Notes
Testing our Eclipse GT revealed just how much the car hates temperature fluctuations. Back-to-back runs consistently resulted in loss of power as temperatures climbed, yet testing the car below its standard operating temperature lost power as well. Our peak numbers were found after a long idle on the dyno, with the fans blowing-once the system established a consistent temperature.
Premium Fuel Requirements On The Rise
Recently, many manufacturers have debuted vehicles with advanced engine technologies such as direct fuel-injection and turbochargers, designed to provide consumers with better performance and more power than conventional gasoline engines.
In direct fuel-injection engines, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, subjecting it to greater heat and pressure, which can result in a breakdown of cleaning agents typically found in gasolines today. To maintain vehicles with direct fuel-injection or other advanced engine technologies, many automakers recommend using premium-grade fuel. However, it's important to note that all premium gasolines are not the same. Using a high-quality premium gasoline is one way to help your engine maintain optimum performance on the dyno, and on the street.
Earlier this year, Shell introduced Nitrogen Enriched gasolines, which are designed to actively clean up engine gunk left behind by lower-quality fuel in both conventional and modern engines. The patented active-cleaning molecule in Shell Nitrogen Enriched gasoline is also designed to maintain thermal stability under the extremely hot engine temperatures found in direct fuel-injection engines.
Shell V-Power premium gasoline contains the highest concentration of the Shell Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system, providing maximum protection against performance-robbing gunk. It actively seeks and destroys engine gunk even faster than regular Shell gasoline, helping your vehicle maintain peak performance. With the patented Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system, Shell V-Power is the most advanced fuel that Shell has ever developed and continues to be the best-selling premium gasoline brand in the U.S.
Please visit www.shell.com/us/vpower.
Pros
Construction and fitment were top-notch. The straight-through design of the Aestus mufflers eliminated the restriction of the stock baffled units, bringing up power a little, and elevating the already aggressive exhaust note of the Eclipse into proper territory.
Cons
As axle-back units, power and torque gains weren't drastic. Like too many new cars, the Eclipse uses welded-in catalysts, meaning replacing the entire exhaust would necessitate replacement or removal of the cats. But the increased, 2.5-inch diameter of the Aestus units would make them formidable additions to any "mid-pipe customization" endeavors down the road . . .
Parts
Two mufflers with piping, gaskets, hardware, decals
Tools
14mm socket and ratchet, 14mm open-end wrench, exhaust hanger tool
Installation Time
5 minutes, after cool-down