Exhaust systems are usually less restrictive than factory exhaust systems. It doesn’t mean, however, that aftermarket exhausts will always increase power. Exhaust systems can add as much as 50 horsepower to your vehicle or as little as 2 or 3 horsepower, depending on the system you choose.
You can upgrade your exhaust system just by typing your engine type, for example, BMW 330i Exhaust Upgrade.
What does a performance exhaust do?
The exhaust framework comprises the ventilation system – or headers, if you’ve changed them over – the downpipe, the resonator, the catalytic converter, and the muffler. In most cases, however, the term ‘performance exhaust’ refers to the section of the exhaust system that contains the muffler and the catalytic converter. This is why some exhaust systems are called cat-back systems.
Like cold-air intakes and headers, a performance exhaust is designed to de-restrict airflow and increase engine efficiency. In particular, it increases scavenging efficiency.
Whenever the admission and exhaust valves open and close, air enters and leaves the combustion chamber. However, if your car’s exhaust is too restrictive, the exhaust gases can leak back into the piping because of backpressure. This diminishes how much oxygen is accessible to the motor, consequently decreasing its performance.
How Can Performance Exhaust Increase Horsepower?
An easy way to increase horsepower is to increase the amount of fresh air in the combustion chamber. The more air you put in, the more powerful the combustion will be – and the more power your wheels will have. Modifications such as cold air intakes and performance air filters increase performance by increasing the amount of air available in the combustion chamber.
The same principle applies to exhaust systems – increase the amount of air in the combustion chamber to increase horsepower. Do you remember that exhaust gasses are produced every time combustion occurs? Outside air can enter for the following burning as soon as these exhaust gases leave the combustion chamber.
To expel these exhaust gases quickly, we must make sure there is good airflow in the exhaust pipe. An exhaust increases airflow by doing the following:
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Decrease Exhaust Back Pressure
It is the outside pressure of the combustion chamber that causes backpressure. To allow exhaust gases to be easily pushed out of the combustion chamber, backpressure must be kept low. If you remember your high school physics, air particles will move from a high-pressure area into a low-pressure area.
The easiest way to lower this back pressure is to expand the distance across the exhaust pipe. The more extensive it is, the more space it needs to hold air particles, which reduces the air pressure outside the combustion chamber. This allows for a faster flow of exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to the exhaust pipe. This allows fresh air to enter the combustion chamber for more powerful combustion.
2. Increase Exhaust Velocity
The exhaust velocity indicates how fast the gases can travel from the exhaust pipe to the outside of the car. The higher the exhaust velocity, the faster the exhaust gases escape – allowing more fresh air to flow into the combustion chamber in the next combustion.
The exhaust pipe must be narrow to increase exhaust velocity. Exhaust gases flow slower when the pipe is too wide. Yet, stand by… Didn’t I say we really want a more extensive exhaust pipe – so the back pressure will be reduced, and the exhaust gases will escape faster?
I suppose that’s true as well. This is a compromise game, after all. You have to keep the diameter of the exhaust pipe optimal. Don’t make it too large or too small.
- Too wide of an exhaust pipe – low exhaust velocity, but also low backpressure.
- The exhaust pipe is too narrow – high exhaust velocity and backpressure
- It is imperative to achieve balance.
Summary
- The exhaust system allows exhaust gases to exit the combustion chamber – allowing more air to enter the next combustion.
- Exhausts increase horsepower by improving airflow. As a result, exhaust gases leave quicker.
- You can improve the sound of your car’s engine with an exhaust. Consider a cold air intake instead if you’re only looking for sound.
- Different exhaust systems affect different car models differently. Do your research before purchasing an exhaust for your car.