Upgrading a car's exhaust system is one of the most popular upgrades that owners perform to their cars. Whether they're simply replacing a stock exhaust because it's old or to improve performance, an upgraded exhaust is a great way to add more power as well as make your car look and sound better.
Purposes And Benefits
The primary purpose of upgrading an exhaust system is to help the motor make more horsepower and torque. A performance exhaust is almost always made of larger diameter tubing then the original exhaust, which increases air flow and makes more power. An upgraded exhaust can also be made of stainless steel for longevity and feature mandrel bends for any corners that the exhaust has. Mandrel bends are completely smooth bends with no kinks, which in turn, encourage optimal air flow. Another benefit of an upgraded exhaust is a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note from the engine. Upgraded exhausts, particularly ones made from stainless steel, also look far better than most original equipment exhausts.
Components
A car's exhaust is made up of several different components, not all of which need to be replaced in order to upgrade the exhaust system, though they are all frequently replaced. The exhaust begins with the manifold, which is bolted to the engine's head and is the first passage that spent exhaust gasses are routed through. An upgraded exhaust will frequently include a set of tubular headers to replace the stock manifolds, which are often restrictive because of rough casting that interrupts the flow of air and smaller than optimal exhaust passages. From there, the manifold goes into a downpipe or straight into the exhaust. Most vehicles have some type of catalytic converter for emissions, though classic cars sometimes do not have them. From there the exhaust turns into the main section that goes the length of the car. Many cars feature a muffler midway down the exhaust to help quiet the exhaust. The exhaust then terminates in one or two mufflers (one on each side if there are two) and the exhaust tips. One of the most common exhaust upgrades is installing a performance muffler from a company like Magnaflow (see Resources). An upgraded exhaust can be something as simple as a set of stainless steel or chrome exhaust tips to an entire system from the headers back.
Where to Find Upgraded Exhaust Systems
Exhaust upgrades can be found in a huge number of places, depending on what you are looking for. If you are simply looking to upgrade the muffler and exhaust tips, you can start the search at a local muffler shop. Tell them you want to upgrade to a performance muffler and exhaust tips, and they will be able to install them for you. You can also find exhaust systems from companies like Summit Racing (see Resources), though they cater primarily to American cars. They do, however, sell mufflers that can work on any vehicle as long as the proper style and size is used. If you are looking for a complete performance exhaust system for a particular make--for example, a BMW--then go to a company that sells performance parts for your car. In the case of a BMW, a company like Bavarian Autosport (see Resources) is a good place to shop for an upgraded exhaust.
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