Upgrading Your Vehicle's Exhaust System
This week’s tip is all about exhaust systems. An exhaust system is actually just a mix of pipes and mufflers. The exhaust system's only purpose in life is to remove spent gas from the engine to a place more convenient. Exhaust systems are available in several configurations. Cat-back, turbo-back, and axle-back are the most common aftermarket exhaust system configurations.
These systems are available with single and dual tip applications. Vehicles with smaller engines do not require dual piping on their exhaust systems. Dual pipes offer more ventilation for vehicles with larger engines but, for a standard four cylinder engine, would be for cosmetics only. That doesn’t mean that vehicle owners shouldn’t install a dual exhaust, it just means that the dummy pipe on a four cylinder dual exhaust system would be... well, Dumb. The secondary pipe won’t do a thing for vehicle performance. OK, Hot rod. So, it may look fast but if you wanted horsepower then you should have bought a car designed for horsepower. Fast looking tips are a lot less expensive than a dual exhaust system. If you're just after looks, then tips are the way to go.
Raise your hand if you have ever wondered “What is the difference between cat, turbo, and axle-back exhaust systems?” Good job. Now put down your hand before you start drawing attention to yourself.
Cat-back exhaust systems go from the catalytic converter to the rear (or side in some cases) of the vehicle. This system leaves all of the emissions control equipment in place but allows you to change the piping and muffler.
Axle-back exhaust systems are an alternative to a cat-back system. An axle-back system replaces the section of piping from the rear axle, to the rear of the vehicle. This set up is perfect for your Ford Fiesta. It’s actually the only type available for some cars because the bulk of the piping is welded to the catalytic converter. The turbo-back system is only available for vehicles equipped with turbo systems.
The turbo-back system will include every pipe from the turbo to the tip. This will not include the catalytic converter. The factory converter will be retained for use on the new system.
Upgrading your vehicle's exhaust system is a good way to increase horsepower, acquire more ventilation, and release torque that has been held hostage by your engine -not to mention that the sound of your vehicle will go from a squall to a roar in no time. The larger mandrel bent tubing and low restriction mufflers make a great difference for your vehicle.
Alright, now we can't forget about "Big Brother" and all his restrictions. The government doesn't fancy the idea of you bypassing smog control equipment and they have no problems with telling you about it. I can see it now; you've just completed installation of your new system and off you go to get the car registered. Not a good idea. Most major cities require you to get "Smogged" before you can drive your car on their "turf". So there you are at the testing facility, the emissions test has just completed and they notify you that you have failed. They inform you that it will be necessary for you to re-install all smog control equipment before your vehicle can pass the inspection. This is why most exhaust manufacturers make systems that keep all OEM smog equipment in place.
cat-back dual exhaust systemWhen buying an exhaust system, one of the first questions will be about gas mileage or horsepower. The performance gain is different for every application but the average is approximately 10%. These systems will also increase fuel efficiency. In Part 1 of this tip, I mentioned that "The exhaust systems only purpose in life is to remove gas from the engine to a place more convenient." This simple process allows the engine to run cooler and perform better. A better performing engine will use less gas and increase your fuel economy under normal driving conditions.
Several exhaust systems are designed to be completely bolt-on. Bolt-on means that factory mounting locations are used for installation and all hardware is included. Actually, I believe the only things not included are the hand tools and a cold beverage of your choice.
Exhaust manufactures make their systems out of several different grades of steel. The best type is aircraft quality T-304 stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel will allow the exhaust system to last throughout the life of your vehicle. Aluminized steel systems work well but are more susceptible to rust. This rust will make your exhaust fall apart over time. Don't get me wrong, an aluminized steel exhaust system can still be a good purchase but don't expect to get any extra miles out of it.