There are two types of people reading this article: those that are looking for a truck and wish to buy one with a high-quality exhaust system already installed, or those who plan on purchasing an aftermarket exhaust system for the truck you currently own. Whichever one you are now; this article will help you decide which aspects you should be focusing on so you can get the best exhaust system for your truck.
Here are several aspects of an exhaust system you must consider before purchasing
Diameter size of exhaust pipes
Most manufacturers install their trucks with standard-sized pipes that don’t allow for proper airflow to draw hot air and exhaust away from the engine. If an engine with thin piping is burning exhaust for too long at high power, it will be more likely to overheat and become damaged. In addition to this, small pipes are more likely to stifle the performance of your truck, and the mileage your engine is capable of generating will be capped at a lower rate.
An exhaust with wide pipes diverts hot exhaust away from the engine faster, and in return, the engine can use more power for a longer time. Wide pipes will also improve the efficiency of your engine, and your mileage performance will increase. The new pipes will be able to expel exhaust faster and be ready sooner for the next exhaust pump.
Anti-rust coating or metal
Stainless steel is currently the gold standard for high-performance exhaust systems in both cars and trucks. The next best option is aluminized steel. These materials are the best due to their ability to resist damage and corrosion while not costing much money. Stainless steel is also six times stronger than other metals, and it’s just as durable. A titanium exhaust is also an excellent choice because it is both durable and lightweight, but it will cost you around 40% more money than if the same model was stainless steel. The metal you should avoid choosing are the
A muffler which does stifles loud noises
A muffler’s only job is to stifle the sounds coming out of your engine. If an engine is making loud noises, there could be a hole in your muffler. Or the truck was outfitted with a low-quality muffler. When you shop for an exhaust system, many systems come with two options: with or without a muffler. If the muffler on your truck is working as it should, then you may not want to replace it when you switch out exhaust systems. But if it’s not quiet, then consider buying a system with a muffler.
Ease of Installation
When you upgrade your truck’s exhaust system, you can either choose to have a trained mechanic install it, or you can do it yourself. There are benefits to both ways:
- If you decide to do it yourself, you will save yourself a lot of money. Installing it personally is a good option if you are a handy person. You will be spending a large amount of money on the new exhaust system already so this option will help you save money. However, if you do not install it correctly, you could damage your truck and possibly hurt yourself while you are driving.
- If you choose to hire a mechanic, you won’t have to worry about the exhaust being installed incorrectly. You’ll have peace of mind that the system has been installed the proper way. But the cost of hiring a mechanic will be high. If you want to save money while still hiring a mechanic, call mechanic shops around your home and work areas and obtain quotes to see which shop has the best price. Then check each shop’s reviews. Then choose the shop with plenty of helpful reviews and a low price.
Five years to Lifetime Warranty
Since a higher-quality exhaust system will last longer, you will want to choose one that comes with a more extended warranty. Unless you are planning on selling your truck with the new exhaust system, one year is not enough time for problems to develop in higher quality truck equipment. You should pick a warranty that covers the exhaust for at least five years.
What to take away from this article
Choosing an exhaust system that is better suited for your truck, and your needs can be a boost to your life and your truck’s performance. You do not have to stay with the exhaust system your vehicle came with. If you need more help choosing an exhaust system, there are plenty of forums online dedicated to the discussion and purchase of aftermarket exhaust systems. We highly recommend you check out the recommendations of MechanicGuide. You can also email your truck’s manufacturer to ask about their suggestions. But whatever you decide to do, always treat your truck well and give it proper maintenance every 3,000 miles. Happy driving!