I'm not sure how to think about this.
I have a '97 miata with a Jackson Racing supercharger. (7000 miles and I love it). I'm thinking about getting a JR muffler and maybe a low restriction cat. Though I like the idea of a more interesting exhaust sound, I'm most interested in the power aspect of the upgrade and here's what I can't figure out...
On one hand, the supercharged engine is producing more exhaust gas volume that needs to get out the exhaust pipe. Therefore, it seems that less restriction in the exhaust system would benefit a supercharged engine more than a normally aspirated one because there would be more back pressure to be relieved.
On the other hand, since the cylinders are being packed by the supercharger, it seems that exhaust back pressure might matter less because of the positive pressure of the intake system.
If I had to guess, I'd say that less back pressure would make the most of the positive intake pressure produced by the supercharger by making it easier for the incoming fuel/air mix to fill the cylinders and therefore a better exhaust system would benefit a supercharged engine more. Does anyone have the real answer?
Does anyone have this combo to comment on?
Thanks very much