[RH77]

Likely due to the liquid road salt introduced to the region not long ago, the old Integra is being eaten alive (first brake calipers, now an exhaust pipe and other surfaces).

Most of the stainless exhaust is fully intact, except for the common A-Pipe and muffler buzz, except for now, a leak.

Between the Cat and Resonator, a simple straight pipe has developed a significant leak between its heat shield and the pipe itself (the rest of the heat shields have rusted and fallen off or were removed due to imminent failure or nasty "clanking").

So where is all of this going? Perhaps it's the CO leaking into the cabin since it's right below the driver's seat, but I've noted that highway economy has significantly improved. Highway RPMs are 2500-3000 RPM, so the engine is moving quite a bit of air. After charting the data, the SGII has displayed lower loads, higher FE, and and the ability to hold more constant hill speeds with similar throttle input. This is good, but keep reading...

It could all be the change in Weather, but it got cooler and milder before the pipe blew out, so that variable is out. I used the A/C during this observation. I would call it significant because exhaust can be smelled and heard as a loud air pumping sound. The problem -- FE is lower around town, and the butt dyno calls it "sluggish off the line".

So, I need to take the vehicle to the exhaust shop to get it repaired, since occupant safety (and vehicle inspection failure) is important. The question becomes, when big parts fail on this system, should I go for the stock setup, or look into something custom? There has to be a compromise between city and highway. The transmission is holding out (and engine design demands) higher RPM at highway speeds.

Food for thought...

-RH77