Custom Exhaust: Your Choices
Altering your exhaust can have big benefits. Stock exhaust systems are quiet, restrictive and not conducive to developing a powerful street car. Having a custom exhaust system installed will help you increase your power, and add that unique sound to your ride and more. However, there are quite a few things that go into making a good exhaust system; you'll need to know what items you will need, as well as what you will not need, in order to make the right purchase.
Headers: Any custom exhaust job should start with the installation of headers. Your stock exhaust manifold restricts to the flow of exhaust gasses, creating backpressure and power loss in the engine. A custom header will free those gasses, allowing them to exit the engine much faster. This creates more power, less backpressure and a cool sound.
Down pipes: You'll need new down pipes for your custom exhaust job, as well. If you have a four cylinder, you will only need a single down pipe. However, V6 and V8 rides will require Y pipes; these bring the two header ends to a single point, from which the gasses flow down the exhaust and out through the muffler. You can add an H pipe to your V6 or V8 and have true dual exhaust; this can add even more power and better sound.
Catalytic Converters: Like it or not, the cat is a required item. If your car was manufactured without a catalytic converter, you can skip this part; however, the majority of modern vehicles (from the 80's on), require a cat in order to function properly. In addition, a catalytic converter is necessary to keep that pesky check engine light off and pass an emissions test. You'll find high-flow cats available that can help you maintain your performance. These will usually need to be welded into the exhaust system, though bolt on models are available for certain cars.
Cat-Back Pipes: A cat-back pipe is exactly what it sounds like. This is a pipe that runs from the catalytic converter back to the muffler and usually includes the muffler. You can find several manufacturers offering cat-back pipes with performance mufflers attached, as well as simple plain pipes if you already have a muffler that you want to use.
Mufflers: Using the right muffler can greatly increase the power and the torque of your ride. By eliminating much of the backpressure, you gain across the power band. The right muffler will provide you with style, performance and an excellent, unmistakable sound. "Coffee can mufflers" are a good example of this style, though overly large mufflers are not required; you'll find several more subtle options that still provide you with power.
Muffler Tips: If you're replacing your muffler, you won't need these. However, if you're relying on a stock muffler, tips can add a great custom look to your ride, though they do not provide any performance benefits.
Regardless of the type of exhaust system you choose, having a professional install it is the best option. Exhaust system installation requires the use of a vehicle lift, a welding machine and expert knowledge. Doing it yourself can result in bad things.
Headers: Any custom exhaust job should start with the installation of headers. Your stock exhaust manifold restricts to the flow of exhaust gasses, creating backpressure and power loss in the engine. A custom header will free those gasses, allowing them to exit the engine much faster. This creates more power, less backpressure and a cool sound.
Down pipes: You'll need new down pipes for your custom exhaust job, as well. If you have a four cylinder, you will only need a single down pipe. However, V6 and V8 rides will require Y pipes; these bring the two header ends to a single point, from which the gasses flow down the exhaust and out through the muffler. You can add an H pipe to your V6 or V8 and have true dual exhaust; this can add even more power and better sound.
Catalytic Converters: Like it or not, the cat is a required item. If your car was manufactured without a catalytic converter, you can skip this part; however, the majority of modern vehicles (from the 80's on), require a cat in order to function properly. In addition, a catalytic converter is necessary to keep that pesky check engine light off and pass an emissions test. You'll find high-flow cats available that can help you maintain your performance. These will usually need to be welded into the exhaust system, though bolt on models are available for certain cars.
Cat-Back Pipes: A cat-back pipe is exactly what it sounds like. This is a pipe that runs from the catalytic converter back to the muffler and usually includes the muffler. You can find several manufacturers offering cat-back pipes with performance mufflers attached, as well as simple plain pipes if you already have a muffler that you want to use.
Mufflers: Using the right muffler can greatly increase the power and the torque of your ride. By eliminating much of the backpressure, you gain across the power band. The right muffler will provide you with style, performance and an excellent, unmistakable sound. "Coffee can mufflers" are a good example of this style, though overly large mufflers are not required; you'll find several more subtle options that still provide you with power.
Muffler Tips: If you're replacing your muffler, you won't need these. However, if you're relying on a stock muffler, tips can add a great custom look to your ride, though they do not provide any performance benefits.
Regardless of the type of exhaust system you choose, having a professional install it is the best option. Exhaust system installation requires the use of a vehicle lift, a welding machine and expert knowledge. Doing it yourself can result in bad things.
