Although you might not realise it, there are numerous things to think about when choosing new exhausts for your vehicles. If you’re not a mechanically minded person, it’s easy to be talked into buying an exhaust that’s fancier or more expensive than you need.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to put together the following short list of our top tips for choosing the right exhaust for your vehicle. Here you will find a selection of useful information based on our years of industry experience.
Consider the following tips when choosing a new exhaust:
Think About What Type of Exhaust You Want
For starters, it’s a good idea to think carefully about exactly what sort of exhaust you want. There are numerous options available which suit different vehicles and needs, including:
- Header back exhausts, which basically replace your entire exhaust system. By doing this, you can increase the diameter of your whole system and achieve a higher gas flow volume. But, header-back exhausts tend to be quite expensive.
- Cat back exhausts, which replace everything behind the catalytic converter. In most cases, these come with a muffler and tail pipe, but other components can be included if needed. These tend to be good budget options.
- Axle back exhausts, which are easier to install and tend to be a lot more affordable than both header and cat back exhausts. They include everything from the rear axle back. Although they won’t provide the same power gains as other systems, they will deliver the sound you’re looking for.
There are three main exhaust options – think about the replacement system you want and choose accordingly.
Choose a Material
When you’re buying a new exhaust, you will also have to think about the material you want to use. Most exhausts are either made of steel, aluminized steel, or stainless steel.
- Steel exhausts are cheap, but they tend to rust and corrode quicker than other materials.
- Aluminized steel is also quite affordable, and comes with a corrosion-resistant coating to increase its lifespan.
- Finally, stainless exhausts are the most expensive options, but also the most corrosion resistant.
Ultimately, your choice here will probably depend on your budget and what you’re willing to spend on a new exhaust.
Decide on Your Exhaust Style
Finally, it’s important to decide what sort of exhaust you want. There are single and dual exhaust systems available, with dual systems coming in a range of styles.
Single systems are usually what you will find as stock on most vehicles. They include a single pipe from engine to tip. Dual exit exhausts are also available, which include a single system, with two exhaust tips coming out of the muffler.
On the other hand, dual systems come with two pipes running from your motor’s headers. They tend to increase airflow and performance. They also come with quite a distinctive sound that will appeal to some.
Final Word
Ultimately, choosing the right exhaust system can be tricky. Make sure that you take into account the tips outlined above, and speak to your local exhaust specialist for more information.
