The Different Brands and Types of Exhaust Systems

For the novice car enthusiast, the term "exhaust system" has one meaning: the system of tubing that removes exhaust gases from the internal combustion system of a car's or truck's engine. Exhaust systems involve manifolds, headers, catalytic converters, mufflers, and of course the part most people see, the tail pipe.

As basic as an exhaust system sounds, it's actually a part of a car that can be upgraded to increase the overall performance of a vehicle. A high performance exhaust system can provide fewer restrictions on the exhaust process (the process of removing these excess gases from your engine) and provide you with better gas mileage, more horsepower and torque. It can also give your car a louder, more "high-performance" sound.

But when it comes to high performance exhausts, there isn't just one type and brand to get. There are various exhaust systems and brands that work differently for different cars.

Exhaust System Brands

Here is a quick list of brands that make high performance exhaust systems:

• A'Pex

• Banks Power

• Bassani

• Borla

• Corsa

• Downey

• Flowmaster

• Gibson Performance

• GReddy

• HKS

• And others



Each brand offers different variations on aftermarket high performance exhaust systems for different types of vehicles. For example, Borla exhaust systems are often made with stainless steel. Materials and specifications can vary greatly from brand to brand so make sure the exhaust brand you go with works with your type of car or truck.

Standard Types of Exhaust Systems

Here are a few variations of exhaust systems. Read through each description and learn more about the different types of systems available:

Single Side Exit Exhaust Systems

This type of exhaust system has only one pipe to remove the exhaust gases from your car's engine. The term "single side" comes from the location of the exhaust pipe on the car. It's typically located behind the rear wheel on the passenger's side of the car (or truck or SUV). This type of system is a exhaust that costs less than some other high-performance systems. However, it still provides additional horsepower.

Dual Side Exit Exhaust Systems

The opposite of a single side exit exhaust, a dual side exist exhaust system has 2 exit pipes rather than just one. So instead of just one pipe located behind the rear passenger side tire, there are 2 pipes. Both pipes are located on the same side of the car. The benefit of a dual exhaust is less restriction on the system and it often provides a louder sound. And when it comes to exhausts and car buffs, the sound is often the most important part of a high performance upgrade.

Dual Rear Exit Exhaust Systems

Now this may sound like a different way of saying "Dual Side Exit", but a dual rear exit exhaust system is actually much different. With this type of exhaust system, the exhaust pipes are under the bumper at the very tail of your car. They don't bend around the rear wheels. This type of system often provides a louder sound than the previously mentioned exhausts. From an aesthetic standpoint, a dual rear exist exhaust system looks better (to some gear heads). However this is a very subjective viewpoint. It's completely up to you.

Opposite Side Dual Exhaust Systems (a.k.a. Extreme Dual Exit)

Similar in performance and "sound" enhancement, the opposite side dual exhaust system (also known as an extreme dual exit exhaust system) is simply a variation on the dual rear exit. Instead of sticking out of the very back of your car or truck, the 2 exhaust pipes wrap around each rear wheel (one per side). So it's kind of a mix of the 3 previously mentioned systems. This exhaust system provides similar power and "sound" enhancement, and is typically preferred by those car and truck owners who tend to tow additional items such as boats, trailers, etc. It's because exhaust systems in general can leave dirt and residue on anything that it has prolonged and direct contact with (a.k.a. you don't what your exhaust spitting out all the excess gases directly onto your boat).

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