavenging

The vacuum created by the flow of exhaust through the exhaust manifold. Performance exhaust headers are tuned to increase this vacuum effect and suck exhaust fumes right out of the cylinders. Engine scavenging can greatly increase fuel efficiency and horsepower.

Existentialist

An existentialist is someone who believes in the doctrine of existentialism. Existentialism argues that existence takes precedence over essence and holds that man is totally free to make choices and is responsible for the consequences of his actions.

Magnuson Moss Warranty Act

Passed in 1975, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act was a groundbreaking law protecting consumer rights. Its impact on automotive accessories and modification is especially profound. In essence, it states that installing aftermarket products on your vehicle does not automatically void your manufacturer's warranty, unless the dealer can prove that the part caused the problem. However, if your warranty does expressly prohibit installing performance accessories, then the Act does not apply.

Mandrel Bender

A modern pipe-bending machine that makes mandrel bends instead of crush bends. Mandrel bends are the least restrictive and will give you the most performance because the pipe's internal diameter remains the same throughout the bent areas. To keep a pipe's size uniform, a flexible rod, called a mandrel, is inserted inside the pipe before it is bent. With the mandrel inside, the pipe can be bent without crushing in on itself.

Smog

Smog is constructed from the words "smoke" and "fog," and it is used in our times to refer to heavy air pollution. Generally, smog is created when two types of pollutants (nitric oxides from engine exhaust, and volatile organic compounds from paint, pesticides and solvents) mix together under sunlight to form ozone. It forms hideous brown clouds that loom over urban areas, and it causes serious respiratory distress, especially in children and the elderly. In an attempt to reduce smog, state governments have passed laws that define the acceptable amount of pollution that an automobile can produce, and smog tests are used to determine whether cars, trucks or SUVs are in compliance.

Strongman

In traditional circus sideshows, the strongman performed feats of strength, including breaking chains, bending pipes into pretzels and hoisting the lizard man over his head. Today, strongmen are not relegated to working just at freak shows. The North American Strongman, Inc holds regular exhibitions and the annual World's Strongest Man competition, where Herculean men throw trees, lift stones, and walk in circles carrying a Volkswagen bug for prizes and glory.