Unleash Your Engine: How to Upgrade Your Exhaust System
November 12, 2020
Thinking about an exhaust upgrade? A performance exhaust system can make a statement while giving your ride a serious boost in horsepower. Read on to learn how to upgrade your exhaust, why drivers typically upgrade, and how you can get a motorsport-tested NISMO exhaust system perfectly fitted for your Nissan.
Why Upgrade Your Exhaust System?
Let's face it: most people never feel the need to upgrade their stock exhaust system, but a few drivers like a little extra oomph. If you're one of them, you may have chosen to save money by not adding performance exhaust parts during your car's manufacturing process, but you now find yourself craving a boost in horsepower.
For people who want to get the most out of their car's performance ‐ and make a statement while they're at it ‐ upgrading the stock exhaust system is a great option. Many automotive enthusiasts recommend an exhaust upgrade as one of the first aftermarket modifications to make because it's not overly complicated and can make a difference in performance.
What exactly does "better performance" entail? With a performance exhaust system, you can potentially boost your engine's horsepower and accelerate faster. Typically an exhaust system upgrade is ideal for high-performance vehicles, but even everyday drivers can benefit from modifying their exhaust.
What Does Upgrading The Exhaust System Mean?
The exhaust system's job is to route gas by-products out of the engine. Improving a car's exhaust system means finding the fastest and most direct way to expel those fumes from your engine. This allows the motor to "breathe" better, meaning it can combust fuel more efficiently. The result? More power from your engine and more efficiency from one tank of gas.
Additionally, a performance exhaust system also offers sound and aesthetic benefits. For some car owners, the rumbling growl and sleek look of a modified exhaust is reason enough to warrant an upgrade. Most performance exhaust systems are designed to produce a specific sound during acceleration, so be sure to go for one that fits your style. Whether you want to make a statement with an engine that roars down the street or prefer your car to make more of a subtle purr, there's an exhaust system for you.
What's Involved in Upgrading to a Performance Exhaust System?
When upgrading to a performance exhaust system, the three most essential parts to replace are the exhaust manifold, piping, and muffler. The exhaust manifold is a chamber directly connected to the engine and where all the fumes first collect on their way out. After gathering in the exhaust manifold, gas by-products travel through the downpipe and catalytic converter, where the noxious fumes are converted into less harmful gases. From there, the exhaust enters the muffler, which dampens the engine's sound output before exiting through the tailpipe.
Additionally, the piping and tailpipes can be made broader and smoother to improve airflow. Plus, a high-quality muffler can increase how much exhaust can be processed before exiting the tailpipe. The goal with all of these improvements is to maximize the exhaust escape velocity by removing airflow restrictions, pulsing out the fumes efficiently, and preventing any gases from traveling backward or stagnating.
Upgrading these parts isn't an all-or-nothing affair. You can upgrade individual pieces in the exhaust system depending on your goals, budget, and skill level. For instance, NISMO offers what's commonly referred to as "cat-back" exhaust. A "cat-back" means you're only replacing the exhaust system behind the catalytic converter, which is less intrusive to the vehicle and prevents impacting emissions. Check out this NISMO catback exhaust system for the Nissan Juke as an example.
Where to Get Performance Exhaust System Parts for Your Nissan.
Though many vehicles can benefit from upgraded exhaust systems, not all exhaust system parts are created equally. You need performance parts that were made to fit your Nissan. If you want to get the most out of your exhaust upgrade, NISMO's trusted, racetrack-proven components are the way to go.
Take your Nissan to the next level with motorsport-tested, precision-engineered performance parts. Shop for genuine Nissan NISMO parts online and find your fit today.