Improving Your Car’s Performance With Aftermarket Exhausts

How can you improve your car’s performance with aftermarket exhausts?

1. Parts of an exhaust system
2. Getting the right steel
3. Proper dimensions
4. Eliminating restrictions

Is it possible to improve your car’s performance just by changing my exhaust? Yes, as long as you know what to change and what changes to make. Whether it will benefit the car’s power or not, car enthusiasts will usually upgrade their exhaust systems — primarily swapping out the muffler. In the Philippines, sales of these aftermarket parts have grown exponentially. The people that do this seek more than just changing the sound of their car. They want to improve their engine’s response. Here are a few things you need to know:

Parts of an Exhaust System

Your car’s exhaust system is not as simple as you think. They’re not just a bunch of pipes that create a sound as you throttle away. There are multiple parts in your exhaust system that have specific roles for making your car perform optimally and efficiently. It’s good to at least know these parts before you start getting aftermarket exhausts.

• Headers/Exhaust Manifold

Directly attached to the cylinder head, these sets of pipes are where the first passage of your exhaust gasses occurs. Usually made of cast iron or aluminum, those looking to improve engine performance will swap out the stock headers and opt for tubular designs. Depending on your engine size and number of cylinders, the forms and dimensions may vary. For this part, it’s best to go for headers designed to improve exhaust flow made from a lighter material.

• Catalytic converter

This part of the exhaust system, commonly referred to as the honeycomb, plays a vital role in making combustion engines greener. Its job is to convert harmful gasses and unburnt hydrocarbons (which is harmful to you and the environment) into less harmful gasses such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. While there are performance catalytic converters available, hardcore racers choose to completely remove this in favor of lesser exhaust gas resistance.

• Piping

Your exhaust piping routes your engines gasses and fumes toward the end or sometimes the sides of your car. This is one part that you have to get right in order to improve the performance of your car. The diameter, length, and dimensions need to be spot on to make the most out of your engine.

• Resonator

This is responsible for reducing the noise your car makes. The resonator is a sound deadening chamber that is usually located in between the muffler and resonator. Inside the resonator are a series of channels and thin walls that cancel out sound waves, minimizing the sound of your engine. You can choose to keep this part or remove it — it’s up to you. All the resonator really changes is how loud your car will sound.

• Muffler

The part of the exhaust that is commonly changed is the muffler found at the very end of the exhaust system. Chambered and high-flow mufflers come in various designs. Factory mufflers and chambered mufflers contain sound deadening material and are the final step in reducing the noise that exists your vehicle. Numerous mufflers for sale in the Philippines can be custom-made to fit your needs

Knowing these parts are essential if you want to squeeze the most out of your engine. Before you change your exhaust system, you have to know what materials to use and the dimensions you need to improve your car’s performance.

Getting The Right Steel

There are different types of steel used for exhaust systems. Car manufacturers in the Philippines commonly use cast iron steel and mild steel for their factory cars. These types of steel are cost-efficient and resist corrosion quite well. The right type of steel for your car’s exhaust is vital for controlling heat, resisting high levels of oxidation, and reducing weight. If you’re going to look for an aftermarket exhaust, make sure that the material is of strong, lightweight, and can manage heat to prevent heat soaking.

• Mild steel

This commonly used steel was made popular due to its low cost and lightweight property. The downside of mild steel is that it’s prone to rust and it’s easy to bend.

• Aluminized steel

Aluminized steel has some rust proofing qualities. It’s lighter but more expensive than mild steel. Its aluminum coating helps resist corrosion and rust.

• Stainless steel

This would be your best option if you want higher grade corrosion and rust resistance. It’s the more expensive option, but the benefits are well worth it. Stainless steel can be subjected to extensive use under high temperature. It’s difficult to bend and dent, and it is the best material against rust and corrosion.

Choosing the best steel will greatly improve your car’s performance. Lightweight materials help your car shave a few pounds which can improve your car’s overall response.

Proper Dimensions

Getting the dimensions right is critical when you want your car to perform better. It’s not just about slapping a bunch of bolt-ons to your car. If you don’t get the dimensions right, it may have a negative impact on your car’s performance. What should you look out for? From the headers to the muffler, you have to make sure that you have the right piping diameter in correlation with the output of your car’s power.

Reducing Resistance

Your exhaust system will not just be a straight pipe. There will be a few bends and you will encounter some resistance from parts like the resonator and catalytic converter. If you don’t mind a noisy car and maximize exhaust flow, you can remove the resonator and replace it with a straight pipe. The catalytic converter can be swapped out for a performance catalytic converter or you could also swap it out for a pipe. Try to shape your exhaust as straight as possible. It will be nearly impossible to have a perfectly straight exhaust system because some underbody parts may not allow so.

Key Takeaway

You can improve the performance of your engine with aftermarket exhaust systems. Car Manufacturers in the Philippines opt for exhausts that will help them cut costs, but you can swap out the stock system to get better performance. Smoother exhaust flow will improve your engine’s efficiency and increase performance. You don’t even necessarily have to increase your car’s horsepower to make it quicker. Saving weight actually improves your car’s performance. Stock exhaust systems are a few kilos heavier, making your car work harder to pull the weight. Lighter exhaust systems will reduce the work your car needs to propel itself.