How To Choose The Correct Aftermarket Exhaust System For Your Car

Although many people get aftermarket exhaust systems to improve the sound of their vehicle, investing in an aftermarketexhaust system will also improve your car's performance with increased horsepower, better torque and reduction of turbo lag (only on turbocharged cars). Other benefits include improved appearance, increased value, better gas mileage & reducing emissions. Aftermarket exhaust systems do all this by simply improving the air flow to the engine. Now that I've convinced you that to invest in an aftermarket exhaust system, you must learn how to choose the correct one for your vehicle.

1. What type of exhaust system is on your car now? If your current exhaust from the catalytic converter back is an aftermarket system, then purchase the same brand of header. The same brands always work best together and be easier to install. If your car is using the stock exhaust, you can choose your header based on your purpose for it. ("Headers" are the pipes that come out of engine block. IE. A V8 has 8 pipes.) The size of the header pipes make a big difference. In general, the larger the pipe, the quicker the flow and deeper the sound. Many high performance engines have open headers (no pipe/muffler after the header), which is the quickest exit of exhaust, resulting in increased horsepower. Since differentexhaust systems offer different benefits, try to find a local shop that specializes in custom exhaust systems and ask them what systems would be the best for your vehicle.

2. Where do you want the most power in the engine's powerband? You'll get more bottom-end power from longer pipes on the header. A V8 engine works well with longer header pipes. Shorter header pipes work best at higher RPMs. So, a high-revving car engine works best with shorter header pipes. Where the pipe is run on the car is based on performance expectations, sound desired and style of car. The most obvious option is a straight exhaust that runs straight out the back of the car. Another option is to have the pipes coming out the sides of the car, just in front of the rear wheels. A third option at the sides of the car is "Lakes Pipes," which come out just after the front tire, run parallel to the bottom edge of the car, and stop before the rear tire.

It takes a delicate balance to select an exhaust system that meets *both* your performance and price requirements. An exhaust upgrade can mean a few simple changes or complete overhaul costing $1,000 or more. Generally, the more anexhaust system will do for your car, the more it will cost you to get it.

3. How will you use your car? Since exhaust systems serve a variety of purposes, determine your specific goal for your exhaust upgrade. If your aftermarket exhaust upgrade is to improve performance, get a higher end exhaust. Someone who only wants to upgrade the appearance of their car can simply add a new exhaust tip to their existing exhaust system. "Mufflers" are "joined into the exhaust pipe closer to where the pipe ends" to "muffle" the sound. Mufflers vary in pitch & sound volume. Some slow air flow down & others let air pass through them.

4. What will look best with your car's engine bay? Choose a chromed or polished exhaust header that matches your car engine's current metal finish. Those who have a "show car" may favor a header with a shiny, stainless steel finish. Ceramic coated headers are favored to look ready for the racetrack.

MagnaFlow exhaust systems are stainless steel and come with life time warranty, making them one of the best and most popular in the US. MBRP exhausts are cheaper than many others and made for daily driving, because their exhausts tend to overheat. They are an inexpensive way to improve your car's performance significantly. To improve the performance of your car, MBRP offers a "Pro Series" exhaust that is made from stainless steel & comes with lifetime warranty. To improve sound of your car, MBRP offers a "Black Series" exhaust system.

5. Does your car need to comply with emissions laws? Laws vary from state to state, so check local emissions laws, but 30+ year old cars are usually exempt from emissions testing. If your car is NOT exempt from emissions compliance, then your aftermarket exhaust system MUST be able to pass standard emissions testing. Therefore, you must choose headers that can accept smog equipment like oxygen sensors. If your car is exempt, your aftermarket exhaust system is limited only by your budget.