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Should You Put An Exhaust System On Your Truck?

by: JasonLancaster
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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.

Fortunately, the factory exhaust system is efficient and doesn't require much modification for you to improve it. The first component in your exhaust system is the exhaust manifold, the part that directs exhaust from individual cylinders into one or two main exhaust pipes. Most exhaust manifolds are pretty efficient and don't require replacement, but if you decide you'd like to replace this part, then you're going to look at a set of headers. A good set of headers will offer a ceramic coating, as well as factory mounting points for sensors. Again, most of the time the factory exhaust manifold is just fine.

After the manifold, exhaust travels through the catalytic converters. These are already very efficient and legally required to be on your truck, so you're much better off leaving these alone. The only time you'd do really do anything with the factory catalytic converter is if you were adding an extremely powerful upgrade to your engine, such as a turbo- or supercharger.

As they leave the catalytic converters, exhaust gases will cool down a bit and enter the muffler. The factory mufflers usually aren't too restrictive, and replacing them won't make a huge difference in the amount of hp or torque you get. The average change is about 3-5 hp and 5-10 ft-lbs of torque. After market mufflers, however, will make a dramatic change and are definitely worth the money. Your truck will sound much better! After the mufflers, exhaust exits the truck via the tailpipe. You can add tailpipe tips to this part, but it'll be purely for decoration purposes, and won't affect the exhaust system in any way.

Since changing the factory muffler will have the biggest effect on your exhaust system, they're the most logical component to replace. When you're looking at after market mufflers, here are some things to consider:

First, do you want to hear the exhaust ALL the time? In other words, when you drive down the highway, is a little exhaust drone OK? If not, make sure you choose a muffler that's not described as being loud. Check the web and ask your local muffler shop for advice on finding a good muffler. Many muffler manufacturers are even putting sound clips on their websites now.

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.

Also important to consider is whether the new muffler is a single or dual exhaust. If your factory exhaust system came with a single exhaust muffler, then your truck will work just as well with a single after market exhaust system. Dual exhaust systems are more expensive, but you'll get a nicer sound and better look. If you use a dual exhaust, check that your installer works around the trailer hitch and/or leaves room for one so you can add it later if you choose.

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.

About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster, an auto business veteran, developed AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate tips for buying a car and car advice.

Should You Put An Exhaust System On Your Truck?

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