Everything You Need to Know About Exhaust

If you hear talk of people wanting to upgrade their exhaust systems on their trucks, you might catch yourself wondering why they're choosing to do that. Maybe you find yourself wondering if that's a performance mod you want to make to your build too. We want to make sure you have all the information you need before deciding. So, we're going to jump into everything you need to know about exhausts including what they do, why people upgrade, the best exhaust brands, and other mods to make when adding an aftermarket exhaust. 

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What Does an Exhaust Do?

First, we want to explain what an exhaust actually does for your truck. An exhaust system includes the exhaust manifold, oxygen sensors, a catalytic converter, resonator, exhaust pipes, muffler, and tailpipe. When working together, these components complete four, important functions:

• Control noise 

• Divert harmful hydrocarbons away from truck passengers

• Improve engine performance

• Improve fuel consumption

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Your exhaust emissions system is the only way to keep yourself safe from toxic emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen monoxide. Those gases are collected with the exhaust manifold, which serves as a funnel, diverting the gas through pipes to a catalytic converter. The catalytic converter changes the harmful compounds in the gases into "safe" gas. 

From there, it passes through the muffler, which is used to "muffle" the loud sounds created by the pistons and valves of the engine. The resonator will manipulate the sound, lessening it, but also changing the frequency as well. Finally, the exhaust fumes leave through the tailpipe, safely and at a respectable noise level.

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An efficient exhaust system will allow gases to leave your truck quicker, letting your engine take in oxygen and generate power faster. So, you'll experience more power and better performance with a good exhaust system. Oxygen sensors measure how much oxygen is present in the exhaust. So, if you see your engine is taking in more oxygen, you'll notice better fuel economy too. 

Why Do People Upgrade Their Exhaust?

So, the question is, if your truck already has a perfectly capable exhaust system that's doing what it needs to, why make the change? Well, most truck manufacturers need to install the most inexpensive exhaust systems in trucks initially, due to the fact they're producing mass amounts of trucks. They need to be efficient in time and cost.

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Performance aside, new exhaust systems have gained popularity due to the unique, aggressive sound options that you can tailor to match your truck's personality. Besides just adding intensity in the sounds, it also enhances the visual appeal of your build with a big tailpipe. 

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What are the Best Exhaust Brands?

Borla has been manufacturing top-tier exhaust systems since 1978. Borla is owned by Alex and Alyse Borla, who have put their heart and soul into their popular, American-made products. Their elite status in the aftermarket world has been proved through numerous "Best New Product" industry awards. Also, to surpass customer expectations, Borla dedicates resources toward a state-of-the-art testing center for all of its products.

Borla prides itself on being better than the other guys. This is how they do it. Borla uses high-quality stainless steel that prevents hardening from heat, proving strength and durability. They provide amazing designs that are focused on flow, sound, and fit while offering the option to find what suits your taste.  They go through substantial shake simulations, heat trials, and leak tests to ensure their products are the best they can be. Borla has made a name for itself by being the choice of factory-installed aftermarket exhaust systems for top vehicle makers like GM, Ford, and Toyota.

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The second exhaust brand we want to mention in our top three is Banks Power. They've been in business for over 60 years, and are owned by Gale Banks, who began his engineering career at age 14 when he did an engine teardown of his mother's ‘31 Ford Model A. 

Banks Powers exhaust systems address a critical importance when it comes to exhaust system features: tailpipe exit temperatures. Their designs are made to lower dangerous temperatures better than stock and other aftermarket exhaust brands. On top of expert engineering, Banks Power doesn't cut corners on other features including rich sounds, reduction in backpressure, perfect fitment, and enhanced performance. 

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Last but not least, we want to feature aFe Power as the third exhaust brand on our list of favorites. Advanced FLOW Engineering (aFe) Power is a designer and manufacturer of automotive performance upgrade systems and components. Since their founding in 1999, they've developed a variety of product lines at their headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Corona, California.

aFe Power designs, builds, and tests its products in the USA, allowing them to provide a product line that includes over 2,500 applications that are designed to deliver the highest quality possible at an affordable price. Like many other companies, they have every exhaust system designed with the mandrel bend to guarantee a smooth, unrestricted airflow. They design systems for diesel trucks, gas trucks, and jeeps, so you'll be sure to find an application for your vehicle. Plus, they've got an endless amount of exhaust tip options. 

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Other brands we want to mention that produce high-quality exhaust systems include:

What Other Mods Should I Make to My Truck?

So, the reality of performance mods is that there is no all-in-one, quick-fix mod that will unlock your engine's full potential. It's more like a puzzle that you have to complete before you can reap the full benefits. With that being said, if improving performance is important to you, an exhaust system isn't the complete solution.

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Pairing that new exhaust system with a cold air intake will put you on the right track to what you're trying to achieve. A cold air intake is designed to allow your engine to take in as much cold air as possible, which in turn brings in the most amount of oxygen possible to flow through your engine. That's when you'll see an increase in power. Pairing these two performance mods will maximize the efficiency of your engine systems. 

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Don't forget about a new intake filter. An intake filter is important to your truck's intake system because it allows the engine to breathe after filtering dirt and particles. The filter prevents them from entering the intake system, which could cause harm to your engine. Besides blocking debris, the upgraded filter will allow more air to enter the engine, resulting in increased horsepower. 

Final Thoughts

Now, when you hear your buddies talking about upgrading their exhausts, you'll know why they're considering it. Hey, you might even be able to give them a good recommendation for best brands to look at. In the end, your exhaust system plays a pretty important role in your truck's functionality, so it's almost a necessity to upgrade, right? Come on, you know you want eyes on you when you're ripping out of a parking lot…

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November 23, 2022

How To Choose The Best Exhaust System And Win The Race?

A high-performing race car is always a delightful drive. It remarkably elevates our senses. The smell of burning tires, the sensation of G-forces pushing you into your seat, and the sight of bystanders combine to create one amazing sensory experience. But what truly gets your pulse racing is the sound of the best exhaust system. The loud snarls are sure to give you the adrenaline rush.

Whether you drive a normal car or a sports car, there are wide selections of performance exhaust systems to upgrade your automobile. Consider the many types of systems and how a performance exhaust may enhance sound, strength, and efficiency before you start looking for the finest one for your car.

But before we delve too deep into it, let’s know everything we can about the best car exhaust system!

What Is An Exhaust System?

The best racing exhaust system gathers the cylinder exhaust gases, lowers the noise level, filters out dangerous materials, and then releases the cleaned-up exhaust gases to an appropriate level on the car away from the occupants. Depending on the engine, it consists of one or more channels.

The airflow resistance must be chosen to minimize the effects of exhaust backpressure on engine efficiency. Also, the top performance exhaust system must be evaluated as a whole, and constructed properly to guarantee flawless operation. This implies that the design engineers must coordinate its components with the vehicle and engine.

How Important Is An Exhaust System For A Race Car?

An exhaust system is the most crucial part of race cars with engine-powered inner combustion. They work as the only tool which sustains the exhaust process to dispose of the residual combustion from the ignition chamber caused by the combustion work.

Exhaust systems certainly play a vital role in the performance of a race car’s engine. If you want to win a racing tournament, having a dual exhaust system and interconnecting X-pipes and H-pipes are the norms for high-performing exhaust systems in 4-stroke engines.

When it comes to creating a race car’s top-performance exhaust system, the design is crucial. A viable and clever design impacts the overall performance and efficiency of the engine. It also helps if you know the construction (from scratch) of a proper exhaust system for a certain engine.

In the realm of racing, a well-designed exhaust system is necessary to boost engine efficiency. A more efficient engine produces more power output, which is needed to increase the likelihood of winning.

Why Do You Need To Upgrade The Exhaust System?

There are several reasons to upgrade an exhaust system. It can be due to a rusty exhaust system, leaks, or other damage. The best motivator for an upgrade is buying aftermarket exhaust systems. They are an amazing way to customize any ride.

An upgrade will give you good sound, high performance, better fuel economy, and improved throttle response. This will eventually create space for fuel in the combustion outlet and power-rich air. With the best sports exhaust, your car can get freer engine flow and better horsepower. Moving towards upgrades helps your car gain long-lasting and better-made parts for a winning race tournament.

Before upgrading, know your state’s federal law and noise standards for legal purposes. For example, if you choose to use a branded performance exhaust system that increases torque, strength, and horsepower, know about its warranty and legality in your state to be safe.

Relevant Exhaust System Terms You Need To Know

When you purchase a system, there are some terms written in each top rated exhaust systems’ product description. If you are a professional car racer or an engineer, you may know about these terms. However, for many, the key terminology is lost in meaning and may be confusing to understand. Knowing them will help you filter an ideal system.

1. Pipe Diameter

By this, it means that the description mentions the diameter of the pipe in inches. If the pipes are wide there will be better flow leading to increased power. If one chooses too wide a pipe it may kill the back pressure, which helps the engine’s performance. The idea is to choose a diameter that matches the pipe configuration and the car’s engine power output.

2. Configuration

The names single, true dual, dual rear exit, and single to dual all describe types of exhaust pipes. These terms indicate how the exhaust pipes are set up, which go side-by-side with diameter.A system having a single pipe will often require a bigger dimension than a dual system to operate at its best. Single exhaust systems have a single pipe.

It works from the manifolds to the back of the vehicle. The factory pipes that meet behind the manifolds are left intact; however, the single exhaust from the factory is divided into two pipes using the single-to-dual conversion. True duals have two distinct pipes that extend the whole length of the car. A single to the dual system is effectively a dual exit, but with the split starting considerably farther back. You will read more about it later.

3. Material

Several materials are used to create the best high-performance exhaust system. You can divide them mainly into two groups: stainless steel and aluminized steel. Your car starts its journey with aluminized steel to work with. Although stainless steel may cost a bit extra, it is highly corrosion-resistant and may last the whole lifetime of your car. There is also a mild steel material about which we’ll read later.

4. Sound Level

Sometimes it’s hard to measure how a system sounds in actuality. This is the reason why manufacturers use verbal descriptions or number scales to give the users an idea about sound quality. If you do not know sound bites, watch some YouTube reviews that feature the system.

5. Crossover

How do H and X-pipes vary from one another? Quite a lot. Although not all systems have crossovers, if your car has a dual exhaust system, you should have one. Because of crossovers, your car gets enhanced performance and balanced exhaust pressure. Additionally, they happen to directly affect the exhaust tone. H-pipes provide a deeper, more powerful tone, while X-pipes often provide a higher-pitched, more European sound. Choose according to your requirements.

How To Select The Exhaust System For Your Car?

When choosing an exhaust system, it’s important to take into account variables like sound, power, flexibility, and convenience of installation. You need to question the purpose behind selecting an exhaust system- whether you need it for accelerating performance or just want your daily drive to have enchanting grumble sounds. After pondering over that, you should still be aware of what the automobile genuinely requires and what falls within your budget.

The only issue is that there is a lot more to check through than you first imagined. The sheer number of possibilities, from arrangement to construction, might seem limitless. There are various best custom exhaust systems available in the market.

You can start by choosing the following-

• Exhaust type (Cat-back, Axle back, Turbo-back, Header-back)
• Configuration type- (Single, Dual, Dual Crossover, Dual Exit)
• Material of the exhaust (Mild Steel, Aluminized Steel, Stainless Steel)
• Exhaust system styles (Single exit or Dual exit)

1. Consider the type

There are four main types of exhaust systems- header-back exhausts; axle-back exhausts; cat-back, and turbo-back exhaust systems.

• Header-back exhausts system

This kind of system is a rather complex upgrade that replaces virtually every part of your exhaust system, from the header collector to the tailpipes, to increase the flow of exhaust gases. It implies that you may install a header-back system to increase the exhaust system’s overall diameter so that more exhaust gas can flow through it.

• Axle-back exhaust systems

All parts from the rear axle to the exhaust tip are part of an axle-back exhaust system. Axle-back systems have several advantages over cat-back and header-back systems, despite the latter’s ability to provide larger power increases.

In comparison to the standard exhaust, a well-designed axle-back exhaust system will increase power, but it is less expensive than equivalent cat-back or header-back systems. The performance exhaust sound you want may be produced with axle-back exhausts, which are also simpler to install.

• Cat-back exhaust systems

This kind of exhaust system substitutes the catalytic converter’s back exhaust parts. In addition to the standard muffler and tailpipe, these systems may additionally incorporate an X-pipe, mid-pipe, H-pipe, or Y-pipe, according to the make and model. For several reasons, cat-back units are one of the most common exhaust systems used.

The exhaust gas flow may increase by making an easy alteration in the cat-black exhaust system. You get a respectable improvement in power as a result. Although, the exact amount of horsepower relies on the configuration of the catalytic converter (an emission control device for the exhaust) and the other exhaust components of standard quality. Thanks to the free flow of exhaust, the engine may work more effectively resulting in better fuel efficiency. In addition, such exhaust systems give more vigorous exhaust noise and are generally emission complaints.

• Turbo-Back exhaust systems

Such an exhaust system mostly comes as illegal on public records because they substitute factory emission tools. They replace everything, like the exit of the catalytic converter or the turbocharger back. The kit must have the same part number as your vehicle, or the state may not pass it. This type of exhaust system provides more power to a vehicle, hence making it perfect for racecars!

2. Select the configuration

• Single exhaust systems

These features a set of single exhaust component. It includes mufflers and exhaust tips that generally exit behind the vehicle’s axle. The lightweight quality and lower price are advantages plus you can get major performance upgrades at aftermarket shops.

• The dual exhaust systems

This kind of configuration features two different pipes. Many professional car racers want this system due to the sporty look, unusual growl from the dual mufflers, plus high-flowing capabilities of two different exhaust paths for each engine cylinder.

• Dual crossover

It incorporates a specialized crossover to reduce uneven backpressure. The crossover pipes permit free-flowing exhaust gasses between two pipe sets. This kind of system is highly regarded as the best performing exhaust system, but sometimes it needs little modification for the right fit.

• Dual exit

This one is a dramatic twist towards single exhausts. It uses the same configuration as the single exhaust system but contains two exhaust tips. It is not much preferred for performance benefits but, one uses it for dual-tip performance styling.

• Pick the material

There are several materials used to design good exhaust systems. Some exhaust systems are made of stainless steel and mild steel. The price is a major advantage if you choose mild steel material. However, you may save money on it but, it will corrode or rust. Hence, stainless steel is the best choice for exhaust systems. It works well in icy and wet areas.
Aluminized steel is more expensive however, they have a specialized coating that makes the system last longer than the mild steel material.

3. Style of the exhaust systems

• Single exit

Single Exit exhaust systems only have one tailpipe and tip, one muffler, and one set of pipes. In most cases, single Cat-back exhausts can be installed into your car without the need for welding or cutting. It offers significant power and torque. They come with either a regular rear exit or a side-out exhaust for a more distinctive appearance.

• Dual exit

This style of exhaust system provides your car with a high-octane style, superior power, and amazing torque gains. It includes tips, exhaust pipes, and mufflers in pairs. Most dual exit exhaust systems are polished with chrome exhaust tips to create some astonishing reactions.

What Are The Key Features Of The Exhaust System?

1. Muffler

The work of a muffler is to attenuate or weaken the sound effects. It shushes the sound from the exhaust. By using the sound deadening tools, it creates heat energy by converting the sound waves through the process of absorption. The frequencies are absorbed by the mufflers that lower the sound levels. Hence, you can get the best sounding exhaust system through mufflers.

2. Resonator

People often confuse a resonator with a muffler. A muffler may have a resonator, but the function is different. Resonators decrease particular frequencies via reactive interference. They use a resonance chamber for this process. The soundwave gets directed in that chamber with a measured volume, reflecting the stream towards the opposite track; 180 degrees away from the phase. The resonator cancels out frequencies that create droning. They are the most problematic of all when it comes to noise.

3. Exhaust tips

You may find some exhaust tips that are resonated, hence changing the sound a bit. The majority of businesses provide tips in a range of dimensions, forms, and materials, including some rare items that are almost as expensive as a whole exhaust kit. Although titanium, carbon fiber, and Inconel are all gorgeous materials, a rolled double-wall stainless steel tip will perform the same task for a lot less money.

Tips To Consider When You Buy Second-Hand Exhaust

To make your second-hand search easier, here we provide you with two tips. These tips will help you get the finest bargains. It will also ensure that your pristine possessions weren’t damaged by the previous owner.

• Confirm the exhaust’s authenticity with serial numbers. This will help you know that the item you purchased is not fake. It also distinguishes a product from another reducing confusion when selling/repairing/distributing, etc. The serial number also helps in gaining version control and warranty control.
• When you buy a second-hand exhaust system, be wary of any modifications and replacements of parts. It can create legal obstacles for you.

How To Shop For Top Exhaust Systems?

Blindly purchasing the best racing exhaust system won’t do; you will have to have extensive knowledge about certain things. When you decide to buy an exhaust system, remember to note down a few things. Here is some stuff to keep in mind before shopping for exhaust systems-

1. Vehicle

The demands of various engines and vehicles vary. Make sure the exhaust system you want is the proper one for your car because each exhaust system is tailored for certain purposes. For instance, a sport-compact racecar might gain more from a Borla exhaust whereas, a dual exhaust may be a wonderful option for a muscle car.

2. Sound

What kind of sound you want depends on the car type. Every muffler or exhaust system has a distinctive sound. One can add a high-quality muffler to the exhaust for a slightly louder and more pleasing tone. You also have a choice of getting the aggressive growl through some power-packed mufflers.

3. Style

If you need some custom style for your race car, the best exhaust system can do it. When you add an exhaust tip to your system, the car’s rear end gets an amazing look. If you want, you can also add a double exhaust tip set. This will give your sports car the look of a double exit. For an impressive quad-exit look, put something like a cat-back exhaust with a dual exit. Research what your car can have and then come to a decision.

4. Budget

Like any automobile accessory, your exhaust system needs to be under your budget as well. The possibilities are endless when your budget is high; you get the best quality and wide range of exhaust systems. But if you have a tight budget, research thoroughly in terms of maximum performance and warranty period.

What To Consider When Purchasing An Exhaust System?

Once you are done with deciding the budget, exhaust system, and other requirements, shopping becomes extremely easy. Consider a basic thing like what you need versus what you want. You should also consider the following before purchasing a system.

1. Premium quality steel

You don’t just want any steel but high-quality stainless steel. It should have good longevity and should be worth every penny. The steel should be rust-resistant and high temperature in character for an excellent exhaust system.

2. Apt fitment

Look for trouble-free fitting of your race car’s exhaust system. You can buy the system from a place where there is a fitment guarantee. It makes life easier for consumers and professional installers. Talk to the staff of the shop and buy the best exhaust systems accordingly.

3. Cut

Buy a product in a way that you don’t have to slash all the factory systems. It is a key factor for resale and installation purposes. Also, if you ever need to cut the system, it means you may have to weld it. In another case, if you lease your race car, there won’t be any option to cut the factory system. So consider this point wisely during your shopping spree.

You will be grateful every day that you invested more money in a high-quality new exhaust for your vehicle. Make sure it’s constructed of decent stainless steel if you drive your automobile somewhere other than perfectly dry circumstances; there are lots of inferior stainless-steel products out there that will still rust. If the manufacturer has several product lines and you are worried about noise, seek phrases like “Street,” “Touring,” and “Comfort,” and avoid “Attack,” “Track,” or “Blitz,” particularly anything that is intentionally misspelled.

Race Car Exhaust Systems- Know The Functions!

The primary function of the best racing exhaust is to throw out toxic emissions and waste gasses from the engine and the car’s interior. A loose connection or exhaust system leak can impair your racing car’s performance, flood the cabin with hazardous gases, and reduce your vehicle’s ability to accelerate.

• Be familiar with the racing exhaust system parts

There are various parts of the best race exhaust system. They include oxygen sensors, exhaust manifold, resonator, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, and tailpipe.

• What is the function of a race car exhaust muffler?

A car muffler is used to reduce the noise emitted by pistons and firing valves in the engine. It also helps a race car to create higher power and better fuel competence through the elimination of exhaust gases.

Find The Best Custom Exhaust System For Your Race Cars!

Exhaust systems can create a huge impact on your racing tournaments. There are variations of it that may confuse you. If you want to improve your car’s all-over function you can connect with the Red Eye Racecars,known as one of the best exhaust manufacturers for custom exhaust systems. The experts will do your work on time and at a reasonable price with premium quality too!