Power Flow Systems, maker of tuned exhaust system mods, has apparently had enough of the Internet harping of critics of its product and has fired a high-caliber put up or shut up salvo in reply. In an offer entitled “Shoot-Down at High Noon,” Power Flow has said it is willing to come to any of the naysayers and prove its performance claims, while putting skin in the game. It will install one of its STC’d exhaust systems on an airworthy airplane, do before-and-after testing, and if the performance increase does not match or exceed Power Flows claims, Power Flow will make a $1000 contribution to the aviation charity of the critics choice. The kicker is that if the performance increase is true, the critic has to make a $1000 donation to the aviation charity of Power Flows choice. In its announcement, Power Flow clearly expresses its displeasure at what it refers to as self-appointed experts who attack the “dedicated men and women” of the company.
Power Flows offer sets forth the conditions of the test, including the companys willingness to travel to any of the 50 states, inspect the airplane to be used and install (presumably temporarily) the system to be tested-all at its cost. The airplane will have to be one on which there is an STC for the tuned exhaust system, be airworthy and be operating within normal parameters. Power Flow says the critic may invite as many witnesses to the Shoot-Down as is desired. Results of the before-and-after testing are to be verified by an independent, impartial observer. Power Flows website sets out performance gains with the systems-for example, it calls for a 7-knot speed increase for the Cessna 177B Cardinal (power setting not specified) and a rate of climb increase of 125-300 FPM. Power Flow promises it will publish the particulars, progress and results of all challenges on its website.
