Posted: 06/21/2023
People love customizing their stuff and it didn’t just start yesterday. Some of the oldest examples of human civilization show that the owners of even the most primitive tools liked to customize their bone knives and stone hammers. This tradition continues to today, as people customize their entire lives, from their skin (we call them tattoos) to their own modern versions of stone hammers and bone knives: their vehicles.
But before we get into custom exhausts, let’s make sure we understand how those systems work:
On your automobile, the exhaust system is a key, but sadly overlooked, player. This vital component has a big job. It channels exhaust gases away from the engine, helping to maintain optimal performance. As these gases flow through the system, a number of important processes take place. The exhaust system not only reduces noise, but it also cleans up the gasses before they exit the tailpipe. Through a series of components - headers, exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers - it efficiently carries out its mission.
The exhaust system ensures your car runs smoothly, quietly, and with minimal environmental impact. Just imagine a car concert where the exhaust system conducts a symphony of performance and safety, leading every part of your vehicle to work in perfect harmony.
On the path of exhaust gases, headers are the first pit stop. They are strategically positioned at the exit gates of your engine's cylinders and are responsible for guiding the exhaust gases out. What separates headers from a standard exhaust manifold is their intricate design.
Every cylinder gets a dedicated pipe in headers, preventing sudden merging of exhaust gases and decreasing backpressure. This gives your engine a little extra room to breathe, allowing it to work more efficiently.
The clever engineering of headers also capitalizes on the pressure waves from the exhaust gases. They fine-tune these waves to pull exhaust out and fresh air in, a process known as scavenging. Enhanced scavenging can boost power and fuel economy. Like a skilled maestro leading an orchestra, headers ensure the exhaust system operates harmoniously, contributing to a high-performing vehicle.
Once the headers have finished their job, the exhaust gases embark on a journey down the exhaust pipe. Here, we encounter two key players: the resonator and the muffler.
The resonator, often tubular and filled with sound-deadening materials, has a specific job to do. It cancels out certain sound frequencies produced by the engine, reducing overall noise. Think of it as the choir singer harmonizing with the engine's melody to create a pleasant driving experience.
Then we meet the muffler, the final stop for the exhaust gases before they exit the vehicle. Mufflers serve a similar purpose as resonators, but they tackle a wider range of sound frequencies. Inside a muffler, you'll find a maze of tubes and chambers designed to reflect sound waves, essentially canceling them out and reducing the engine noise further.
Both resonators and mufflers contribute to the symphony of your vehicle's performance. They help maintain a serene environment inside your car while ensuring the outside world hears a gentle hum rather than a roaring thunder.
Next on our exhaust system exploration, we meet the catalytic converter. This device is not just a key component in your exhaust system; it is also a guardian of the environment. The catalytic converter steps in to clean up the gases that have flowed down the exhaust pipe.
Inside this important device, you'll find a matrix coated with precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals act as catalysts, initiating chemical reactions that transform harmful gases into less damaging substances.
For instance, toxic carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons get converted into carbon dioxide and water. Nitrogen oxides, which can contribute to smog and acid rain, are turned into harmless nitrogen and oxygen. In essence, catalytic converters serve as the eco-friendly janitors of your exhaust system, ensuring your car leaves a lighter footprint on the environment.
Custom exhaust systems can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the driver. For instance, some drivers may prefer a louder, more aggressive sound, while others may prefer a quieter, more refined tone. With a custom exhaust, you can choose the sound that best suits your personal style.
In addition to sound and performance, custom exhausts can also provide better fuel efficiency. By allowing the exhaust gases to exit the engine more quickly, the engine can breathe better and run more efficiently, potentially improving your fuel economy.
Custom exhausts can also be a great way to express your personal style. With a variety of materials, finishes, and designs available, you can choose an exhaust system that complements your vehicle's aesthetic and reflects your personal taste. Some of the most popular mods are polished stainless steel and blacked-out tips, but the options are practically limitless.
A custom exhaust system can also increase the resale value of your vehicle. A high-quality exhaust system can be a selling point for potential buyers, as it indicates that the vehicle has been well-maintained and upgraded for performance.
Remember, when considering a custom exhaust, it's important to consult with a professional to ensure the system is properly installed and compatible with your vehicle. Improper installation can lead to performance issues and potential damage to your vehicle.
This is important enough to state twice, because we’re dealing with potentially lethal gasses from a combustion engine–don’t attempt any modifications to your exhaust by yourself, unless you are a trained mechanic.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have auto parts stores all over the midwest. Order your parts today and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply or Auto Value parts store.
