What You Need To Upgrade Your Mustang Exhaust System

A car’s exhaust system, although it seems insignificant to some, determines the performance and overall driving experience in no small part. For many enthusiasts, the exhaust system is the first thing that gets upgraded due to a number of benefits it provides and the simplicity of the upgrade process. It’s one of the few upgrades that doesn’t require meddling with the car’s ECU, and it provides instant and noticeable differences. Some muscle car owners upgrade the exhaust system for the improved sound, while others focus more on performance gains. In this article, we’ll talk about the Mustang exhaust system, its elements, and what kind of difference replacing each part can make.

What Are the Benefits of Upgrading Your Car’s Exhaust System?

Upgrading a car’s exhaust isn’t one of the most popular modifications only because of its simplicity, but because it comes with a number of benefits. Aside from a better-sounding car, you’ll eliminate restrictions that limit your car’s power and torque.

Noticeably better performance is achieved with aftermarket performance exhaust systems because exhaust gases flow more freely and there’s less engine strain. Because the engine runs more efficiently, muscle car owners can also notice better fuel economy in regular driving conditions.

If you’re replacing your old exhaust system with a new one, you can also expect better durability and corrosion resistance. With a custom exhaust tip, you can also add a touch of sportiness to your ride’s look.

Key Exhaust System Components

A car’s exhaust system includes several different parts, and each of them has a specific role. In most cars, single exhaust system components can be replaced to achieve specific results, such as a deeper and more aggressive sound, or better engine breathability.

Exhaust Tips & Mufflers

Going from the back, the first part of the exhaust system is the exhaust tip. Aside from a visual effect, exhaust tips on their own don’t have much more functions. When replacing tips, car owners often delete or replace the muffler that’s located right behind these tips, and this can have a small effect on the car’s exhaust note. It’s one of the easiest parts of the exhaust system to replace, and it’s the part that’s easiest to reach.

Catalytic Converter

Heading further towards the engine, the next part of the exhaust system is the catalytic converter. Its function is to reduce harmful exhaust gases by converting pollutants into less toxic gases. This is the part of the exhaust system that has the most restrictions on exhaust flow, and it's the part of the exhaust system that has the biggest effect on a car’s performance. When it comes to exhaust systems, using high-flow cats is a legal way to get significant gains in performance figures. Another option is to delete the catalytic converter completely, but that’s an illegal modification in most states.

Exhaust Headers

Exhaust headers, or an exhaust manifold, is the first component of the exhaust system that’s connected to the engine. Its function is to collect exhaust fumes from the engine and direct them towards the catalytic converter, and later to the end of the exhaust. They’re most commonly made from cast iron, and due to its rough texture, the exhaust flow is relatively restricted, and carbon buildup is a common issue. Aftermarket exhaust headers come in different shapes and sizes, and are made from stainless steel or even titanium in some cases. The inner tubing is much smoother, and there’s far less restriction in this part. Aside from a significant power gain, exhaust headers dictate how the car sounds, depending on whether it’s long-tubed or short-tubed.

To Sum It Up

The Mustang is an amazing car, and hearing it roar as it should drastically improves the driving experience. Aside from an improved exhaust note, exhaust system upgrades can significantly improve a car’s performance.

The great thing about upgrading the exhaust is the fact that you don’t need to replace the entire system at once. Depending on your planned upgrades, you can replace each exhaust system part individually to achieve the desired results. If you’re looking for a slight exhaust note change and some visual styling, replacing the rear muffler with the exhaust tip would do the trick.

If you’re interested in more performance, replacing the header and the catalytic converter with aftermarket parts will give your car a boost you’ll surely notice. If you’re looking for aftermarket exhaust parts for your Mustang, we have everything you need. From aftermarket headers to custom exhaust tips, our selection includes components from some of the most reputable brands on the market.