ORIGINAL: MMallory
Don't bends like that create backpressure? Diverters facing into the wind could be pushed back at speed.
Mark
Not when done properly... turning is not a big issue. The key is the inside diameter of the extention tube. It has to be larger than the ID of the exhaust outlet. Too many folks use a diverter with a tiny inside diameter, and yes, that will affect performance. On the Jett engines, if you size the diverter so it fits "loosely' over the OD of the exhaust stinger, and then snug it in place with a clamp or tie-wraps, and keep it to a reasonable length - performance is not affected.
Dynamic pressure from facing into the wind might be a little bit of a problem, but due to the muffler angle, it does not face 100% parallel to the flight path - so the effect is not huge.
Biggest issue - is its hard to make something that does not look goofy.