SHOULD YOU BUY AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST FOR YOUR CAR?

Exhaust system of car modification

Exhaust Manifold/Header

This is the first point of contact for the exhaust gases after they exit the cylinder head. 

Catalytic converter

This is the device which allows you to still breathe the air. It takes the incoming Nox, CO, and unburnt hydrocarbons from the exhaust and converts it into much less harmful N2, O2, CO2, and H2O.

Exhaust pipe

It’s ideal not to have your exhaust gases pump directly underneath your car, filling your cabin with fumes. You’ll need some pipes to route the air elsewhere.

Resonator

Though it’s not a necessary portion of an exhaust, it’s often included as it helps to eliminate noise. Resonators work by rejecting sound waves and canceling each other out.

Exhaust muffler

There are many types of mufflers, but the goal is pretty much the same: eliminate noise. One of the most common ways they work is by redirecting the airflow.

2. The necessity of exhaust modification

Performance

Adding a free-flowing aftermarket exhaust system boosts vehicle power, mostly because aftermarket systems are designed to trade increased performance for an increase in noise levels.

Style

Chrome or stainless steel exhaust tips, for example, are very popular with vehicle owners.

Efficiency

Believe it or not, adding a performance aftermarket exhaust system is likely to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy rating.

3. Which part of exhaust should be modified?

The three main types of exhaust systems are header-back, cat-back, and axle-back. Depending on what type of system you choose, aftermarket systems will come with some combination of header or intermediate pipes, crossover pipe, catalytic converter, mufflers, and tailpipes.

Header-back exhaust systems replace everything from the header collector to the tailpipes. By replacing all exhaust system components, header-back systems allow you to enlarge the diameter of your entire exhaust system to flow a greater exhaust gas volume. However, these systems tend to be more expensive and tougher to install than comparable cat-back or axle-back exhaust systems because you are replacing nearly the entire exhaust system.

Cat-back exhaust systems replace exhaust components from the catalytic converter back. These systems typically include a muffler and tailpipe, but depending on the make and model, they can also come with a mid-pipe, X-pipe, H-pipe or a Y-pipe. 

An axle-back exhaust system includes all the components from the rear axle to exhaust tip. Although cat-back and header-back systems can deliver more power gains, there are many benefits to opting for an axle-back system. A well designed axle-back exhaust system will provide power gains over the stock exhaust but is often less expensive than comparable cat-back or header-back systems. Axle-back exhausts are easier to install and can deliver the performance exhaust sound you want.

4. The best types of exhaust modification

Cat-back systems are among the most popular exhaust upgrades for several reasons.

A cat-back exhaust system is a relatively simple modification that will free up your exhaust gas flow. The result is good power gains, although the exact amount of horsepower depends on the remaining stock exhaust components and design of the catalytic converters. The freer exhaust flow can also help your engine operate more efficiently, leading to improved fuel economy. Cat-back systems also produce a more aggressive exhaust note and are typically emissions-legal because they retain the use of the stock catalytic converters.