Does Your Truck Need an Exhaust System?

by: JasonLancaster
Total views: 23 | Word Count: 713

Most trucks are quite powerful - that's probably why you own one. Trucks are made to haul and tow thousands of pounds without difficulty, so they need lots of power. Yet despite their powerful engines, most manufacturers equip their new vehicles with a relatively quiet exhaust system. If you think your truck ought to sound as powerful as it is, or if you'd like to reduce some of the constrictions in your truck's exhaust, then you're probably considering adding to or changing your factory exhaust system.

Luckily for you, the factory exhaust system on your truck is efficient, and can be easily improved with just a few modifications. The exhaust manifold is the first component of the exhaust system. It directs exhaust from each cylinder together into one or two main exhaust pipes. These are usually fairly efficient and don't need to be replaced. If you decide to change them though, find a good set of headers with ceramic coating and factory mounting points for sensors. Usually though, the factory exhaust manifold will be perfectly fine for your needs.

The catalytic converters are the next stop for exhaust gases as they travel through your truck. It's not exactly a good idea to take these off - your factory catalytic is already very efficient and a legal requirement on your vehicle, so you'll want them to stay on your truck. The only time replacing the standard catalytic on your truck might be a consideration is if you were adding a very powerful upgrade, such as a turbocharger or supercharger, to your engine.

The exhaust gases cool a bit as they enter the muffler after going through the catalytic converters. This part of the factory system is usually also perfectly fine, and won't be too restrictive. Replacing the mufflers will probably only result in a small torque gain of 5-10 ft-lbs, and a hp gain of 3-5 hp. Using after market mufflers, however, will make a great change in how your truck sounds. It'll add an exciting roar that easily justifies the cost of the muffler. The exhaust exits the truck out of the tailpipe after the mufflers. Truck owners often like to add tailpipe tips, but these are strictly ornamental, and serve no functional purpose.

Changing the factory muffler on your truck for an after market muffler will make the biggest change to your exhaust system, so it's the obvious move to make. Here are some things to consider about after market mufflers:

First, ask yourself if you really want to be hearing the exhaust ALL the time. If you do, make sure to take that into account when selecting your muffler. If you'd prefer not to hear the muffler in the background as you're driving down the highway, choose a muffler that's not described as loud. You can look online or at your local muffler shop for more help on finding the perfect muffler. There are even sound clips on many muffler manufacturers' websites now so you can hear what your muffler will sound like before you buy.

Second, how loud do you want your truck to be? Do you want something that turns heads, or something that will drown out the neighbours? Extra loud mufflers usually have words like "racing" or "glasspack" in the description, so go for these models only if you're ready to be the loudest thing everywhere you go.

Choosing between a single or dual exhaust muffler is another important decision you'll have to make. If your truck came with a single exhaust, then a single after market exhaust will be enough to keep good performance. If you prefer to get a dual exhaust, be prepared to spend more money in exchange for better sound and look. Make sure your installer works around your trailer hitch, or leaves room for one, just in case you decide to add one later.

Finally, what exhaust system material is best? It's a decision that should be based on geography. If you live anywhere near the corrosive effects of saltwater, stainless steel is the smart choice. While it's more expensive up-front, it will last much longer than galvanized or aluminized steel in these climates. People living in dry climates really don't need to purchase stainless steel - if rust attacks their system, it will be years before anything is damaged.