Stock Exhaust & Performance Exhaust Replacements: Tips & Tricks for Best Look, Best Sound and Best Performance

You can change an exhaust system for one of two reasons.  Either you had an exhaust leak and need a replacement, or you want more sound and better performance.  Whatever your reasoning, here is what to look for in both situations to get the best bang for your buck and best performance out of your vehicle. Scroll to the bottom of this post for our Talk Shop segment to see our installation of a performance Magnaflow exhaust on a Dodge Challenger.

#1 Replacing an exhaust system because of a leak:

What should you listen for if you have an exhaust leak?

You will hear a funny noise coming out of your vehicle when you start it up in the morning.  Like a little sputtering noise.  Nine times out of ten it’s probably an exhaust leak.

Why does the sound go away?

Once the exhaust system heats up, it will slightly seal the leak if it’s a hairline crack.

How can you tell if it is for sure an exhaust leak?

Have someone start up the vehicle in the morning, take a walk around and try to listen where it’s coming from.  You can also snap the throttle to 2000 rpm and let off.

Will it go away after time?

An exhaust leak will only get worse over time.  If it gets bad enough, the exhaust could break and you’ll have a pipe dragging on the ground.  Plus, if the leak is close to the engine bay, you can get carbon monoxide entering the cabin.

#2 Replacing an exhaust system for better performance:

If you want to replace your exhaust with better performance in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your exhaust system.  A good quality exhaust system should give you better performance and better sound.  You should even get a few extra horsepower from the increase in efficiency.

In this case, we are installing the single outlet exhaust system because the customer still wants to factory look but with better sound an extra bit of horsepower.  In this case, he should gain about 8-11 horsepower and it’s only a 3.5L motor.  This kit is from Magnaflow and comes with everything you need to install the exhaust properly.  If you follow the instructions by the book, your vehicle will be looking and sounding great.

What you need to consider when buying a performance exhaust:

Firstly, what type of muffler did you buy, or do you want to buy.  There are a lot of things that need to be considered when you want to upgrade your exhaust system on your vehicle.

• Length of the muffler
• Size of the pipe
• The inlet
• The outlet
• Where it’s going to go on the vehicle
• What it’s going to sound like

Some aftermarket exhaust retailers will actually have sound clips on their websites of the exhaust system you’re looking to purchase.

The last thing we want is for you to buy a muffler, have us install it, and then find out it’s not exactly what you wanted; it doesn’t look perfect or sound perfect to you.

What is a Flex Pipe?

Most exhaust systems have flex pipes.  This piece has to flex with the engine torque.  The piece itself does wear out and to buy the piece alone is a couple hundred dollars.

There are however, exhaust specialists who can actually weld in the flex pipe and save you a lot of money.  Some of the flex pipes themselves only cost about $25 (and up) and you can have it welded on for about $80.  This can only be done if the pipe is in good shape.  You can see the one in the video is not in good enough shape and someone had already welded on the flex pipe once.  It would not be able to be welded again.

Installation Tip:

When installing your exhaust system, always start from the front and work your way back.  If you can have someone at the back making sure you have the proper clearance as you tighten.  Check the rubber hangers and clearance again after completion.

Stock vs. Performance Exhaust:

For replacements, we always recommend you research both the stock and performance options for your vehicle.  In this case, the difference in price was only $150, but the performance exhaust had a lot more to offer in terms of looks, sounds, and better warranty coverage.  Everything is stainless steel, was made to fit bolt on with no cutting, no sawing, no welding, nothing.

A bonus is the chrome finishers on the back of the exhaust that set the back end off nicely.

If you’re not sure what exhaust will fit your vehicle the best and sound the best, talk to our experts at Simone Performance.  Our Service Advisors know the best parts for your vehicle and our experienced technicians will install them to perfection.

As always, we welcome your feedback.  Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment below.  You can also email us if you have any questions or book an appointment online.  Also, check out our YouTube Channel for all of these Talk Shop videos and more from Season 1 and Season 2 of our Roger’s Original Series DRIVE!

Enjoy your ride and drive,

Vic