Upgrades to performance or sports cars are common, and the exhaust is one area that can produce a lot of additional power. Cars that have small, stock exhaust systems can struggle with limited exhaust flow, and when you want to add power boosting parts to the engine, the exhaust can't keep up. The solution is an exhaust upgrade. 

Upgrade to an Aftermarket System

Many companies produce aftermarket exhausts for different cars. Most of the systems are designed to bolt onto the car with little to no modification to the vehicle or the new exhaust. Pre-engineered kits have specific horsepower ratings, so do some research before you order one for your car.

A free flowing exhaust is good, but too much flow can have an adverse effect, and you may not gain any additional power.

Determine What Kind of System You Need

Aftermarket exhaust systems come in several configurations for many cars. Often, a cat-back system is the one people choose. This system replaces the entire exhaust behind the catalytic converter but keeps the converters and the stock exhaust manifolds in place.

These systems are commonly used to gain a little power and a lot of exhaust note. The car sounds good but is not much faster. 

Full exhaust systems are also commonly used, but these systems replace everything from the manifolds. Most do not replace the manifold itself, just the pipe, catalytic converters, and the exhaust pipe.

These systems are far more free-flowing than a stock exhaust and will sound very nice on the car. Most of these systems are designed to bolt on without too much trouble, but sometimes rusted bolts or broken exhaust hangers can slow the process down. 

Get Serious About Your Exhaust

When you are ready to take your exhaust upgrade to the next level, consider tubular exhaust manifolds, sometimes called headers, for your car.

The advantage is that most manufacturers make their headers from mandrel bent tubing that allows for very smooth surfaces inside. The exhaust gases can pass through the tubing with far less turbulence than in a stock manifold, which translates to better flow from the engine to the tailpipe. 

Steel is the most common material used for headers, but aluminum is sometimes also used to save weight. Some manufacturers offer headers coated with a ceramic heat barrier to keep the temperature lower in the engine compartment. The ceramic coating protects the headers from corrosion and rust, making them last longer. 

Full Custom Systems

Full custom exhaust systems are the final step in the custom exhaust system adventure. An exhaust shop will create the system for you from scratch, welding it together as they assemble the system on the car; and they work with you to get the performance gains you are after from the system. Most shops won't make the headers for you, but they can help you pick out one that is good for your car. 

Everything from the size of the exhaust pipe to the design of the catalytic converters and mufflers can make a difference in how the system works. Discuss what you want to achieve with the tech that will be doing the work so you are both on the same page. 

While exhaust is not where most people start when making performance changes to their car, overlooking it can be a mistake because of the significant potential to add power though this one system. 

Midland Muffler and Brake has the knowledge to help you unlock those gains in power and install your new exhaust system for you. Whether you need help with a bolt exhaust system or a custom job, come by and see us for a free estimate today.