Performance Exhaust Buying Guide

If you're looking to improve the performance of your vehicle, one of the best places to start is with a performance exhaust system. A well-designed exhaust system can help your car breathe better, increasing power and torque, while also improving sound and style. However, choosing the right exhaust system can be a daunting task. In this guide, we will cover the key factors you should consider when buying a performance exhaust system.

What is a Performance Exhaust System?

Before we dive into the buying guide, let's first define what we mean by a performance exhaust system. Essentially, a performance exhaust system is an aftermarket upgrade to your vehicle's stock exhaust system. The primary goal of a performance exhaust system is to improve the efficiency of the exhaust flow as it exits the engine, leading to better performance, sound, and style.

Why Upgrade to a Performance Exhaust System?

There are several reasons why you might want to upgrade to a performance exhaust system. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Increased Power and Torque: By improving the efficiency of the exhaust flow, you can increase the horsepower and torque of your vehicle.
• Better Sound: A performance exhaust system can improve the sound of your vehicle, giving it a more aggressive and sporty tone.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: A well-designed exhaust system can increase fuel efficiency by reducing exhaust backpressure and improving the scavenging of exhaust gases.
• Style: A performance exhaust system can add a personalized touch to your vehicle, with a range of options available for different looks and finishes.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Performance Exhaust System

1. Material

The type of material used in the construction of the exhaust system is an important factor to consider. The most common materials used in performance exhaust systems are stainless steel, aluminized steel, and titanium.

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is the most popular material used in performance exhaust systems due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is available in various grades, with higher-grade stainless steel being more expensive but also more resistant to corrosion.
• Aluminized Steel: Aluminized steel is a less expensive alternative to stainless steel. It is made by coating steel with an aluminum-silicon alloy, which provides some resistance to corrosion. However, it is not as durable as stainless steel and may not last as long.
• Titanium: Titanium is a high-strength, lightweight material that is commonly used in racing applications. It is more expensive than stainless steel or aluminized steel but provides excellent corrosion resistance and weight savings.

2. Exhaust Configuration

The configuration of the exhaust system can affect the performance, sound, and style of your vehicle. The three most common configurations are cat-back, axle-back, and header-back.

• Cat-Back: A cat-back exhaust system replaces the stock exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. It is a popular upgrade as it provides a good balance of performance gains, sound improvement, and ease of installation.
• Axle-Back: An axle-back exhaust system replaces the stock mufflers and tailpipes but leaves the rest of the exhaust system intact. This configuration is less expensive than a cat-back system but may not provide as significant performance gains.
• Header-Back: A header-back exhaust system replaces the entire exhaust system from the headers to the tailpipe. This is the most comprehensive upgrade and is typically reserved for high-performance applications.

3. Performance Goals

The specific performance goals you have for your vehicle can help determine the size and design of the exhaust system you choose. Some key factors to consider are:

• Vehicle Type: The size and power output of your vehicle can affect the size and design of the exhaust system. For example, a high-performance sports car may benefit from a larger diameter exhaust system than a smaller economy car.
• Intended Use: The type of driving you do can also influence the exhaust system you choose. If you use your vehicle primarily for daily commuting, you may want a quieter exhaust system that won't attract too much attention. On the other hand, if you use your vehicle for track days or racing, you may want a more aggressive exhaust system that provides maximum performance gains.
• Engine Tuning: If you have modified your engine with performance upgrades such as a turbocharger, supercharger, or upgraded camshaft, you may want to choose an exhaust system that is specifically designed to work with these modifications.

4. Sound Level

The sound level of the exhaust system is a key consideration for many drivers. Some drivers prefer a loud and aggressive exhaust note, while others prefer a more subdued sound. The sound level of the exhaust system is determined by several factors, including the design of the muffler, the diameter of the tubing, and the presence or absence of resonators.

• Muffler Design: The muffler is the component of the exhaust system that reduces the noise level. Different muffler designs can produce different sound levels and tones. A straight-through muffler, for example, will produce a louder exhaust note than a chambered muffler.
• Tubing Diameter: The diameter of the exhaust tubing can also affect the sound level. A larger diameter exhaust system will typically produce a louder exhaust note than a smaller diameter system.
• Resonators: Resonators are components of the exhaust system that are designed to reduce specific frequencies of exhaust noise. The presence or absence of resonators can affect the overall sound level of the system.

5. Brand Reputation

The reputation of the brand you choose can be an important factor when buying a performance exhaust system. Buying from a reputable brand can ensure you get a quality product that is backed by a warranty and good customer service. Some popular brands in the performance exhaust industry include Borla, Flowmaster, Magnaflow, and Corsa.

Conclusion

Choosing the right performance exhaust system can greatly enhance the performance, sound, and style of your vehicle. By considering factors such as material, exhaust configuration, performance goals, sound level, and brand reputation, you can find the perfect exhaust system to suit your needs. Whether it's a cat-back system for your daily driver or a header-back system for your high-performance race car, a quality performance exhaust system can help you get the most out of your vehicle.