DIY Network

Toyota Matrix: Axle-Back Exhaust System and Dyno-Testing From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-102

	The Matrix's performance specs, BEFORE the upgrade.
	The specs AFTER the upgrades showing the air-fuel ratio evened out -- indicating that we're generating more power and doing it safely.

In this segment of Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos and performance specialist Harry McKinney install a new aftermarket exhaust system on the Toyota Matrix. And finally, the car is taken to a professional tuning shop to test the new intake and exhaust enhancements using a dyno-tuner.

DIY Difficulty Rating for Repair: This computer and exhaust project is fairly straightforward in terms of installation. We gave it a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. All of the modifications simply bolt on or plug in.

Materials needed:

This product requires only the kits and parts installed, and standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.). An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools is optional, but may help speed the assembly process. The performance tests performed in this segment were done by qualified pros at a tuning shop.

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More chrome, more air and more vroom! The new exhaust system provides our project vehicle with a pronounced power boost and a deeper bass-note.

Axle-Back Exhaust System

The new exhaust system installed on the Matrix is termed an "axle-back" because it replaces everything on the old exhaust system from the axle back to the tail-pipe. It has a less restrictive muffler than the stock version and a larger tail-pipe. The replacement is durable and easy to install since it simply bolts on to the stock locations. No cutting or welding is required. The system is stainless steel, so it will last for a long time. It's also got a lower, deeper exhaust note.

Safety Alert: For this installation, and any work done underneath a vehicle, be sure to safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling debris, metal shavings, chemicals, etc.

• Begin removing the old exhaust system by unbolting the factory exhaust at the mid-pipe, behind the catalytic converter (figure A).

• Use a large screwdriver to unhook the muffler at the rubber hangers, and carefully lower the old exhaust (figure B).

• If you have problems unbolting any of the exhaust fasteners, it may help to use a spray lubricant to help break them loose.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  
• Lift the new exhaust into position (figure C), and hook it in place at the rubber hangers (figure D).

• Bolt the new system securely in place at the original stock locations (figure E).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• With the upgrades complete, we took the Matrix down off the lift and down to a pro tuning shop to see how the improvements measure up. With the car hooked up on the Dyno, attached an RPM sensor and opened the car up full-throttle (figures F and G) and a computer analyzed the performance results.

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  
• The Dyno-mometer places load against the engine and measures torque and horsepower throughout the entire RPM range. The baseline results -- taken before the upgrades -- showed peak horsepower at the wheels at 105 at 4600 RPM. Torque was best at 108 pounds. The strong torque-band hit 4500 RPM (figure H), where Toyota's WTI adjusts cam duration to increase horsepower. The air-fuel ratio leans out a bit at high revs.

• By contrast, with the enhancements (figure I), we got more power at every point along the graph. Peak power jumped up by 6 horsepower. Not a huge increase, but the midrange power saw a stronger boost, and all of the measurements smoothed out overall, for a more predictable power curve. The air-fuel ration evened out as well, indicating that we're generating more power and doing it safely.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

  Andrew Totolos and auto performance-specialist Harry McKinney get ready to install the new breather pipe on the Toyota Matrix XR.

  The Bottom Line

  The cost breakdown for our upgrades:

  $249.99 Short-ram air intake
  $799.00 Piggyback ECU
  $379.99 Stainless-steel exhaust

  Total = $1428.98
  Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

  Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  
  Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
  Author: Joe Pettitt
  Order this book from Amazon.com.
  Voyageur Press (October 2000)
  ISBN: 1884089526
  

  
  Toyota Performance Handbook (Motorbooks International Performance Handbook Series)
  Author: Pat Braden
  Publisher: Motorbooks International
  May 1990 ASIN: 0879383208
  To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
  

  
  Supercharging, Turbocharging, & Nitrous Oxide Performance Handbook (Powerpro)
  by Earl Davis, Diane Davis
  Motorbooks International
  December, 2001
  ISBN: 0760308373
  To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Toyota Matrix: Intake and Exhaust Enhancements, Part 1
  	Toyota Matrix: Intake and Exhaust Enhancements, Part 2
  	Toyota Matrix: Short-Ram Air-Intake and Piggyback ECU
  	Toyota Matrix: Axle-Back Exhaust System and Dyno-Testing
  	WEB-EXTRA: Information on Warranties and Performance Modifications