Everyone who owns a car knows how important is to take good care of it. It's a long-term investment and with proper care and maintenance, it'll last for many years to come. We always check the motor, tires and its other bigger components, but have you ever checked your exhaust? Does your car make strange noises at times? Maybe it's not the motor, maybe it's the exhaust. If it needs to be replaced, keep an eye on the type of exhaust you choose. Make sure it matches the car you have and the engine's size and power output.
What’s an Exhaust System?
The exhaust system is a complicated mechanism our car needs. It gathers the gases from the cylinders, filters the dangerous and harmful substances, reduces noise levels and then releases clean gases behind the vehicle far away from the driver and the passengers. According to the engine type inside the car, the exhaust system can have one or two channels.
You’ll need to carefully choose the flow resistance because the backpressure of the exhaust should affect the engine’s performance as little as possible. In order for it to work properly, you should inspect it as a whole. All of its components have to work flawlessly and be coordinated. They should be matched to the specific vehicle and engine. Look for knowledgeable and reliable exhaust system suppliers that will help you get the best for your car.
Parts of the Exhaust System
The exhaust system is made of several parts that work together to reduce noise and clean the gasses. It’s a connection of pipes and small parts that travel from the engine, beneath the car to the back of the car. The first part is the manifolds. They’re usually made of fabricated tubing or cast iron. They’re connected to the engine by flange connectors at the exhaust ports and sometimes incorporate the catalyst.
Their main function is to gather the gases from every cylinder and transfer them to an outlet. The flex pipe is there to keep the engine moving normally and prevent the exhaust from getting damaged. Next are the catalytic converters. They’re responsible for turning the toxic and harmful engine emissions into water and carbon dioxide.
The oxygen sensors detect and check the O2 level inside the exhaust stream. The PCM uses this information to control the fuel and track converter efficiency. To get the necessary sealing and durability, manufacturers use isolators, clamps and gaskets.
There are also resonator assemblies which are a combination of pipes that provide acoustics and a high-quality flow. And last but not least, are the mufflers. They’re the silencers that reduce the noise and muffle the sound of the engine while emissions pass through the exhaust system.
Types of Exhaust Systems
One thing that can significantly impact your driving experience is the sound the car exhaust makes. A lot of car enthusiasts are looking for a loud and aggressive-sounding exhaust system that will make people turn their heads. There are also people who want their car to be as quiet as possible. Choosing which one you prefer depends on your personal preferences and the type of car you have.
Stock Exhaust
This is the first exhaust system your car gets. It’s installed in the factory that makes the car, instead of looking for one at exhaust system suppliers. They’re made to be efficient, balance the performance and reduce noise levels. They have a sufficient noise level, even though that’s not what some car enthusiasts are looking for.
Cat-Back Exhaust
When compared to the stock exhausts, these ones give you increased performance and an increased noise level. They can be a replacement for the pipe section of the exhaust that runs from the catalytic converter all the way to the muffler. They’re a great choice for car lovers that don’t want to sacrifice performance but want to add an extra growl to the sound.
Axle-Back Exhaust
The muffler and the part of the pipe that connects it to the back of the vehicle are swapped out for axle-back exhausts. These systems are not as successful as cat-back systems when it comes to increasing performance, but they can make a significant improvement in sound compared to the original exhaust.
Turbo-Back Exhaust
The turbo-back exhaust system can replace the whole exhaust system, starting from the turbocharger to the tailpipe. This is a system that’s on the more expensive side, but it’s an investment worth making because it’s very comprehensive and gives you the biggest performance improvements. In other words, they’re the perfect combination of sound and performance.
What to Consider When Buying
Type of Vehicle and Compatibility
It's crucial to take into account the type of your car you have and whether the exhaust system is right for it. Make sure the system you buy isn't too large or bulky if you have a smaller car. The existing mounting points need to be compatible with the new system.
An SUV and a sports car have different needs. Some exhaust systems are made for specific cars and won’t work on another model. If you have any questions about the performance exhaust systems, consult with experts. Ask for their advice and they’ll let you know what’s your best choice.
Engine Size and Power Output
A big engine needs a more extensive exhaust system to work properly. Consider the motor’s power and output. A high-performance engine creates more gasses and more heat, consequently, you’ll need a good exhaust system that can handle them. Second, you should think about how much background noise you can tolerate. While some exhaust systems are made to growl loudly and deeply, others are significantly quieter. Keep in mind that you can’t manually lower or increase the sound, so think about this factor carefully.
Your Driving Style
One of the most important factors to consider is your driving style. Let’s explain what this means in a few examples. Let’s say you live in a crowded city and you drive in a stop-and-go manner all the time. In this case, you should consider getting an exhaust system that makes less noise. If your state requires emissions testing, you must also make sure that your exhaust system complies with all regulations.
Or if you’re often riding on the open road, you should consider optimising your performance. This means you should look for an exhaust system that will reduce back pressure and increase the airflow. Take your time, ask the experts, do your research and then buy what’s best for you and your car.
