An exhaust system upgrade is one of the very important modifications that a car enthusiast needs to make when they seriously think about how to improve their car. It should be understood that when increasing the power of the car, the exhaust system plays a very important role. You can’t just upgrade your engine and expect to be the king of the track now.
Immediately, we note that as an exhaust system, we consider a whole set of pipes, catalytic converters and mufflers, that is, a large set of units, and not just an exhaust pipe that is visible to everyone. As part of this material, we will take a closer look at what problems you may encounter when modifying the exhaust system, and also indicate what are the advantages and disadvantages of such a modification.
Disclaimer
Before considering the benefits and possibilities that an exhaust system modification provides, it should be warned that this modification will immediately lead to the fact that your vehicle warranty will no longer be valid. Moreover, it is important to emphasize that only true professionals should be engaged in the modification of the exhaust system, since this system is directly related to the key components of the vehicle, which means that even the slightest malfunction can lead to engine and transmission damage. It is important for you to make sure that these changes will not have any negative consequences for your vehicle and your life. To do this, you need to carefully study all the features of the modification. Contact only certified specialists, and also use only the highest quality units and components.
Exhaust Modifications
Before installing available exhaust systems, you need to understand what types of exhaust systems exist today. Consider the key varieties:
- Axle-back. Only the part of the exhaust system between the exhaust pipe and the rear axle of the vehicle is replaced.
- Cat-back. The replacement affects the area from the catalyst to the muffler in the rear.
- Header-back/Full exhaust. In this case, the entire exhaust system of your car is replaced.
It should be understood that each of the presented systems has its own capabilities and will affect the power of your vehicle in different ways. Note that in some cases there may be no increase in power at all, and for some models a significant increase can be obtained. To do this, you need to carefully study all the features of the future modification, from technical specifications to compatibility with your car.
What are the Benefits?
Next, it is proposed to consider in more detail the benefits that an exhaust pipe replacement offers. Due to this, you will be able to understand whether it is worth carrying out such a replacement or not.
- Increased Power
Depending on what specific changes you make to your exhaust system, you can reap a variety of benefits. In most cases, this replacement is carried out primarily in order to increase the power of the vehicle. Let’s see what the secret is. The factory exhaust system uses special restrictors that are designed to reduce pollution. It is these additional limiters that artificially reduce the power of the vehicle. When installing a new system, you get the opportunity to remove these restrictions, which will immediately positively affect the power. We note right away that such an increase in power does not lead to a deterioration in engine performance, since you simply remove the limiters, and the engine gets the opportunity to work at full power. In this case, it will contain the optimal combination of air and fuel, which will have such a positive effect. However, it is very important to take into account the back pressure that is formed when the systems work together. It is very important to achieve a balance so that this pressure does not lead to a sharp drop in power and torque. However, if you contact a qualified specialist, they will protect you from this problem.
Another important feature is that the installation of such an exhaust system requires a preliminary diagnosis of the vehicle to make sure that the whole system is optimally suited to you. Otherwise, the replacement will not lead to any changes, moreover, you also risk damaging the engine or other systems.
- Fuel Economy
It would seem, how does the exhaust system relate to fuel economy? However, there is a connection. Manufacturers of modern exhaust systems design them in such a way that they contribute to the best use of fuel. In order to achieve this effect, it is very important to calculate all the parameters before installation, since even the slightest miscalculation will lead to the fact that fuel consumption will rise back.
However, if you really fine-tune the interaction between the engine and the exhaust system, then your car will not only be able to reach higher speeds, but will also become much more economical. All problems with pressure and loss of energy will be solved, and you will notice positive changes pretty soon.
- Cool Sound
Let’s move on to another important point. Every car enthusiast wants his car to sound really cool! From the factory, a car rarely sounds really menacing and impressive, so you have to replace the exhaust system. Note that after replacement, your new exhaust will also fully comply with all regulations and requirements that determine the noise level. At the same time, you will be able to impress all the people who will see and hear your car.
Disadvantages
It is important to understand that although such a modification guarantees you certain advantages, it should be noted that certain disadvantages also take place. Let’s consider them in more detail.
- Not Enough Power Boost
It must be understood that one installation of the exhaust system is not enough for a significant increase in vehicle power. It is very important that a comprehensive modernization and reconfiguration of the vehicle is carried out. That is, if you add a very powerful exhaust system to a car with a small displacement engine, then at best you will get a negligible increase in power.
- Sound
Yes, we have placed this factor in the advantages, but it is very important to consider its dual nature. Some may prefer loud sound, and some will find it annoying. Remember that when installing a new exhaust system, you are guaranteed to put up with a louder sound, which means that if it annoys you, then an exhaust system upgrade is not for you.
- Legality
Such a serious modernization of the vehicle can lead to problems with its registration. For example, the release of pollutants into the air may increase, which may result in your certification being denied. For this reason it is very important to carefully study the technical parameters of the car before, as well as find out what the characteristics will be after. Otherwise, you may be forced to remove this modification.
Is It Worth Buying an Aftermarket Exhaust for Your Vehicle?
To answer this question, you need to understand what goal you are pursuing when you are going to do this upgrade for your car, as well as the budget that you are willing to spend. Depending on your chosen purpose, the cost of installing an aftermarket exhaust may not seem worth the performance improvement it will result in, while others will find it more than worth it for their purposes.
