Mustang Exhaust
by TROY PERKINS
Next to buying new wheels, upgrading the exhaust is the most common alteration done to a mustang. Either exchanging the mid-pipes, or redoing the entire system a common theme among mustang owners is they want exhaust systems that sound great and last. You can achieve this by improving the parts of your exhaust. Now you ask yourself, what are the different parts of the mustang exhaust?
To the naked eye it may seem to be just pieces of metal bolted together but there is more to the mustang exhaust system than that. The mustang exhaust is a complex multi functional system. Of these functions, moving the hot exhaust gases coming from the engine outside of the car, limiting noise output and reducing emissions are the most important. Quicker airflow through the engine will improve the overall performance of your car and the exhaust is responsible for this.
How does the exhaust system do these things? It is done by pushing the gases from your engine, through the pipes and mufflers, and out of your car. There are three main components to the mustang exhaust system. All Mustangs have the same set-up, regardless of the year of making. I highly recommend upgrading both the headers and going with cat-back exhaust. Not only will you improve performance, you will improve the sound and fuel efficiency in some cases.
The first component is called the manifolds. The manifolds are attached to the exhaust ports of the engine. They funnel the exhaust gases from the cylinders into a single exhaust passage that is the mid-pipe. The manifolds are sometimes referred to as mustang headers. They perform the same functions, but they are not exactly the same. A manifold generally has several holes converging into a common chamber. Headers normally have tubes that curve to join the exhaust ports to the exhaust pipe. This allows the gases to gently flow into the pipe, rather than slamming through the ports.
Next in our list of components is the mid-pipe. Every mustang exhaust system features a mid-pipe. The mid-pipe is where the gases are directed when they exit the manifold. Equalizing the exhaust pulses is the core reason for having this. Exhaust pulses are bursts of exhaust leaving the engine to the pipe and aid in system efficiency resulting in more engine power.
The mustang catback is the third component. The catback is bolted on at the rear of the catalytic converters. Assembly is made up of the mufflers and tailpipes and is the last stop along the line for the vicious gases coming from your engine. Multiple aftermarket performance upgrades relating to headers, exhaust and intake are available. Clicking the links within this article or resource box is where your best sources can be found.
An exhaust upgrade is the way to make your Mustang look and sound great. The exhaust in your Mustang controls sound and emissions, and impacts performance because of air flow through the intake and exhaust system. Headers and a cat-back exhaust will improve performance, that Mustang sound, and fuel efficiency. Mustang headers smooth and synchronize the mustang exhaust to the mid-pipe. The mustang catback reduces back-pressure beyond the catalytic converter. Together these components can give you better performance, better efficiency, and that great sound. Click on the links here to find the best sources for upgrading your Mustang for a hot rod rumble that rocks.
