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Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Exhaust System

An exhaust system is critical to controlling noise from your vehicle, directing fumes away from your passengers, improving fuel consumption, and enhancing overall car performance. However, over time, your vehicle’s exhaust system does not function as well as it initially did, necessitating exhaust modification. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of an aftermarket exhaust system to help you make an informed decision.

Contents

The benefits of an aftermarket system

1. Better engine performance

car engine

Adding an aftermarket exhaust system to your vehicle enables a quick and more efficient room for exhaust fumes to escape. This allows the engine to breathe better, creating more power, which enhances engine performance.

A customized exhaust system also lowers your engine’s backpressure, reducing the stifling effect. However, it is worth noting that backpressure is not harmful to your car’s engine because it is vital to maintaining an optimal air-fuel ratio. It also plays a critical role in the vehicle’s torque output: too much or too little backpressure could result in losing torque and power.

Adding an aftermarket exhaust system creates an air-fuel balance enabling you to improve power output without giving up too much back pressure. Contact Rhino Exhaust to shop for a quality aftermarket exhaust system, among other accessories for your car, at competitive prices.

2. Improved fuel economy

car fuel

If you want to maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save costs, consider investing in an aftermarket exhaust system. Aftermarket exhaust systems enable your car’s engine to produce more torque and power, preventing you from stepping on the accelerator more. A new exhaust also allows you to minimize the energy consumed in the exhaust system to combat pressure issues, resulting in better fuel economy and efficiency. What’s more? Unlike stock exhaust systems, aftermarket exhaust is lightweight. This means installing aftermarket pipes reduces your vehicle’s weight, increasing fuel efficiency.

3. Increased vehicle value

vehicle value

One of the most significant reasons to add an aftermarket exhaust system to your car is to increase its value. Aftermarket exhaust systems make your vehicle look and sound better, increasing its value. This is especially important if you are looking to sell your car. With an aftermarket exhaust system, your car is seen as a high-end, high-performance vehicle that has been appropriately maintained, enabling you to leverage the vehicle’s resale prices.

A new exhaust system is often built of rust-resistant stainless steel, unlike the existing exhaust. This will help your old vehicle last longer and reduce the cost of replacing your car’s exhaust system frequently due to rust.

4. Improved sound

 

Aftermarket exhaust systems give vehicles better sound. This is because they feature a series of noise-absorbing fabrics inside the pipes, which change the exhaust system note into a quieter yet more powerful sound. The engine sound reaches your ears and those of your passengers and neighbors unimpeded.

5. Eco-friendliness

car exhaust

 

Using a car whose exhaust system contains out-of-date fluid contributes to atmospheric fumes in climate change. Investing in a new fuel-efficient aftermarket exhaust system reduces emissions, saving the climate and planet.

6. Improved visual appearance

Aftermarket exhaust systems often have a more aggressive visual appearance than stock exhausts. An aftermarket exhaust is built of polished stainless steel and features a sculptured tip. They also come in various styles to suit different tastes and preferences. For instance, you could opt for a dual or single aftermarket exhaust system. A hood or side exhaust system is appropriate for car enthusiasts looking for something more extreme.

Aftermarket exhaust system drawbacks

exhaust system

While an aftermarket exhaust system will increase your car’s power, it also has drawbacks. Here is the downside of adding an aftermarket exhaust system to your vehicle.

1. Sound

While an aftermarket system will provide your vehicle and engine with better sound, the engine noise level is often a personal preference. This means that while a vehicle enthusiast will appreciate a loud sound, the passengers and neighbors may find the engine sound annoying.

Consider replacing exhaust tips with a standard muffler if you do not fancy a noisy vehicle. This keeps backpressure to a minimum while significantly reducing your engine’s noise level.

2. It is expensive

expensive

One of the most significant drawbacks of investing in an aftermarket exhaust system is its price tag. Exhaust systems are some of the most expensive vehicle parts to replace. For instance, if you opt to upgrade to a dual aftermarket exhaust system, you must install an O2 sensor for the added set of cat-converter and piping, which requires you to adjust the wiring harness and engine management computer to react and read the new sensor output.

This, combined with the initial aftermarket exhaust system price and the cost of hiring an experienced and reputable maintenance specialist to change the exhaust, is expensive. However, the money is well-spent thanks to the improved performance and power that the aftermarket exhaust system delivers.

3. Legal implications

You could get into trouble with regulations by installing some aftermarket exhaust system types. This is because most aftermarket exhausts remove catalytic converters to reduce back pressure. This increases the power and performance of your engine. However, your car may no longer meet your region’s environmental standards, resulting in legal implications and fines.

Installing an aftermarket exhaust system could also get you in trouble with your local Land Transportation Office (LTO) for breaking the noise limits put in place for vehicles. For this reason, conduct in-depth research on your local laws before investing in an aftermarket exhaust system.

4. Difficult to install

Install exhaust system

Installing an aftermarket exhaust system consumes a lot of time. It is also difficult to change the exhaust system, especially when you do not have the necessary mechanical experience. Even the most minor mistake could fail the entire car. For this reason, you must hire a professional repairer for aftermarket exhaust installation, which is often costly.

Endnote

An aftermarket exhaust system is an excellent addition to your car. It improves your engine’s performance, enhances visual appearance, and improves sound and fuel economy. However, an aftermarket exhaust is expensive, difficult to install, and could lead to legal implications. If you are considering buying an aftermarket exhaust, familiarize yourself with the above benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision.