Single pipe exhaust for an m20?

[MrK]

I'm about to rework my exhaust from the headers down, and I was wondering, (yes I searched nothing on this anywhere) are there any disadvantages to running a single, larger exhaust all the way down to the exit? I'm aiming for a sleeper. The only way ppl will believe the 316i badge would be with a single exhaust (even though the diam. will definitely be bigger, I'm thinking oval). If this will lose me even .0005 hp, I ain't doin it though.

Edit: Why do I feel like I'm gonna be totally flamed for this?

[arsevader]

I'm about to rework my exhaust from the headers down, and I was wondering, (yes I searched nothing on this anywhere) are there any disadvantages to running a single, larger exhaust all the way down to the exit? I'm aiming for a sleeper. The only way ppl will believe the 316i badge would be with a single exhaust (even though the diam. will definitely be bigger, I'm thinking oval). If this will lose me even .0005 hp, I ain't doin it though.

Edit: Why do I feel like I'm gonna be totally flamed for this?

You could probably run a duel in / single out muffler for less work. Not sure of HP issues.

[Insanity]

so long as the cross sectional area of the single pipe is equivalent to the cross sectional area of the dual pipes, you'll be fine.

[mspiegle]

Generally, a single pipe exhaust will have less surface area for the air inside the pipe to create friction against (and slow down). So.....

Single pipe can improve performance over dual pipe.
Single Pipe is lighter
Single pipe is cheaper

How can you go wrong?

[BimmerToad]

A single pipe with the same cross sectional area will flow better than a dual pipe. With that said, go with a single 2.5" pipe. I have a single 2.5" system on my 2.8L M52 and it makes the car look like a stock 318 :up:

Saves weight and money too