How do Exhaust Systems Work?

The exhaust system’s job is to carry and expel waste gases from the engine. A good exhaust system also reduces noise output and boosts performance as well. Companies like Gibson Performance, HKS, Greddy, 5Zigen, Fujitsubo, Tanabe, Sebring and Blitzs, design their exhaust systems for performance and to produce the nice rumbling sound that car enthusiasts enjoy while still complying with the legal sound limits. You won’t be able to mistake the noise of a damaged exhaust system for the deep rumble of system though. A damaged exhaust system means that the noise will be extremely loud, the fumes will linger near your passengers, your engine’s performance will be poor, and your fuel consumption won’t be as good.

Exhaust Manifold or Header

The exhaust manifold collects and combines the engine exhaust and moves it to the exhaust pipe. Aftermarket exhaust headers from companies like Gibson Performance are available and are designed to give your vehicle more horsepower and torque. Manifolds are designed for performance and have an individual tube for each cylinder, which then join into one tube. This tube is called the collector. Your manifold, whether it is stock, should decrease backpressure and increase the efficiency of your engine, giving your car more power and enhancing performance.

Catalytic Converter

The purpose of a catalytic converter is to reduce the toxicity of the emissions from your engine. Toxic by-products are converted into substances that are less toxic inside the catalytic converter. Most converters are either three-way, which are used on most North American road-going, gasoline-powered vehicles for emission control, or two-way, which are widely used on diesel engines. The converter is made up of a core, a wash-coat, and the catalyst. The catalyst is usually made of a precious metal, which helps the oxidation of toxic emissions. Even if you add a high performance exhaust system, you will need to make sure that your catalytic converter is still functioning properly and adheres to the emissions codes for your area.

Muffler

Just as the catalytic converter reduces air pollution, the muffler reduces noise pollution. The exhaust from your engine blows out through your muffler. Companies does manufacture performance mufflers to enhance the sound and power of your engine, while still falling within the acceptable noise regulations for North American roadways. A truly high quality muffler, will also make sure that the noise stays outside of your vehicle, leaving the cab quieter than other aftermarket mufflers. The muffler has a resonating chamber, which is tuned to cause destructive interference, where two opposing sound waves cancel each other out. Gibson high performance mufflers are tuned so that only some of the noise is cancelled out, resulting in a pleasing rumble as the vehicle drives by.

When deciding whether to get an after market exhaust system from a company like Gibson Performance, HKS, Greddy, 5Zigen, Fujitsubo, Tanabe, Sebring and Blitzs, it’s important to know how all the components of the system work together. You can then determine if you need the entire Gibson Performance system or if you only need an exhaust manifold or a muffler to get the performance you need from your vehicle. If you are not car suave, check with your mechanic to see whether they recommend replacing your entire exhaust system or just one or two components to get the performance and sound you expect.