Nothing sends shivers down the spine like the throaty rumble of a high performance exhaust system. Ferocious and booming when going full bore, it’s the engine’s sound that warns slowpokes to step aside and let the big boys pass. But with so many options to choose from, finding the right aftermarket exhaust for your car can be a daunting task. You don’t have to worry though, as I’ve done most of the legwork for you, and in this article I’ll give you some tips on how to buy an exhaust pipe online, as well as an entire exhaust system.
When buying an exhaust pipe online, there are two types of measurements you need to pay attention to – the internal and external diameter. The external diameter is the edge-to-edge distance and the thickness of the tube. The internal diameter on the other hand is the distance from edge to edge without considering the tube’s thickness, only the space inside. Something you can implement is free flowing mufflers and mandrel bent tubing to increase torque, horsepower and fuel economy.
Mufflers are another thing you can replace to get more out of your vehicle. As aforementioned, free flowing mufflers increase performance and fuel economy. Stock mufflers not only make your vehicle sound much quieter, but they also sacrifice exhaust flow. With an aftermarket muffler, you allow more flow, as the chambers and baffles in them are less restricting.
The mandrel tubing, pipes and mufflers give your ride a powerful tone, as they’re specifically engineered to mimic the rumble of race-cars. Some vehicles are stuck with plain-looking mufflers under the rear bumper, but with these not only will you improve the performance and sound of your car, you’ll also improve it’s visual appeal.
The main thing to consider when shopping for an aftermarket exhaust system is the materials it’s made from. Typically, performance aftermarket exhaust systems are manufactured from aluminised and stainless steel. Aluminised steel works well in a dry climate, and some of the stock exhausts are made from it, as it’s a cheap option. However, if you live in a moist climate, then it’s best you get an exhaust manufactured of stainless steel.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all stainless steel is the same. There are two popular types exhausts are made of: T304 and T409. Both have similar properties, but T409 stainless steel is slightly better at everything, including: rust and corrosion resistance, durability, etc. That comes at a cost though, as it can be much more expensive than aluminised and T304 steel.
