Custom Exhaust – The Right Way
There is an almost limitless number of ways to add power and performance to your ride. Changing the exhaust system can have huge benefits for power and performance. Most tuners will invest in an aftermarket muffler in an attempt to provide more horsepower. However, changing out the entire exhaust system will have much better results, providing more power wherever you need it in the power band.
Before you start sawing and welding, you’ll need to know what different types of exhaust systems will do for you. The traditional method of exhaust modification involves adding larger pipes, a large muffler and custom headers. This provides better top speed. Another option is to use moderately sized exhaust pipes and mufflers, rather than going with very large pipes. Back-pressure is the reason for any exhaust modification. Adjusting the amount of back-pressure provides power boosts in one of two areas.
Larger exhaust systems (wider diameter) allow a significant reduction in engine back-pressure. This allows the engine to provide more power to the transmission at top speed, rather than using the power to force exhaust gases down to the muffler. However, using a smaller pipe (though still wider than OEM systems), provides more backpressure, which results in more torque at low speeds. Low-end torque gives you takeoff power, while top-end power allows your vehicle to attain faster top speeds. Your choice will be dictated by the way in which you use your vehicle. Here are the parts of a custom exhaust and why you need them:
Header – A header replaces your OEM exhaust manifold, which lightens the amount of weight your engine must bear, as well as allowing exhaust gas to exit the engine faster. In an OEM manifold, gas can become backed up by restricted airways. However, a header provides an outlet for each exhaust port, speeding the exit of gas from the engine.
Down Pipe – The down pipe runs from the header to the exhaust A pipe. This can be a Y pipe, an X pipe or simply a straight pipe, depending on your exhaust system. For instance, a dual exhaust will use an X pipe, while dual headers and single pipes will use a Y pipe. Straight pipe is used for singe header systems.
A and B Pipes – These are the straight sections of pipe that run from the down pipe to the muffler. The catalytic converter bolts between the pipes, while the muffler bolts (or is welded) onto the rear end of the B pipe.