[missourimule]

If you cut the muffler off I'd say you should worry about the warranty. How do you manage not to be ticketed? I don't know that this would cause the ticking/knocking noise (some small ticking is acceptable) but I would be concerned about burning an exhaust valve or something like that.

If it were up to me I would try to put everything back in stock condition, change the oil and filter and then take it to the dealer and you might get lucky and they won't deny the claim. And I would read the manual about what it says about modifications to the vehicle.

If the oil is in the range shown on the diptstick it is not "low". When it falls below that it is too low. And also if the oil is too high, it can cause foaming of the oil which will then not lubricate properly. All the engine manufacturers continously warn about putting too much oil in the engine. Being slightly low is unlikely to cause engine damage.

 

[missourimule]

BE GONE.

That's hilarious. Now would you like to explain the workings of an exhaust system and why one shouldn't be concerned? Evidently you are holding yourself out to be some kind of expert. So educate me.

 

[missourimule]

Starting from the engine you have the headers. These four pipes collect from each cylinder the exhaust fumes and channel them down into one pipe. The first thing after the header is the Catalytic converter. The catalytic converter "convert's" harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions, now these are regulated by an oxygen (o2) sensor that is connected to your cars ECU. Catback exhaust's usually start after the "cat" and head back, hence the name. Next in the middle of the piping is the resonator. The resonator is like a muffler that acts too minimize cabin drone. After the resonator you have the muffler then the tip. A muffler is designed solely to reduce "sound" in an exhaust system. It "mostly" doesn't stop any pollution, carbon dioxide, etc. (like the catalytic converter.) Removing the muffler will just make your car louder, case in point. It doesn't affect any "exhaust valves", doesn't tamper with the ECU, and will not cause rod knock in your motor.

So you are saying that this has no effect on the monitoring of the fuel/air mixture. You are also, apparently, stating this is in compliance with state law, regulations and state inspections. And you also believe that Kia would not have objection to these modifications should a warranty claim ensue.

I've actually read the owner's manual and it is rather explicit that any modifications to virtually any part of the car would have negative implications as to the warranty. I can cite those for you if you wish.

What I don't understand is why shade tree mechanics and fly by night aftermarket market merchandisers seem to understand these vehicles better than the engineers who designed the cars.

Why would anyone want to make the car louder? That will lead to hearing loss later on in life plus thoroughly aggravate those around the car who have their senses assaulted. This may be "cool" to those who do these things but the truth is that all it will do is to diminish the value of the vehicles and make a nuisance of the vehicle's owner and display his immaturity. I don't get it.

Cosmetic alterations are one thing, but mechanical/modification changes are quite another.

BTW, I never claimed that "rod knocking" (which is unproven) was related to the alterations to this vehicle.