Many car enthusiasts are looking to eke every bit of power they can from their ride. But you’ve probably heard that dual exhaust systems will not actually help your car.
Dual exhaust systems can help increase power, but only if your cars exhaust pressure can be dropped by installing the system. This means that if your exhaust is bottlenecked before the dual exhaust pipes start it will not help. Additionally, the pressure of 4 cylinder engines often are not high enough for a dual exhaust to help.
What Is a True Dual Exhaust System?
A dual exhaust is composed of 2 exhaust pipes releasing the used combustion gases from your combustion chamber. However, many cars you see on the road with 2 exhaust pipes sticking out the rear do not actually have a dual exhaust system.
An actual dual exhaust system has 2 full exhaust pipes coming from engine to rear with 2 sets of catalytic converters and mufflers. Typically with 6 and 8 cylinder models this means attaching one for each side of the engine.
In contrast, many so called dual exhaust systems split into 2 lines partway downstream. This holds little to no advantage over a regular single exhaust.
Conversion Kit
Here is a true dual exhaust conversion kit this will work with many truck exhausts, and possibly more with an adapter and some ingenuity.
The easiest way to install a dual exhaust for many cars is to look for a kit that is designed for your car. However, make sure it allows you to connect 2 pipes from engine to tailpipe.
Dynomax 89006 Universal Dual Kit
Single Exhaust
Sound like too much work? If you just want to give your an exhaust a deeper roar this does not require switching your single exhaust with a dual exhaust.
In fact this can weaken the sound by lowering the air pressure working through the exhaust. A single exhaust like this one can increase the sound and create a deep roar for trucks such as many F-150s.
XsvFLO Exhaust Kits – Shopline 3″ Single Exhaust System AL pipe Flowmaster 40 Series
Advantages of a Dual Exhaust System
- Lower Engine Temperature: A dual exhaust system will help your engine run cooler because it will be more efficient.
- Increased Horsepower: In this type of system, burned exhaust gases leave the car more quickly, which increases the engines horsepower. This results in a more powerful engine.
- Better Gas Mileage: With a dual exhaust system, there is less engine back pressure. Therefore, the engine doesn’t need to work as hard and uses less fuel.
Disadvantages of a Dual Exhaust System
- Rust: Moisture tends to condense in these exhaust pipes since they don’t get very hot. This tends to create rust.
- Cost: A dual exhaust system costs more because it has more parts, including the additional exhaust pipe.
- Noise: This type of exhaust system is very noisy.
Advantages of a Single Exhaust System
- Lightweight: Due to only having one pipeline they are inherently lighter.
- Cost: This system costs less to replace than a dual exhaust system.
- Stock: Single exhausts are typically included from the factory.
- Easy to Replace: These are typically easy to find from junkyards.
Disadvantages of a Single Exhaust System
- Restrict airflow: A single exhaust system can cause back pressure on the exhaust system which can reduce airflow during the intake stroke.
- Noise: Some people prefer the sound profile of a dual exhaust system.
Steps for Installing Your System
Although this is not a difficult job, you will probably want a friend to help you with it. The basic steps for installing a dual exhaust system are listed below.
- Purchase the system. Purchase the system that is compatible with your car. Make sure it includes a muffler, a dual exhaust pipe set, gaskets, clamps, rubber strap hangers, and instructions.
- Lift your vehicle up. After using a jack to lift your car or truck, be sure to use jack stand for safety.
- Disconnect and remove your exhaust system. Remove the bolts connecting the exhaust system, and then remove the exhaust system. If the bolts are difficult to remove, use a lubricant. Also, you can use a hacksaw for the muffler, if necessary.
- Place new rubber hangers. Install the new rubber hangers. Then, hang the new exhaust and attach it to the pipe. Start attaching the system from the back, and don’t tighten everything until the end.
- Cut the pipes. Measure from the catalytic converter to the front of the muffler and use this means to cut the pipes.
- Install the pipe. Place the pipes and make sure it fits correctly. Attach the pipes.
- Check your work. Make sure the pipes are even with each other and the bumpers.
Take a test drive
After you install your system, you’ll want to take your car for a test drive. Enjoy listening to the nice deep sound coming from your car. However remember to keep the sound level within local limits or you could get a ticket.
Related Questions
Do you need 2 mufflers for a dual exhaust system?
You will not need two mufflers unless you have a single in single out system.