Aftermarket Exhaust

Many people choose to upgrade various parts of their car after they purchase it from the dealership. One of the more popular upgrades is the exhaust. Aftermarket exhaust parts are used to replace the factory fitted exhaust parts to help improve the sound, appearance, or performance of a vehicle. Most people seek to enhance their performance, which is done by reducing the back pressure of the original exhaust system. Visible parts of the exhaust system, such as the exhaust tips, can be replaced for aesthetic purposes.

Brands

There are many different aftermarket exhaust systems available. The key is choosing the one that fits both your car and your own personal wishes. One of the most popular brands is Flowmaster. It uses mandrel-bent pipes to provide the best exhaust funnelling on the market. At the heart of each Flowmaster exhaust system is their unrivalled chambered muffler, which is designed to keep your exhaust free-flowing and tuned to perfection. Another popular brand is Magnaflow. Magnaflow provides a great performance growl, an exact fit, and quality construction.

Safety

Most aftermarket parts are regulated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Each state has its own rules, however, and regulations on various aftermarket parts. The noise level of an exhaust, for example, has to be below a certain level. It is your responsibility to ensure that any aftermarket part you may install on your car meets these requirements. In terms of general safety, however, installing an aftermarket exhaust system is relatively risk free.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of installing an aftermarket exhaust system is the increase in performance. Gas mileage and engine horsepower can be significantly increased with the right system. Aftermarket parts can also be a cost effective replacement for stock parts if they break down or need to be replaced. It also allows for a more aggressive exhaust note, with an aggressive rumble that is usually only found on high-end sports cars. There are multiple ways to improve your exhaust system; some packages offer everything, while you could instead choose to replace only a few items at a time to save on cost.

Drawbacks

One of the biggest drawbacks to buying an aftermarket exhaust system is the cost. Like any large purchase, it often carries a pretty hefty price tag. It also can be difficult to install a new exhaust system for those attempting to do it themselves. While this saves money on labor costs, it can be frustrating and time consuming. There may be a notable increase in noxious fumes, and while the louder engine is a positive to some, it may be a drawback for others. Modifying your original exhaust system may also void the original warranty.

Cost

Most after-market exhaust companies offer four types of components: exhaust system tips, high performance mufflers, axle-back exhaust systems and cat-back exhaust systems. The tips generally cost between $25 and $150, while the mufflers range from $75 to $300. The better the quality, the more expensive the price tag. Both cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems cost anywhere between $300 and $1200 depending on a variety of factors.