I have an 07 malibu ss sedan. My son who thinks he's an expert in
these matters is nagging me about putting in new intake parts and a
new exhaust system. Assuming that the car will only be driven in a
normal (relatively sane) way in NYC traffic, does the expense of these
new parts justify any performance/mileage gain I might see? Thanks...
Ted

I'd tell him to buy his own car, with his own money and then he can but all
the parts he can afford and mess with it all he wants.

"Ted" <the_busmaster (AT) msn (DOT) com> wrote

On Oct 31, 6:36 pm, "4newsgroups" <4newsgro... (AT) mts (DOT) net> wrote:
I agree wholeheartedly with your comment, but it still doesn't address
my question: would these items offer any tangible benefit to the
running of the car? Or is this simply another way to waste money?

"Ted" <the_busmaster (AT) msn (DOT) com> wrote

modifications might be helpful. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees
that either your performance or economy will thereby be improved. I consider
these things as toys and sort of status symbols among the younger set
although I do understand their desires and think they should be encouraged.
Generally the family car should not become the kids' toys. So my advice
(worth exactly what it costs) is to leave the car alone and, if you want to,
help him get a car to tinker with when he is old and responsible enough.

Don Young

Altering the intake and exhaust may provide some performance/mileage
benefit. Then may not.
And it will certainly void your drive train warranty.
Dual exhausts may provide a 5-10% increase in horsepower/economy, but most
cars don't use them to save on manufacturing. I'd definitely communicate
with son and try to educate yourself on what modifications he's espousing,
and learn more about it, and understand what he's getting at.

On Oct 31, 10:00 pm, "Russg" <russg... (AT) MUNGEsbcyahoo (DOT) net> wrote:
Thanks. Right now the car gets an average of 21mpg on my daily
commute, which is part highway/city. I don't consider this
particularly bad considering the weight/engine size (3.9L). It's very
fast when necessary, and altogether dependable so far. So I think
you're collectively right in that the car should stay as is at least
til the warranty expires. Thanks again.

Even after warranty, consider that today's cars are computer controlled and
balanced with a whole network of sensors. If you must pass an annual
emissions inspection then modification will most likely cause you to fail.
Dual exhausts must still pass thru a catalyst to remain legal. The factory
has worked hard to give you a performance car that still is street
tractable, gives decent mileage and passes inspection. The days are long
gone when American cars had almost tractor engines that could be easily
modified for performance. (And there were no emissions requirements).

"Ted" <the_busmaster (AT) msn (DOT) com> wrote

On Nov 8, 9:08 pm, "Jakey" <NOSPAMoakhil... (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:
These are my sentiments exactly. However, try convincing a young guy
who having read all the ads for upgrading performance etc., is still
swayed by the hype. The fact is, as I've told him and many other
young kids (I teach driver's ed), that the "best" car is the one that
starts in the morning!! Thanks for your input.