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How to Choose Which Exhaust is Right for You?
If you're in the market for a new exhaust for your car, truck or off-road vehicle, you've come to the right place! Let this article help you decide what exhaust to buy for your vehicle.
Why Should You Change to a New Exhaust?
There are multiple reasons why you would consider upgrading your exhaust:
1) Looks- A new exhaust will look better than your boring stock exhaust. They will usually include bigger exhaust tips with a choice of finishes. If you choose a stainless steel exhaust, then the piping will also look much better than your stock system.
2) Performance- Upgrading your exhaust is a great way to gain more horsepower. An aftermarket exhaust uses larger piping, mandrel bends and is designed to optimize the flow and maximize the performance gains. Depending on the application, 5-20 horsepower can be gained with an exhaust upgrade.
3) Sound- This is listed as the 3rd reason, but is the primary reason most people chose to upgrade their exhaust. A new Axle Back or Catback is a great way to make your vehicle stand out and sound more aggressive. When the original manufacturer was making your vehicle, they adhered to NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) requirements that restricted them from making the exhaust sound the way it was meant to. We can fix that here at Exhaust Parts Pro!
4) Gas Mileage- This may seem hard to believe, but an aftermarket exhaust will improve your gas mileage. How is that possible? Your engine is an air pump. Anything you can do to more efficiently get the air out of your engine, allows it to breathe better and will improve your gas mileage. Now, don't expect huge results, on average there will be less than a 1 mpg gain, but a gain nevertheless!
What is the Difference Between a Catback and an Axle Back?
The name actually explains the difference. A Catback (or in the case of 2008 and newer Diesel Trucks, a DPF Back) includes everything after the Catalytic Converter (or DPF on Diesel Trucks). This will be the most complete exhaust you can buy for your car or truck. It will include all of the pipes before and after the axle. An Axle Back is included with the Catback. Choose this option if you want to improve the horsepower, looks and sound.
An Axle Back is just the rear most section of the exhaust. It only includes the pipes that go behind the rear axle. Choose this option if you are just looking for better looks and sound, but not concerned about gaining horsepower.
Will a New Exhaust Void My Warranty?
NO, changing the exhaust on your vehicle will not void the overall warranty that you got or purchased when you bought your ride. In fact, there's even a Federal Law in place that protects you from exactly this! The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from having their warranty voided for customizing their vehicle. Manufacturer's must prove that the aftermarket part caused the failure.
What does this mean for you in simple terms? Let's say you buy a new Catback Exhaust and something breaks in the front suspension? There's 0 chance the Catback caused this issue, so you're still covered and your warranty claim cannot be denied. Using the same example though, if you change the Catback and due to a defect, the new muffler to falls off? That would not be covered by the original manufacturer's warranty, but would still be covered by the Exhaust Brand's warranty.
What Type of Material Should I Choose for My Exhaust?
Well, metal would be a good start, a plastic exhaust wouldn't last very long!
Aluminized Steel- The most entry level of choices, with the most economical price tag. Aluminized options are best used in warm climates that don't encounter a lot of salt (road salt or ocean salt). Most manufacturer's do not warranty this material for more than 3 years as it is expected to rust eventually. Aluminized can also be a useful option if the vehicle is a lease and you do not expect to keep it beyond 3 years.
409 Stainless Steel- This is the more affordable of Stainless Steel Exhaust options. The price is less because 409 SS contains up to 90% iron. This means a magnet will stick to it and that it can develop surface rust over time. Despite costing less than 304 Stainless Steel, 409 still makes for a very good metal for aftermarket exhaust. It should last many years, though because it will develop surface rust, especially in climates that see a lot of road or ocean salt, it may not be the best choice for you.
Brands that offer 409 Stainless Steel exhausts on Exhaust Parts Pro include MBRP, Magnaflow (Magnaflow exclusively uses 409 Stainless Steel for all of their exhausts), aFe, and JBA and more!
304 Stainless Steel- This is the top of the line Stainless Steel that is available. 304 SS is not magnetic and will never rust. It's considered marine grade as it's also used on boats because of it's anti-rust properties. This is the choice for anyone looking for the best for their vehicle as it will literally outlast the application it is being installed on!
