I am planning on adding an upgraded exhaust system. Does anyone know if not adding a performance intake (i.e. K&N or cold-air system) will cause problems?

I assume that more air out won't help unless you get more air in. But I have an issue with oil/cottom type filters due to allowing more dirt into the engine.

Has anyone installed an aftermarket exhaust system without doing an air intake mod, what were the results or issues?

 

You didn't mention what you are trying to accomplish with the exhaust upgrade. Also I don't know what you are driving, but in general bolting on any cat back exhaust system is not going to set off any check engine lights or cause the engine to fail in some other way.

If you are looking for better looks or sound buy what you like. If, on the other hand, you are looking for strickly performance, then adding a Superchip would be your best return of horsepower for your dollars spent.

These upgrades could be added in ANY order and not affect your truck exhaust, intake, Superchip, electric fans, or under drive pulleys.

Personally I have the Borla cat back. I didn't want to have to replace the exhaust again down the road, so the stainless system appealed to me. Additionally, I did not want big Flowmaster noise, so Borla again appealed to me.

Hope this helps.

 

There are no problem with adding exhaust without intake.

Just curious, where did you hear that oiled cotton filters let in more dirt?

 

There have been several studies that compared and analyzed silicate compounds in the motor oil of vehicles using K&N and paper air filters.

All the studies stated (except K&N's own study) that K&N type air filters allow from 2-4 times more silicate materials (dirt) into an engine that the factory air filter.

After having my K&N for some time, I noticed quite a bit of fine dirt in the filter tube past the air filter. I cleaned the tube and reinstalled my Motorcraft air filter. After 5K miles, I checked the tube and noticed absolutely no dirt. I then reinstalled my K&N, and after 3K miles, the dirt was back.

My K&N was properly oiled, and installed. After that experience, I just decided not to use them again. For me, its just piece of mind! I’m sure others have had better experiences without the problems I had.

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2000 Ford F150 XLT Supercab 4x4

2001 Acura NSX Coupe

2002 Honda RC51 Superbike

 

I also went that route installing a highflow exhaust system (Gibson) on the 4.6L without an intake system and the results were poor. At stops, my engine would idle rough like it was gasping for air which got VERY ANNOYING. Installed an intake system and viola! idle at stops completely gone. Yes this baby needed to breathe better! I guess it all depends what exhaust you're gonna run, as for me, I definitely needed one. Goodluck.

 

Thanks for the advise kaliscrew2k2. I'll try the exhaust system without the intake first. If it gives me problems, I'll add a cold-air intake and put a prefilter over the K&N.