What is Free Flo?

N

news24

Expert Member
Joined
May 31, 2008
Messages
1,870
Reaction score
27
Location
★★★★★★★★★★
I'm not sure if its Free Flow or Free Flo? What is it and what does it do? My cousin keeps on nagging me to have it installed on my Alfa? He dosen't even know what it is.

Please explain in an idiot-proof manner :D
 
news24 said:
I'm not sure if its Free Flow or Free Flo? What is it and what does it do? My cousin keeps on nagging me to have it installed on my Alfa? He dosen't even know what it is.

Please explain in an idiot-proof manner :D
Click to expand...

A free-flow exhaust system consists of a muffler (or mufflers) and tailpipes that are designed to make a vehicle run quieter without restricting the exhaust flow, an action that can improve performance and fuel economy.
Click to expand...

http://trucks.about.com/od/glossaryf/g/freeflowexhaust.htm
 
Make a vehicle run quieter?...

Intriguing, every free flow I've ever had on my cars has made them alot louder....
 
There is only so much you can do to stop sound waves without restricting the air flow.
It's not going to be as good at stopping sound as an exhaust system with 2 silencers fitted (Standard exhaust configuration).
 
Yeah, I was kind of being a bit sarcastic...

esp since the definition came from a "truck" site...
 
Guys, wasn't there some dodgy airbox mod that was called FreeFlo (or something like that)?? It was posted here a little while ago asking if it actually works. I've tried searching but I'm not finding it again. Perhaps this is what he wants you to try... lol...

BTW, which ALFA do you have?
 
Slight performance increase AFAIK? Got a Powerflow, makes my 1.6 carb sound a bit better. :D
 
Sparky_za said:
Guys, wasn't there some dodgy airbox mod that was called FreeFlo (or something like that)?? It was posted here a little while ago asking if it actually works. I've tried searching but I'm not finding it again. Perhaps this is what he wants you to try... lol...

BTW, which ALFA do you have?
Click to expand...

156 2.0 Twin Spark :D
 
Slight performance increase, slight fuel usage decrease, "slight" increase of noise.

this is, AFAIK.......
 
A free flow is something you fit to your car to show the world you're a p**s.
 
Doesn't have to be loud (or look flashy), I have ff and branches and it makes less noise than the standard, you just need to go to a decent place to get it done. I just told them to put in some decent back boxes because I hate noise and I only put a normal looking stainless steel exhaust tip, unless you open up the engine you wouldn't think anything is different (or perhaps the exhaust tip but it's not flashy just different).

On N/A car it can help a bit, Fuel usage decreases, power increases and if you put in stainless steel type you don't have to worry about getting holes in the exhaust down the line (rust), unless you are an idiot that drives over boulders or something.
 
Gnome said:
Doesn't have to be loud (or look flashy), I have ff and branches and it makes less noise than the standard, you just need to go to a decent place to get it done. I just told them to put in some decent back boxes because I hate noise and I only put a normal looking stainless steel exhaust tip, unless you open up the engine you wouldn't think anything is different (or perhaps the exhaust tip but it's not flashy just different).

On N/A car it can help a bit, Fuel usage decreases, power increases and if you put in stainless steel type you don't have to worry about getting holes in the exhaust down the line (rust), unless you are an idiot that drives over boulders or something.
Click to expand...

what type/brand did you put on?
 
I thought a free flow system allowed the exhaust gasses to escape easier by having less mufflers hence making it louder.

Found something on Viper's site http://viperperformance.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=35

Absorption method

Noise reduction by means of an absorption silencer is the least effective. These silencers are also known as free-flow or straight through silencers. These boxes are of simple construction consisting of a perforated tube through the centre of a cylindrical or oval casing, which is packed with fiberglass muffler wool, or even steel wool. There are variations to this method involving different casing diameters and lengths, different perforated tube sizes and the introduction of an open chamber along the length of the silencer. This chamber in reality separates the silencer into two separate absorbing units, with a total break within the casing. In theory this design attenuates sound more efficiently than the straight through box because on entering the chamber, the exhaust gases slow down dramatically allowing more attenuation time.

This type of box is also used where the exhaust heat causes excessive expansion, which can crack or break lengthy perforation within the box.
 
Last edited:
The ONLY benefit from fitting a free flow system is that it's stainless steel and don't have to be replaced every now and again. As for power increases, hardly noticeable, and it makes people adjust their driving style because of the way it makes the car sound.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X