What Will an Exhaust System Do for Your Car?

Most car and truck manufacturers leave plenty of room for improvement when it comes to horsepower and torque. That's not to say that these vehicles are poorly made, but many companies will choose the least expensive alternative when it comes to items such as exhaust systems.

An aftermarket performance exhaust can free some of the power in your engine. These systems allow for a quicker, more efficient path for exhaust gases to escape. This means your engine "breathes" better, so spent fuel and air exit the combustion chambers faster. That means more fuel and air can be burned to create more power.

There are several other good reasons to add an aftermarket exhaust system. One of the most noticeable is the subtle, but distinctly aggressive, change in exhaust note. Many of the better systems are only slightly louder than your stock exhaust at idle, but they deepen to a low "growl" during acceleration.

There are two types of bends used in making exhaust systems, and the type used makes a difference in the way air flows. The typical factory-made systems, as well as some aftermarket systems, use a "crush-bend" technique. This type of process creates a crinkled area in the pipes, which decreases the diameter and slows the exhaust gases. A "mandrel bend," on the other hand, is smooth, so the pipe remains at a constant diameter through the bend. That means there's less resistance, so you get more efficient airflow and better performance.

_{A "crush bend" creates the crinkled area seen above. This techique restricts airflow, which slows the exhaust gasses.}

_{Mandrel bends, like the ones seen on this Borla system, will give you the best performance and sound gains.}

Another factor to consider is the material used to make the system. Most factory exhaust systems are made of mild steel, so they have a tendency to deteriorate over time. The better aftermarket systems are made using aluminized steel or stainless steel. Aluminized steel offers slightly better longevity than stock systems, while stainless systems are designed to last much longer — usually for the life of the car or truck.

When researching exhaust systems, it's important to think about how you use your vehicle. Most aftermarket systems add to your car or truck's appearance, with larger tips and highly polished mufflers that provide a more refined, aggressive look. There are also many aftermarket systems that look stock, but still provide performance gains.

The diameter of the pipes is another thing to keep in mind, especially if you're adding more aftermarket performance parts. Most cars and trucks benefit from slightly larger piping, but if you go too big, you can actually hurt your vehicle's performance. On the other hand, if you are adding a turbocharger or supercharger, you'll want to go much larger than your stock exhaust

_{The Borla system's polished tips give this Honda Accord a more refined look}

No matter what direction you choose, an aftermarket exhaust is sure to add to your car or truck's performance, appearance, and sound. Whether you're looking for more power, show-quality looks, or both, the right exhaust system can change your car or truck for the better.