Performance exhaust systems are easily a favorite vehicle mod for most enthusiasts. It does matter if you’re into American muscle cars, European cruisers, or import sport compacts, bolting on a free-flowing exhaust system improves performance and makes the driving experience so much more exciting.
But if you’re not convinced that your car or truck needs a performance exhaust upgrade, we’ll do our part to convince you. This guide will cover the top 5 benefits you’ll see from installing a performance exhaust system on your ride.
1. Increased Horsepower and Torque
Engines love to breathe freely, and unfortunately, stock exhaust systems just don’t cut it. They may have restrictive mufflers, low-quality bends, and smaller piping. These issues combine to increase backpressure and prevent the engine from performing at its best.
Whether we’re talking about a downpipe upgrade, turbo back setups, cat back exhaust systems, or axle back exhaust systems, replacing the stock exhaust piping can make a significant difference and add a few numbers to your horsepower and torque numbers.
2. Aggressive and Customizable Sound
Probably the most noticeable benefit of installing performance exhaust systems is the change in the way the car sounds. A free-flowing exhaust system with larger pipes, valves, and tuned performance mufflers can transform a stock engine’s exhaust note, making it louder and deeper. They can even create that “burble” sound that we appreciate so much as enthusiasts, while at full revolutions, they sound meaner and more aggressive. Also, quality kits reduce the annoying drone sound at highway speeds. All of this combines to create a better driving experience and enhance our love affairs with our cars.
3. Improved Fuel Efficiency
In some cases, a vehicle’s exhaust system upgrade can improve the vehicle’s fuel economy. Without the backpressure choking the engine and stifling its performance, the engine runs more efficiently, requiring less effort to create the same amount of power the driver would typically expect. Less effort means reduced fuel consumption and better fuel economy.
Are the differences drastic? Likely no—5% is the max increase most cars will see, or one mile per gallon for most performance cars (based on a 20-mile-per-gallon average). But over a long commute or road trip, it can add up. Coupled with a cold air intake, you could expect a few percentage points better.
4. Enhanced Durability and Longevity
For trucks, muscle cars, sports cars and compacts, and performance sedans, upgrading to a premium performance exhaust ensures a longer-lasting system that withstands the elements. Generally speaking, stock exhaust systems consist of lower-grade materials like aluminized steel or low-grade stainless steel. Both of these materials can corrode and rust over time, especially in regions with plenty of moisture and road salt. Hangers typically rust off and put stress on the factory joints, and eventually, things tear and the car gets obnoxiously loud.
Performance exhaust parts and pipes are typically made from high-grade stainless steel. Joints between components are also properly welded. This results in better durability long term, and as long as the kit is installed properly, corrosion and rust are rarely issues.
5. Customization and Aesthetic Appeal
Yes, your car or truck will perform better, and yes, it will sound better. We’ve even pointed out that performance exhaust systems improve mileage and durability. But, one of these kits will also make your car look cooler. With a wide range of finishes and styles to choose from, performance exhaust systems change the look of your vehicle.
These kits are typically customizable, as well. For example, exhaust tips can create an aggressive and sporty style. They come in different finishes and shapes, like round, oval, square, oval, single, double, double wall, and more. There are a ton of choices, allowing car enthusiasts to choose exactly the right style for their tastes.
Shop for Your Performance Exhaust System with Vivid Racing
Those are just a few of the benefits of performance exhaust systems. We didn’t even go into the fact that they support your other mods, like larger turbos, performance heads, or other major power producers. But if you’re in the market for one of these kits, find yours at Vivid Racing. We carry exhaust components and parts for tons of vehicles, ensuring we have a high-quality system to fit your car. Whether you’re looking for a new downpipe, turbo back, cat back, or axle back kit, we have you covered.
