Can Flexi Pipes Help With Acceleration?

A well-oiled machine is composed of many parts. Not many drivers are aware of the importance of each and every one, all of which operate collectively to power a vehicle.

This includes an efficient, high-flow exhaust system, which is further made up of several crucial components. The exhaust flexi pipe, in particular, plays a significant role. Turborevs gives an overview of flexi pipes below, and how they directly affect car acceleration. 

What Are Flexi Pipes?

In comparison to other car parts, a car’s engine requires far more flexibility for better movement. If stiff pipes are used in the system, these would break down easily over time, which would cause excessive engine vibration that would also be heard and felt by the passengers. 

The same goes for the engine’s exhaust system. Since the engine shifts while applying torque, a flexible joint is needed to connect with the exhaust for it to remain sealed, and to avoid too much noise and vibration. 

This is where a flexi pipe comes in — it connects the engine and exhaust system, giving the latter some leeway and protecting the engine from breaking down each time you accelerate your car. 

They are usually made of forged or stainless steel so they are sturdy and durable. There are a variety of options in the market, meaning they are compatible with any kind of vehicle. 

It is important to note that the constant movements exerted by the vehicle on the flexi pipe can damage it over time. A blocked catalytic converter can also cause tears in the pipes. Hence, you should be aware of the warning signs of a broken flexi pipe and get it repaired or replaced on time before it creates further problems for your vehicle. Delaying for too long can also lead to higher repair costs eventually. Some common symptoms of a leaking flexi pipe that you should look out for include loud noise from the engine, a bad smell, exhaust gas pedal vibrations, poor fuel economy and higher emissions. 

The Relation With Acceleration

The exhaust system works with the engine to make a car move or accelerate. If the flexi pipe connecting the two is damaged, there is a loss of back pressure, which can affect acceleration. This is because the exhaust is specially designed to get rid of fumes coming from the engine. With a broken flexi pipe, it is not able to carry out this function effectively, which in turn causes a loss in the engine’s efficiency — leading to higher pressure and increased fuel consumption. 

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, flexi pipes do have an impact on a car’s acceleration. The exhaust system is directly connected to the engine to remove waste fumes and emissions — all with the aid of flexi pipes. If the latter are cracked or have any issue, this can result in poor performance of your vehicle.