All cars roll off the production line with the same standardized exhaust parts, but driving enthusiasts can often upgrade Motorbike Service components to improve performance, sound, and even the appearance of their car. The best way to start is by understanding the different types of exhaust systems, how they work, and what they can do for your car’s performance.
There are three main types of exhaust systems: header-back, cat-back, and axle-back. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Header-back setups replace everything from the headers to the tailpipe, and offer the highest performance gains. These systems also require the most expertise and can be more expensive than axle-back or cat-back sets. They can also delete emissions equipment and may make your vehicle more difficult to legally drive in some states, but the extra power can be worth it for some drivers.
Cat-back setups, on the other hand, replace only what’s behind your vehicle’s rear axle, and are a good option for most applications. They can be less expensive than a header-back setup, but will not produce the same levels of power and can be a hassle to install.
The muffler is another important component of the exhaust system. It is what allows the air to flow through the system, and a well-functioning muffler can help boost your engine’s horsepower and torque.
Depending on the manufacturer, your muffler can be made from many materials, including stainless steel and aluminum. Some are more aesthetically appealing than others, so make sure to choose the right one for your taste.
Mufflers can be designed to attenuate specific frequencies, like those generated by the turbocharger, or they can be resonators. A resonator is a tube or chamber designed to change vibrations and attenuate sound waves to produce a desired effect.
A muffler can be stuffed with sound-absorbing material, such as fiberglass or stain-less steel mesh, to decrease the frequency of unwanted sounds that travel through the exhaust system. Some mufflers also use reflective sound cancellation (RSC) technology to bounce the unwanted sound waves and cancel them out.
There are multiple muffler types, but the most common include straight-through and reverse-crossover mufflers. Both have tubes with small holes that allow exhaust gas to pass through.
In a reverse-crossover muffler, a tube is perforated with small holes that reflect and cancel the sound of other frequencies, such as those generated by the turbocharger. Generally, this reduces the amount of droning you hear as you drive and makes for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Exhaust mufflers are usually mandrel-bent, but some can be press-bent. This method involves supporting the muffler during the bending process to ensure a consistent diameter and increase strength.
Mufflers are also available in a range of sizes, from small to large. The larger the muffler, the more powerful it will be and will be able to withstand higher pressures.
The sound that your exhaust system produces is a big part of what people enjoy about their cars. A resonator or multicore muffler can be made to attenuate frequencies and produce a more refined sound, while polyphonic mufflers can be designed using Pythagorean Music Theory to produce a chord-like noise.