Are Aftermarket Exhausts Worth it?

Aftermarket exhausts differ quite a bit from stock exhausts since they circumvent the constraints of stock exhausts. Many people search for an exhaust system that can deliver better engine performance or fuel economy. Some also want a louder engine noise. These people often turn to aftermarket exhausts to solve this.

Different types of aftermarket exhausts and a few leading brands

You can find 3 kinds of aftermarket exhaust systems on the market. These are as follows:

• Axle-back: These aftermarket exhaust systems replace the stock exhaust system from the rear axle to the muffler. 
• Cat-back: These systems replace the OEM exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the muffler.
• Header-back: These aftermarket exhausts completely replace the stock exhaust system of your car.

Axle-back aftermarket exhausts have the least effect on the performance and fuel economy of your car. Cat-back systems have a moderate effect, whereas the header-back systems have the most effect on the performance and fuel economy.

You can find several manufacturers of aftermarket exhaust systems. MagnaFlow Exhaust System and Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System are two leading brands, however, brands like Heartthrob Exhaust System and Borla Exhaust System are worth considering also.

Why you might install an aftermarket exhaust system: Its advantages

Aftermarket exhaust systems offer the following advantages:

Added power: In some cases, you can add extra power to your engine by installing an aftermarket exhaust. These exhausts clear the emissions from your engine more efficiently. This creates more room for fuel and air intake, this leads to more power. Aftermarket exhaust systems reduce the back-pressure, which reduces the stifling effect on the engine. This delivers more power too. Note that you might not always get a notable increase in power by adding aftermarket exhaust systems. 

Better fuel economy: When you press on the gas pedal, you effectively inject more fuel to the engine cylinder. By improving the airflow through the system and decreasing back pressure, aftermarket exhausts reduce the energy wasted in the system having to overcome these pressure problems. This leads to better fuel efficiency. 

Better sound: Aftermarket mufflers can significantly louden the sound of your engine. Many vehicle enthusiasts prefer aftermarket exhausts since the engine produces a deeper sound.

Why aftermarket exhausts may not be worth it: Their disadvantages

There are several reasons why aftermarket exhausts may not be worth it. These disadvantages are as follows:

You might end up with an illegal car: In some cases, installing certain kinds of aftermarket exhausts can get you into trouble with regulators. Consider Downpipes channel the exhaust gases through the exhaust system. Factory downpipes have catalytic converters. These catalytic converters are restrictive and cause a loss of engine power. You can get aftermarket downpipes that use a more free-flowing catalytic converter, thereby reducing back pressure. By installing one, you add more power to the engine. However, this means that your car no longer meets your state or region’s environmental standards. Check the local laws carefully before installing an aftermarket exhaust.

A negligible gain in engine power: As we have mentioned, aftermarket exhausts might not always offer a notable gain in engine power. For example, if you add an aftermarket exhaust to a car with a small engine, then you don’t gain much power. The money you spend isn’t therefore worth it!

Sound: As we have also touched on, engine noise level is a matter of personal preference. Many people don’t like the sound that aftermarket exhausts produce. If you are one of them, then installing such an exhaust system won’t make sense for you.

Looks: Stock exhaust systems don’t attract much notice, however, aftermarket exhausts certainly do. Many people don’t like the look of a vehicle with an aftermarket exhaust. If you are one of them, then think again before you install one. 

Should you install an aftermarket exhaust system? Think carefully

We have talked about aftermarket exhausts and how they differ from stock exhausts. Aftermarket exhausts have both pros and cons. Think through carefully before you plan to install an aftermarket exhaust system. Keep your local regulatory requirements in mind. Analyze the benefits such as the potential gain in power, etc., before you buy. 

BIO 

Daniel Calvin has been obsessed with performance vehicles since he first got behind the wheel. He is a collector of European sports cars and enjoys track driving when he gets time off work! He is the blog writer for Capristo Porsche Exhausts Australia.