true, lake pipe(s) are an exhaust thing that you can remove a cover and have open exhaust. Uncle Willy's was just fabricated to use a radiator cap for convenience. Did not necessarily improve anything except the loudness / fun factor. I realize that most small engines expect a certain back pressure for proper operation. BTW, I have not read the Texas Traffic Code in many many years but mufflers were only required inside city limits back in the day. Speed limits between towns were rather loosely enforced as well.. Stretches in excess of 30 miles.. we used to do one 40+ miles stretch through the King ranch without dropping below 100 mph ... Obviously not in a little Zuki. Again, Zuki was in southern Michigan farm country / Irish Hills