Modifying your car's exhaust systems: Which type to choose?

There are several options for modification of stock options like body kits and other performance modification to improve the car better. Upgrading the exhaust should improve the engine performance to suit the exterior mods as well!

I. Is modifying stock exhaust systems worth it?

Should the stock exhaust system be modified and is modifying car exhaust systems worth it, in the long? Modifying a stock car is a tedious gamble; but many individuals still do so, especially those inspired by tuner and muscle car looks. Opting for these mods is the easiest and may set anyone back a bit, though depending on how modified the exhaust system will be!

What a modified exhaust system does is to quicken and improve, the power output of a car by improving exhaust systems to release gas burned faster. If there are hiccups in the stock exhaust; then it is not the same. One of the simplest, and cheapest methods to ramp up, both torque and horsepower.

With this done; it works by improving exhaust flow significantly better, and the fuel-air combustion is more efficient. All the extra energy means extra power and torque is not wasted. Prior to this upgrade there was left over power and wasted energy, but now improved airflow and efficient combustion has been achieved. 

6 tips to upgrade an exhaust system

For example; get a body kit, and there will be a need for more parts and not just one! Installing and modifying car exhaust systems will do these and improve overall engine performance. Besides the cosmetic changes that may be paired with it.

• Improved airflow and better combustion is the result.
• Power is increased by faster and airflow that is an improvement.
• No wasted power output by the engine but not all cars have improved power.
• Changing the exhaust system is merely cosmetic for some cars.

>>> Check out useful tips on car exhaust system maintenance & repair: 

• Things to remember when cleaning the car exhaust pipe
• 8 easy tips to diagnose your car's exhaust problems

II. Choosing the best exhaust system

Now that we’ve sorted out what an aftermarket and modifying car exhaust systems is about. This is all about choosing the best option to get the best benefit from its installation. Here are some inputs that can help choose the option that is suitable to produce “real” power. Some are just cosmetic improvements and “loud sounds”. Please take note that note all aftermarket system will produce extra power, as advertised. 

1. Stainless steel vs Mild stainless steel

Looking for an aftermarket exhaust system? Most of those available are made from stainless or mild steel will differ in price due to the cost of the material used. Anyone will do; although getting one with stainless steel will be sturdier that mild-steel and last longer.

Stainless steel

Choosing stainless steel is better because of its strength, as well as good looking. If it will be used for racing or just a ride; stainless steel will last longer and will not rust. Although; it might be heavy instead of saving weight when compared to mild steel. 

Stainless steel exhaust pipe

Mild stainless steel

One could opt for the mild steel; but it will rust and corrode faster, although it saves weight.

>>> Related: What does a muffler do? How does it differ from a car exhaust?

2. Single or Dual exhaust systems

There’s a saying that two is better than one and this applies to car exhaust systems as well! So, it falls to a choice of either a single or dual exhaust system or whichever is the preference. Here are the significant differences that should be noted between the two.

Single exhaust pipe

The most common kind used even as stock on production cars which is less expensive with reduced weight because of the mild steel used, than the dual kind of course! Benefits of this upgrade are large pipes and mandrel bends that aren’t too gnarly.

The larger pipe diameter will allow faster airflow, with a less restricted pipe, bends in the exhaust system. Get this aftermarket exhaust to improve single exhaust performance.

Single car exhaust system

Dual exhaust pipe

The most common kind used even as stock on production cars which is less expensive with reduced weight because of the mild steel used, than the dual kind of course! Benefits of this upgrade are large pipes and mandrel bends that aren’t too gnarly.

The larger pipe diameter will allow faster airflow, with a less restricted pipe, bends in the exhaust system. Get this aftermarket exhaust to improve single exhaust performance.

Dual car exhaust pipe allow faster airflow 

Dual crossover exhaust pipe

This is a special dual exhaust system that used a crossover that balances, the pressure in both pipes and creates even pressure. Having improved airflow and exhaust pressure is very beneficial to eliminate these problems.

Another aspect of this better dual exhaust pipe is requiring some adaptations to get it fitted in! The best option that is allowable, for better performance.

3. Mandrel or Crush bend exhaust

One of the better performance upgrades for bend exhaust is either a Mandrel or Crush bend exhaust that connects the exhaust system. One of the problems of ordinary bend exhaust pipes is that power is lost and does not such in all the exhaust created by combustion. Install this with any dual exhaust and all power is recovered and nothing is wasted. All the exhaust is sucked, and nothing escapes for balanced pressure inside the pipe bend

Mandrel vs Non-Mandrel bent exhaust

Crush bend 

This is the most common type of pipe bend that is quick and easy to do but has pressure imbalances in the pipe bends. A cheaper version that is can be less efficient than Mandrel bend exhausts.

Mandrel bend

Instead of a simple bend; it has special pipe flexible inserting inside the main bent pipe, that stabilizes pressure compared to a simple crush bend. Combining this with single or twin exhaust pipes will improve pressure imbalance, with improved horsepower. All exhaust is recovered and will improve power flow and improved air flow.

4. Cat-back exhaust system

In a nutshell, this exhaust system will improve exhaust gas flow, which can lessen power output. This makes the engine work better; by not chocking its own gases.

Use of catalytic converters makes any car less carbon spewing. Getting benefits like improved engine power and efficiency to lessen exhaust is good for the environment too! 

Cat-back exhaust system makes the engine work better

5. Axle-back exhaust system

Opt for an axle-back exhaust system because of the gain in horsepower in the powertrain, compared to the install stock exhaust. It comes cheaper than cat-back or pricier header-back systems. 

The axle-back exhaust system is cheaper than the cat-back one

III. Modifying your car's exhaust systems: Yay or Nay?

Is modifying car exhaust systems a necessity or just an unneeded extravagance in anyone’s part? And, there are several conclusions to come about.

• It completes performance modifications like body kits, suspension, and engine upgrades make a car performance oriented for racing and motorsports!
• Improving stock performance for any car, and maybe getting it to semi-tuner or muscle car aspect.
• Upgrading the exhaust system will improve overall engine performance.
• The cost will depend on the particular upgrade opted for.

Deciding whether to indulge in modifying car exhaust systems is preferential, but it does have its advantages. Just be aware whether it can be done or not! Or the car warrantee; may be voided but do check first before doing so!

>>> Click to get more tips and advice for your car maintenance