Get tips to help you get a better "bang for your buck" at your repair shop.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Peformance Exhaust,Is It For Me?
A new performance exhaust system is the best place to start when modifying your vehicle. Each system we carry is designed for a direct fit with no modifications, unless specified. The most common exhaust system is a cat back. A cat back exhaust is best described as the section of an exhaust system that attaches after the last catalytic converter in the system all the way through the end of the pipe to the tip. The other type of system is an axle back system which just replaces the muffler, and the section of piping that attaches between the muffler and the rest of the exhaust system. A new header, catalytic converter, and down pipes are also other items you may look at upgrading.
The idea behind improving your exhaust system is to reduce the amount of backflow pressure on the engine allowing it breath easier. Most exhaust manufactures incorporate a larger diameter of piping and higher-grade mandrel bent tubing for a less restrictive flow. The amount of horsepower gained depends highly on the design of your factory exhaust system and the quality of the catalytic converters in front of it. Stock catalytic converters are typically fairly restrictive, and therefore less power can be gained from a cat back exhaust system. With the addition of a new performance or racing catalytic converter a cat back exhaust system should offer a nice increase in power.
Another big benefit of a cat back exhaust system is the sound they can produce. Whether you want just a little more grunt or a full-on growl, there is a system out there that will satisfy your ears. This is actually a very big consideration when purchasing, so make sure to do your homework first. There's nothing worse than spending a lot of time installing an auto part only to find out it isn't what you wanted. On many of exhaust manufacture's websites offer sound clips of a vehicle with the system installed to give you a general idea of the aggressiveness of the exhaust note. Keep in mind that only certain systems are designed to pass restrictive smog test, and this should play a large factor in which system you decide to go with also.
One added benefit of adding a new performance exhaust system is the increase in fuel economy that is often experienced after installation. This is the result of the engine not having to work as hard to push the exhaust gases through the piping. This reduces the total amount of load on the engine, causing higher efficiency and MPG. This increase in fuel economy typically occurs when traveling at freeway speeds, but can sometimes be noticed when driving in the city as well. An increase in fuel economy typically only comes when your driving habits do not change either. Many drivers find themselves pushing the gas more often at first just to hear or show off their new exhaust system
My personal favorite is Flowmaster.Their exhaust Systems add an aggressive growl with without being to annoying.Although they do offer super loud mufflers that just scream!Check them out they have many sound clips to check out. www.flowmastermufflers.com
Labels:
cat back,
catalytic converter,
exhaust,
gained horsepower,
header,
high performance,
Increase mpg
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