[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
If you’re anything like me, you probably enjoy powerful and sporty cars (especially of the big engine displacement or forced induction type), and you might even be thinking about upping the soundtrack of your drive with an upgraded exhaust.
We’ve all heard cars buzz by us with all sorts of exhaust systems (or lack thereof), and sometimes it’s just nothing but unenjoyable noise, like two beehives having a fight inside a coffee can, or grandpa’s flatulence after soft serve ice cream. Most common, cheap, ready-made exhaust systems are—to be frank—crap, and most of the cars you hear those on are crap, too (or are owned by those who have no idea or care what they’re slapping on their cars).
Exhaust systems are supposed to be more than some pipe and a round can with a little bit of sound deadening. The majority of car manufacturers put significant effort into R&D, desiring a specific sound (or lack thereof) from their exhausts via the use of various mufflers, resonators, equalizers, and flow dynamics. Different materials make different sounds. This is lost on many aftermarket exhaust companies since they’re trying to sell basic crap in mass quantity to the naïve. On the other hand, there are many companies who value style, design and quality materials, and who create quality products for your vehicle.
Why would you want an aftermarket exhaust anyway? It goes FAR beyond just a good soundtrack. Car companies have to make exhausts fit their vehicles so sometimes good dynamics are not top of the list. They have to fulfill emissions and noise requirements, among other requirements. Some low-quality products are made of crush bent metals, making them extremely restrictive. When exhaust is restricted, the engine has to work harder to expel used exhaust gases. Using a quality exhaust, perhaps with larger piping and fewer restrictions, you are freeing up that previously restrained power. Also, factory exhaust tends to be heavy, and when you get into the more exotic materials (like 304 stainless and titanium), you see fewer weight savings as well.
Again, why would you want an aftermarket exhaust? The answer is simple: more power, better sound, less weight AND better fuel economy. Yes, better fuel economy! It can, however, be a double-edged sword, because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to make the same power, so you can be lighter on the long pedal, BUT the sound from the upgraded exhaust is usually so enjoyable that you’ll find yourself accelerating more than usual, so those fuel savings can go right out the window!
When picking your exhaust system for your vehicle education is important, so let’s review types of exhaust and materials used in them.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]