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The exhaust system is one of the most important structures of a vehicle as it carries away harmful fumes and loud noise from the engine to the back, away from your automobile. But how does exhaust affect performance? Below are answers to common questions about the benefits of a performance exhaust system:
What Does A Performance Exhaust Do?
Exhaust affects engine performance in different ways. Restrictions in exhaust will affect performance the most. The freer-flowing an exhaust is, the more performance that is gained. However, exhaust systems do need some restriction to produce just enough backpressure, which helps scavenge exhaust gases. Performance exhaust systems reduce restrictions while increasing and enhancing sound. The benefits of aftermarket exhaust also can include higher quality build materials such as stainless steel, which lasts longer than standard steel or even aluminized steel. Exhaust configurations and assembly also affect performance. Converting a single exhaust to a performance dual exhaust provides more room for gases to escape. Mandrel-bent tubing from performance exhaust systems provides smoother flow over many production vehicle exhausts, which have bends with small kinks in them from the bending process used. This causes turbulence as gases travel through the system. Finally, mufflers typically have the largest effect on sound and performance as they are redesigned in performance exhaust kits to allow more flow and increased sound.
Is An Aftermarket Exhaust Worth It?
A performance exhaust benefits those who want a different exhaust sound or improved horsepower instead of the factory exhaust system performance and tone. Many performance exhaust kits are made from stainless steel, providing them a long life, which can be a worthwhile investment for someone who plans to keep their vehicle for a long time.
