Exhaust System

There are many types of vehicles on the road today and there are constantly new designs for them and their parts. The exhaust system is a crucial part of every vehicle that guides waste gases from the engine away from the passengers. It also controls the pollutants that reach the air from a vehicle. Here are some of the important parts of an exhaust system.

This is a single part or tubing that moves the exhaust gases from the engine to the exhaust pipe. Usually, the exhaust manifold removes the gases from several cylinders in the engine, but a “header” is a manifold with pipes for individual cylinders. All are made of cast iron or stainless steel and some custom models are ceramic coated, painted, or polished chrome.

The most widely used converter today is the “three-way” catalytic converter. This device lessens the air pollution of a vehicle by changing unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water.

The muffler was created to quiet the sound from the engine when it is in use. It has fiberglass insulation, stainless scrubble, or resonating chambers that minimize the sound escaping from the exhaust piping. The downside of some mufflers is the backpressure they create, which causes the vehicle to have decreased power and fuel efficiency.

Exhaust pipes are usually made from stainless steel and they carry the gases from the manifold to the rest of the system. They can be straight or bent in different designs to provide extra filtering or exit the vehicle in different places.

The above are a few components of exhaust systems on the market today. There are also different exhaust designs that incorporate some or all of these parts in different ways. It is important to understand the function of these designs to ensure the best performance.

When purchasing a new car or trying to spice up a current one, there is much that can be accomplished by customizing the exhaust system. Below are some examples of parts that can be changed to alter the exhaust system’s look, sound, and performance.

There are different designs and materials that need to be considered when changing out an exhaust manifold. Custom headers are tubes that remove the gases from the individual cylinders. They lessen the work the engine has to do to expel gases, which increases fuel efficiency and performance. They can be made from polished chrome, (which looks excellent, but tends to blue with use), or stainless steel (with or without paint/coating). The coating is excellent for visual appeal and to control rust issues with the pipes.

Purchasing a turbocharger for a vehicle can also increase power and efficiency. Since the system uses exhaust gases to function, it is recycling any unburnt fuel and putting less stress on the engine to acquire air. It also provides more air into each piston than normal, which will increase combustion and cause more engine power.

Once shoppers decide what outcomes are important to them, the above items are great places to start when customizing an exhaust system. Investing in these items will help a vehicle last longer and perform better.

With new kinds of vehicles being designed every day, there have been many advancements in the exhaust system, so it can adapt to different needs. Below are several exhaust system types and key points used to compare the different systems.

Single Exit Exhaust

Description

Includes a single exhaust pipe that exits from the rear passenger side

Function

For smaller automobile engines with less gas production and pressure

Use

Inexpensive and typically used on small passenger vehicles

Dual Side Exhaust

Description

Two exhaust pipes next to each other that exit in the rear of the vehicle

Function

Similar to the single exit system, but with two pipes

Use

Used on passenger vehicles for a “sports car” sound

Dual Rear Exhaust

Description

Two separate exhaust pipes exiting at the rear with one on each side

Function

Two straight pipes that increase the amount of gases removed

Use

For powerful car engines and those who want their engine to sound more robust

Opposite Dual Exhaust System

Description

Two separate exhaust pipes that bend around the rear tires to exit out the back

Function

Bends in the exhaust pipe ensures better filtering and exit point means less buildup

Use

Preferred on larger vehicles and trucks that tow

High Performance

Description

A customized aftermarket exhaust system

Function

These systems are custom designed and vary depending on installer, time, and cost

Use

For vehicle owners who want maximum performance