Have you ever witnessed a car that is making a very loud and uncommon sound every time the driver hits the gas? Did it sound as if the car was flexing its muscles? If you did get a chance to experience such a sound, know that there is every possibility the car has a straight pipe exhaust system installed in it.
The loud sound is the key reason why such exhaust systems are becoming increasingly popular in muscle cars and racing vehicles these days. So what exactly is a straight pipe exhaust system, and how does it operate? We have tried to answer these questions in this article.
What Is a Straight Pipe Exhaust System?
Source: pexels.com
Before diving into the subject of how straight pipe exhaust systems work, let us take a look at what they are in the first place. When an automobile is purchased from a showroom, it comes with a standard, factory-issued exhaust system. Although sticking to it is ideal, many car owners prefer something different. Some are not necessarily concerned with the quality and rate of emission. Despite the fact that this certainly is not right, they do have a point.
As the name suggests, a straight pipe exhaust system is basically a straight pipe doing the job of an exhaust pipe. Most modern cars sound exceedingly controlled and diminished. This happens due to the many technologies integrated within standard exhaust systems. Examples include the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter. The design itself is done keeping sound suppression in mind.
How Does a Straight Pipe Exhaust System Work?
What a straight pipe exhaust system does is, it allows the engine to play the “music” without any hindrance. This means that once the combustion takes place, the unwanted gases are pushed out through the exhaust manifold via a straight pipe, without having to pass through a muffler, a resonator, or a catalytic converter. Thus, the sound is kept mostly unaltered, leading to the roaring noise.
The difference in sound levels between a standard system and a straight pipe system is striking. The former offers a standard, silent drive, while the latter should only be used if someone is passionate about it. For more information regarding straight pipe exhaust systems, try checking out visit this site. Here, you can get comprehensive guidelines on these exhaust systems, and also get a fair idea of their availability and pricing.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Straight Pipe Exhaust System?
Source: pexels.com
There are divided opinions when it comes to using straight pipe exhaust systems. The following sections explain some of their key benefits.
Higher Performance Levels
A straight pipe exhaust system significantly outperforms a normal exhaust system. That is why you will find many racing cars equipped with the former. A straight pipe exhaust decreases the amount of pressure exerted on an engine by combustion products, allowing the engine to perform altogether better. Both the torque and horsepower are increased if a straight pipe exhaust system is installed in an automobile.
Higher Noise Levels
A vehicle with a straight pipe exhaust is guaranteed to be noisy, as discussed earlier. It is so loud that you would need to check your local noise ordinances before having a straight pipe exhaust fitted in your vehicle. Many regions have forbidden the use of automobiles with loud exhaust systems due to the extreme noise they generate.
However, it is the noise that serves as the main attraction for straight pipe exhaust enthusiasts. Although there are benefits of soundproofing your car, the sound itself contributes to the presence of your vehicle in the streets.
Improved Fuel Economy
Many car owners find it astonishing upon noticing an improvement in fuel efficiency after getting a straight pipe exhaust installed. This is due to its design and how it ejects exhaust gases from an automobile while also improving engine performance. It is also because of the reduced weight of an automobile with a straight pipe exhaust. In any case, you would find a minor improvement in fuel efficiency.
Reduced Weight
Taking away a normal exhaust system and replacing it with a straight pipe exhaust will not necessarily make a car significantly lighter. However, by eliminating a muffler and a catalytic converter from the system, a vehicle becomes somewhat lighter than before. This aids in making it speedier, with better acceleration, than it would otherwise be.
What Are the Drawbacks of Using a Straight Pipe Exhaust System?
Source: pexels.com
Now that we are done with the advantages, let us take a look at some disadvantages of using a straight pipe exhaust system.
Emission Is Increased
There are solid reasons behind the prohibition of using straight pipe exhaust systems in many places around the world – increased rates of emission being key among them. The exhaust system is designed to do more than simply keep exhaust gases and pollutants moving in an automobile.
It also keeps your vehicle from emitting too much toxic gas that is bad for the environment. The catalytic converter, in particular, is meant to transform toxic gases into ones that are less detrimental to the environment. If you remove the catalytic converter from the equation, this will no longer be feasible, and your automobile will begin to emit an excessive amount of pollutants every time it is being driven.
The Automobile’s Resale Value Takes a Hit
Although under certain circumstances you would be able to fetch a higher price for a vehicle equipped with a straight pipe exhaust compared to a standard one, a majority of customers would not be looking for the former. The average individual prefers a standard build over a customized setup, and thus, would be unwilling to pay top dollar for the latter.
The fact that there are laws against the use of straight pipe exhausts in specific regions means that sellers struggle to hike up the price. Furthermore, the increased noise levels are not wholeheartedly accepted in many places and can lead to unwanted legal trouble. Thus, trying to sell a vehicle with a straight pipe exhaust system installed can become a lengthy affair and there is every possibility that the seller would not receive a hefty amount in exchange for it.
Final Thoughts
We believe you now have a clear idea about straight pipe exhaust systems, and are aware of their associated benefits and drawbacks. Whether you decide to get one or steer clear of it is for you to decide. However, we suggest you do give it a try, if local laws allow, and see how you feel about it. You will surely not be disappointed.
