Improve Exhaust Systems for Enhanced Performance

There are many components in an exhaust system which can increase an engine's performance, and many mechanisms to reduce noise and emissions. To improve performance, it is important that you keep the exhaust path as straight as possible, and many aftermarket exhaust system components feature easy bolt-on installation to do so. Headers, which have uniform diameters and lengths, reduce the back pressure of the exhaust, or try removing the catalytic converter. Additionally, keep in mind that larger exhaust down pipes aren't always the best. Larger down pipes mean the exhaust may have a chance to cool and become dense, which requires more horsepower to propel it from the system. A smaller exhaust down pipe will provide increased flow, which requires less horsepower.

If emissions are a concern, you can use a cat-back exhaust system, which keeps the catalytic converter. This system includes the pipe from the converter to the muffler. They often have mandrel-bent turns that reduce back pressure, and may feature a performance muffler (such as a glasspack) which is also designed to reduce back pressure. This deepens the noise that the muffler produces, and will increase the engine's performance while keeping emissions relatively low.

By changing the components of your stock exhaust system, it's possible to increase horsepower and gas mileage performance, in exchange for a deeper sound.

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