411 - Rear End view!

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by Richardmulcaster

I just wondered, does the awkward change of direct for the exhaust emission cause a loss of power? I was reading how exhaust systems can deliver more or less power depending on design and using these principles I am guessing that such a sudden change in direction would cause at least some power loss?

Richard, your guess is as good as mine :-)

Exhaust systems are inextricably linked to the intake systems, including valve timing and other variables. I suggest reading "Scientific Design of Exhaust and Intake Systems" by Philip H. Smith. It's an old book, first published in 1962, but still relevant, particularly to normally aspirated engines such as that in the V8 Bristols. It won't necessarily give you answers, but it will at last show how complex these matters are.

Bear in mind the engines in the S1-3 411s are different to the engines in the S4 & S5. The latter having greater swept volume but lower compression ratio. So the exhaust system on say an S4 may not be optimal for an S2.