Many things go into your vehicle’s exhaust system. From the manifold to the catalytic converter or pipe accessories to the muffler, there are several components within the exhaust system. And that’s just your vehicle after it leaves the factory. With countless after-market changes and upgrades, there are even more intricacies possible with the exhaust.
Yet, arguably the most crucial component to the exhaust and its performance is the exhaust pipe size. It’s true there are several ways to alter and increase your vehicle’s performance, such as exhaust headers or high-flow catalytic converters. But exhaust pipes can have the biggest correlation to vehicle performance. However, the bigger the pipe size doesn’t automatically mean the better performance. We’ll review that and more in this blog.
Vehicle Manufacturer’s Purpose of Exhaust Pipes
Most gearheads know that a vehicle manufacturer designs their cars’ exhaust system primarily to reduce sound. With proper routing, diameters, and mufflers, your ready-made vehicle isn’t built for optimal performance. That’s where after-market upgrades (and Performance Muffler) come into play.
Exhaust Pipes and Performance
Exhaust pipes direct exhaust fumes away from your engine and safely bring them out from the vehicle. At the same time, exhaust pipes also play a role in the performance of the engine and fuel consumption. Of course, the size of the exhaust pipes contributes to all three of these objectives.
The size of exhaust pipes correlates to the flow velocity. How quickly and easily gasses are able to travel out of the vehicle is crucial. So, a higher flow velocity is better for the vehicle. A larger size of exhaust pipe reduces exhaust restrictions. With more size and less restrictions, gasses exit quickly and decrease the pressure build-up. A larger exhaust system, including improved exhaust headers, can increase scavenging: replacing spent gasses in the engine cylinder with fresh air and fuel.
What Exhaust Pipe Size Is Right for You?
However, there is a limit to the idea that “the bigger the exhaust pipe, the better.” The reason for this is because you still want some back-pressure for the velocity of the exhaust leaving the combustion chamber. Typically the factory-made exhaust system has too much back pressure, while sometimes an erroneous after-market upgrade creates too little back pressure. Like most things in life, there is a sweet spot for your exhaust pipe size. You want something larger than your fresh-off-the-lot vehicle but not too large. This is where connecting with an exhaust expert comes in handy.
Want Better Performance? Consider a Cat-Back Exhaust
The most common after-market exhaust system upgrade is a cat-back exhaust. This alteration increases the exhaust pipe with a larger diameter and adds a more efficient mid-pipe, muffler, and tailpipe. It includes the components of the exhaust system behind the catalytic converter (where it gets the name: cat-back). Vehicle enthusiasts cherish a cat-back exhaust system since it fittingly upgrades everything needed to improve horsepower.
Other Exhaust Modifications
On top of focusing on the exhaust pipe size, you can consider other upgrades:
- A full-blown custom exhaust. For any gearhead, the thought of completely personalizing and altering your vehicle is exciting. Click the link to discover all of the benefits associated with a custom exhaust system.
- Upgrading your catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is crucial for converting harmful gasses into safer ones that can be allowably emitted.
- Muffler delete. Did you know that you don’t need your muffler? It only reduces sound, and this extra addition can slightly decrease your vehicle’s overall functionality.
Let Performance Muffler Transform Your Vehicle
Want to increase the pipe size for your exhaust? (But make sure you find the right size for your vehicle.) Or, do you need an exhaust repair or replacement? Performance Muffler can help you with all of that and more. Contact us today for a free quote.
You’ll soon discover how we’ve stood out as a top custom exhaust shop in the Phoenix area for 15 years.