Most classic cars have an exhaust system, but owners of classic cars can benefit greatly from an upgraded exhaust system. The exhaust system of a vehicle is an important component that determines several critical vehicle factors such as efficiency, performance, and value.
Many drivers elect to take control of their classic car’s torque and horsepower by installing customized exhaust systems.
However, tailored exhaust systems provide several other benefits besides improving a vehicle’s performance.
What Are the Different Parts of an Exhaust?
Header/Exhaust Manifold
After the exhaust gases depart the cylinder head, this is the first point of contact for them. It is also a popular upgrade, with heavy cast manifolds being replaced with tubular heads. The aim of installing an exhaust header is to increase the diameter of the exhaust piping while also boosting exhaust scavenging by favorably aligning the exhaust pulses.
Piping
It is preferable if your exhaust gases do not pump straight underneath your car, flooding your cabin with fumes. Pipes will be required to route the air elsewhere.
The Catalytic Converter
This is the equipment that permits you to continue breathing while in Los Angeles. It “converts” the incoming NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbons from the exhaust into far less hazardous N2, O2, CO2, and H2O.
Muffler
Mufflers come in a variety of styles, but the aim is the same: to reduce noise. One of the most prevalent methods is to reroute the airflow. The exhaust is routed through porous pipes, which allow the exhaust gases to expand into sound-deadening material, reducing the noise that eventually exits the tailpipe.
Resonator
Though it is not a required component of exhaust, it is frequently used since it reduces noise. Resonators work by rejecting and canceling sound waves, and they’re often adjusted for a specific frequency when engine noise is loud or unpleasant.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Classic Car’s Exhaust?
During the process of restoring your classic muscle car you will have to consider a few things to improve their performance while at the same time abiding by your state’s exhaust noise laws. While overhauling the exhaust system of a classic muscle car you may have to face several issues. Though it can be enticing to think of increasing the performance of a classic car by changing the exhaust, it can also affect the sound of the classic car exhaust.
Consider the advantages of an upgraded exhaust system as a fantastic investment for your classic vehicle. The following are six reasons for upgrading your vehicle’s exhaust system with an axle-back, cat-back, header-back, or complete aftermarket exhaust system upgrade.
Improve the Performance of Your Engine
While an exhaust system has several advantages, the most common reason car enthusiasts install them is to improve the engine performance of their vehicle.
Exhaust pipe benders boost engine performance by optimizing airflow in the exhaust system, which is exactly what custom exhausts accomplish. They widen the pipe to allow for optimal airflow.
Crushed bends are used in factory-made exhaust systems, whereas mandrel bends are used in custom exhaust systems. Larger-diameter mandrel bends provide for more consistent exhaust flow, allowing the engine to produce greater horsepower and torque. Factory-made exhausts have a reduced diameter and a “crushed” or “crimped” curve, reducing the flow of exhaust through the pipe.
Extend the Life of Your Exhaust System
Mild steel is the standard material used in OEM exhaust systems. While mild steel is useful, it deteriorates. A failing exhaust system causes increasingly more performance concerns and exhaust leaks, which are worse.
Quality aftermarket exhaust systems are frequently constructed of high-quality stainless steel or aluminized steel, making them far more robust in the long run.
Personalize Your Exhaust System
High-quality aftermarket solutions provide you with several options for your exhaust improvement, allowing you to select the modification that works best for you.
Customizing your exhaust system can be a method of making a statement because serious auto enthusiasts regard their vehicle as an extension of themselves. Aftermarket exhaust is the best and most economical option to make your automobile flashier, louder, and faster!
Improve the Sound of Your Vehicle
Although each car has its distinct sound, it may not be what you are looking for in a vehicle. Installing a custom exhaust system is the most effective approach to achieving the low, deep rumble you have always desired.
Custom exhaust systems can provide a more aggressive sound than factory-made counterparts since they are often broader. You can choose to make the sound of your exhaust louder and deeper, or you can tone it down with a high-quality muffler.
Improve the Aesthetics of Your Vehicle
A unique aftermarket exhaust can enhance the appearance of your vehicle. High-quality aftermarket parts manufacturers provide a diverse range of elegant exhaust systems that can complement or enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
A high-quality aluminized steel or stainless-steel exhaust may instantly give your vehicle a modern, attractive makeover.
Increase in Vehicle Value
An exhaust system upgrade can increase the resale value of a classic vehicle by offering all the advantages mentioned here. If you are looking to sell your classic vehicle and want to make an investment that will increase its resale value, consider an exhaust system upgrade that will increase the vehicle’s efficiency and improve its performance. These advantages will increase a vehicle’s value by making it more attractive to buyers.
Improve Your Fuel Economy
Although fuel efficiency with custom exhausts is arguable, the assumption is that a more efficient exhaust system will use less gasoline to run. Custom exhausts can enhance your gas mileage by increasing airflow. Many custom exhausts minimize fuel consumption; others may considerably enhance the torque and horsepower of the car, having the opposite effect. If the engine needs to produce greater torque and horsepower, it may require more gasoline.
Exhaust System Buying Decisions
Some like them loud and rowdy, others prefer a mild volume with a deep tone, yet others just want a quiet cruiser. But we are not talking about stereo systems and music selections, rather the sound of your hot rod exhaust systems!
Exhaust systems have a lot in common with audio systems, as they set a tone for your car or truck, giving off a sort of personality through sound. There’s the subtle sleeper with a low rumble covering up big power within, the smooth, quiet custom cruiser that crawls by, or the boisterous, shaking rumble of straight-through pipes echoing “Look at me!” from the street. But there is more to exhaust systems than simply the emitting tone. You also need to consider your engine’s performance, managing the heat created under the hood and under the floor, where and how to secure the piping for a rattle-free system and the materials or coatings to use.
Mufflers and headers are almost as varied in size, shapes, and forms as the different wheels you choose. If you are looking for power, large-diameter pipes with free-flowing mufflers and long-tube headers are on the list. Should you go with long-lasting stainless steel for a system that will likely outlast your car? For open engine bays, vintage-style exhaust manifolds may be the route to go and for tight engine compartments there are different heat protecting wraps or shields to help manage temperatures.
The choices are yours and there are plenty of innovative manufacturers at your fingertips to help point you in the right direction.
Finally
The exhaust system of your vehicle is crucial to its power and performance. Upgrading your exhaust is the best way to get the most bang for your buck while also making a statement. An exhaust system can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It can increase the performance, sound, and fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Each modification has its own pros and cons. Before modifying the exhaust system of your classic car to improve its performance and quality of emissions you should also go through the laws about automobile noise of your classic car exhaust. Any modification in the performance and sound of your car will be meaningless unless you can drive it legally in your state.
But keep in mind: always choose a recognized aftermarket part manufacturer. Choose a provider who has a track record with customers and years of experience, and only employs high-quality materials. Purchasing less expensive aftermarket parts may cause additional labor and a less durable or ill-fitting product.
