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Originally Posted by khan_sultan Gaurav, now that you have had the FFE for quite some time now, few questions and updates required:
1. Was the FFE install a headache, considering that headers are towards the engine-bay firewall and accessing them is a pain. Did the install required dismantling quite a few other arts as well just for access purposes. I ask this because, if the installer is not an expert with Palio 1.6, then there could be issues with the install of parts. From the pics it looks like that you got the install done at home (not at Samyak).
2. The sound of FFE on Palio is too good and has to be heard to be believed. Apart from music of sound, are you seeing any impact on the FE -- either +ve/-ve or is it same.
3. What is the setup that has been done to the FFE and is it low rpm setup, mid rpm or is itonly when you floor the pedal do you see the FFE making that growl? Did you specify any setup or do all automech FFE come with same setup for Palio.
4. After your experience with automech (especially with the header port size/quality of welds), will you suggest it to anyone or is it better to get a custom job done with a good FFE tuner? |
1. Installation was no big deal, and yes it was done at home. The dealer that I usually service my car, Samyak, refused to do this job. You have to remove the intake manifold to access the area between the engine and firewall, so the installer has to be careful about the sensors, wiring, throttle cable. I would be certainly better done by a mechanic who is familiar with the Palio 1.6, but a good competent mechanic who takes his time and pays attention to detail will do.
2. I agree with you about the sound of the Palio 1.6 motor with a FFE. I sounds like half of a Ferrari engine. If you have ever heard a small V8 Ferrari singing at high rpm, you will know what I mean.
Never checked the fuel economy, but my gut feel is that there is a small improvement.
3. Automech just makes one type of FFE system for the Palio 1.6. The only option is a piece of flex pipe. I paid an extra Rs. 1,400 for the flex pipe, and would highly recommend it. The flex pipe cuts vibrations.
The Automech system is tuned for low and mid rpm. No loss of power at the low end, and you can drive it at ultra low rpm, like 1500 for high fuel economy cruising. Very nice to about 5000 rpm, with a meaty growl starting at 3k. 4k to 5k is its power band. You start seeing a slight loss of power in the 5k to 6k rpm range. Not sure if this is due to the Automech system or 1.6 engine characteristics such as cam profile, fueling, etc.
4. It is true that I am not happy with the weld quality and the smaller than stock header port size. But I am not sure that local tuners can do better weld quality. I visited a guy in Delhi that does a large number of headers for many Delhi/NCR tuners and the weld quality was no better than the Automech. Problem is that fabricators tend to make the outside of the headers and exhaust look nice, but the inside smoothness and finish is what counts for performance. If I compare and contrast the stock Palio 1.6 exhaust system internal finish to the Automech, there is no comparison. The stock finish is 100% better.
In my experience, this is the problem with tuning in India. You do not get the really high quality of finishing available in the U.S. for aftermarket parts. Perhaps better workmanship is available down south?
The main problem for making headers are the collectors. Fabricating high quality collectors takes a very high degree if fabrication skill that is just not available for the auto aftermarket in India. One idea that I have is to purchase high quality y collectors or a 4 into 1 collector in the U.S., and then have a local fabricator build the header.
The other option that I am considering is using the stock exhaust manifold and custom fabricating a 2.5 inch exhaust line. I looked at the stock exhaust manifold, and it is actually very nice quality, with nice smooth internals. It has a nice large 2.150 inch exhaust port. I can post pics if you are interested.
Regards,