Adding power where it counts...Under the Hood.

[TheOrangeBandit]

S'up Bros and Bras?

I've my 'Trix for little over a year now, and now it's time to start making it mine.

I'm gonna be blunt...I'm a performance guy. Larger wheels and tires (I've decided on 18's with 215/40 rubber so that my speedometer is bang on, well +.60 mph actually), better brakes, and most of all, HORSEPOWER .

When I see guys who only ad a body kit and think tht makes their car faster, I can't but just shake my head and sigh .

My first step will be ordering a K&N Cold air -fingers crossed for later today- and a full exhaust system, hoping to use a flowmaster muffler for it.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any after market exhaust systems for the Matrix with the 2.4?

I'm a welder, so if not there's no problem for me to fab up my own with a universal kit.

And on that note, does anyone know the stock exhaust system diameter and offset of the muffler so I can enlarge the newer one accordingly and order the same offset for my muffler.

That's the major point of focus as of right now.

But as since I want the utmost out of it, does anyone know of any company that makes a set of headers for the Matrix with the 2.4?

I hope to add a TRD supercharger, if or when they make one available, but for now, this will do.

Thanxs for any and all help.

T.O.B

[jdhog]

This thread over on MO has a 2.4 xrs with headers:

http://matrixowners.com/index.php?showtopic=79478

From your avatar looks like you have an AWD not XRS? edit: never mind I see it's a Canadian model - it's like a US 'S' model with the base body kit.

[TheOrangeBandit]

Thanxs for the link bro.
I actually have a Matrix XR, not the AWD...didn't want the AWD even though I live in the winter belt of Canada, which is to say...Canada.

[FSStrix09]

you say you're a performance guy but you want to put 18" wheels... Yeeeeaaaaahhhh.

you say you're a welder then why would you buy a "universal kit" when you can buy raw aluminum tube stock and fab up your own exhaust..... Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhhhh

headerS. (you can only fit 1 HEADER on your car, since it's a 4 cylinder) many cars share this same engine and the scion/camry header will fit just fine.

[TheOrangeBandit]

Yes, I plan to upsize to 18's for my car and switch from a 45 series to a 40 series tire. That's where the size choice comes in.
And when it comes to Aluminum, for one it is expensive. Aswell as the equipment required for welding AL is also very expensive -usually you need atleast a 220V welder that has an auxilary input control so you can run either an external roller feed gun or you need to have a pull-push gun to weld with. As I don't have a 220V outlet in my garage, that limits me to using a 110 MIG welder, which usually are incapable of running an AL setup due to how basic they are, but that will be more then enough to weld thin wall steel tubing together.
You want to try and avoid using Aluminum, especially thin wall AL -like in an exhaust system that will never really be more then 1/8", maybe even no more then 3/32"- in areas that will be exposed to direct heat or high temperatures.
The problem with AL is that it's melting point is around 1000F. Now, the exhuast gas won't ever get that hot, but the closer you get to a metal's melting, the more it begins to warp and distort, meaning that over time due to regular driving, the fittings to the catalytic converter and to the muffler could warp and beging to leak.
The automakers use stainless steel -a 309 stainless I believe- because ,while it's generally on par with AL in terms of cost, it is much better for a system that will be going from anywhere between -50F to +500F with out any adverse affects to it. Infact, the 309 class of stainless steel was specifically designed for use in areas that see large swings in temperature, like in an exhaust system.

Phew...that was more thinking then I like to do on a Sunday...I gotta go lie down now.

[jdhog]

damn man I just learned something! and I'm not talking about headers without an s hahahahaha

[TheOrangeBandit]

Hey, glad I could help...or atleast enlighten a bit.
I tend to find that I learn a lot on Sundays....like you can't plug a 13 amp, 7 inch grinder into a 15 amp circut that has a TV on it already...mainly because the breaker will trip then...good times though, good times.

[FSStrix09]

so you are a welder but dont own a welder. everything you posted can be read on wikipedia or any other website. so what do you do on sundays read internet and fantasize about working on your car?

and 18" wheels are going to be heavier than the 16's you have now. the profile of the tire is going to do little when you are adding 5 lbs. of wheel weight per corner and another 3 lbs. per tire per corner.

[jdhog]

Originally Posted by FSStrix09

so you are a welder but dont own a welder. everything you posted can be read on wikipedia or any other website. so what do you do on sundays read internet and fantasize about working on your car?

and 18" wheels are going to be heavier than the 16's you have now. the profile of the tire is going to do little when you are adding 5 lbs. of wheel weight per corner and another 3 lbs. per tire per corner.

Read again. He doesnt have an Aluminum welder only a mig or a 220v outlet at his house. and why can't 18' wheels be lighter? maybe he should weld toghether some aluminum 18" wheels while hes at it.

WTF are you giving this guy the Spanish Inquisition? sounds like a case of welding envy to me. Where's the welcome to the forum and shit?

[Corolla_reps]

do whatever you need bro...i haven't seen a lot of aftermarket stuff for 09's yet...its still yet to be seen

[jdhog]

Another place to consider 'adding power where it counts'........ in the Stereyereo. I have an Alpine in mine works great for my iPod and sounds better than stock.

[SportLynn]

Good Luck WITH EVERYTHING! I think what you got in ur mind to do is awesome. i would Love to be able to weld. i have alot of thoughts as of what i would like to do with my Trix but i dont have those skills and i would rather do them myself than pay a body shop to do it. mostly because i have exactly what i want it to look like in my head and they can only get an idea..

have you thought about shaving the rear hatch?

i envy you but i wont rag on you for having a skill.
i had the chance to take welding in school but i took construction instead. and thats on me.

like i said, good luck with everything! and i hope you will keep us posted with updates and pics as you go along!