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Functional Differences between Mufflers and Exhaust Systems

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It’s not always easy to discern the differences between mufflers and exhaust systems . That’s probably because some of us are guilty of liberally swapping the terms whenever it suits us, but this practice needs to stop. End that confusion by remembering a muffler is a chamber for “muffling” the noise generated by the exhaust system. Then, drive that point home by knowing the full architecture of a top-of-the-line exhaust system. What is A Muffler? This chamber lives as an inline component within the exhaust system. It’s generally located at the end of the pipes, just before the tailpipe. Now, there might be a tailpipe extension down there, perhaps a couple of mechanical clamps supporting the additional pipe section, but this noise attenuator is still located at the rear end of the piping. It’s generally filled with chambers and perforated tubes. Functionally, this little devil should absorb sounds so that the car runs quietly. Realistically, at least on performance vehicles, th...

Diesel versus Gas Engine: Is There Any Difference on How an Exhaust System Works with Each Fuel Type

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The diesel versus gas engine debate has been around forever. Both fuel sources require different types of engines because their fuel sources expend energy via two opposing methods. Meanwhile, turbochargers and fuel injection systems add complexity to the mechanical innards in the diesel compartment. These design factors explain engine performance differences and the need to roll up to the right pumps, but how do they affect  exhaust system differences ? In point of fact, are there any differences between them? Compression Contrary Designs Engine Compression characteristics are pushed to the limit in diesel applications. Temperatures rise higher, internal pressures are elevated, and gas velocities are accelerated. Conversely, more torque is generated by a diesel engine than a comparable gas model, so these lower RPMs will produce as much power as a fast-cycling gas engine. Supplemented With Turbocharger Kits The spark-less cylinders in a diesel engine rely on a compr...

What is a Header Back Exhaust System?

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Vehicle engineers have established broad exit channels for car engine exhaust , but there’s always room for improvement. A header back exhaust system reinforces this maxim by pulling up the proverbial bootstraps of the aftermarket craftsman and extending the factory replacement process all the way to the engine manifold. For a portrayal of how this process makes headway, read on and embrace our tailpipe-to-engine rundown. What is a Header Back Exhaust System? Power-robbing exhaust components go straight out the window when the kit extends all the way to the engine header. Everything, and we mean everything, is swapped out during this expansive upgrade. In doing so, the diameter of the exhaust pipework is increased, as is any intermediate linkages and crossover pipes. Finally, the muffler and catalytic converter can optionally be ousted in favour of improved chambers, but this latter rationale is subject to a manufacturer’s interpretation of the kit. Removing System Bottle...

Tips in Choosing the Best Motorcycle Exhaust for Your Classic Big Bike

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Classic big bikes are purebred beasts. You know the ones we’re talking about, right? We’re talking about the vintage motorcycles that defined an era. Strictly speaking, the fat-engined bikes are outdated, but aftermarket aficionados still have a special place in their hearts for timeless classics. Now, personal bias aside, here are some tips for choosing the best motorcycle exhausts for your classic big bike. Big Bikes Have Never Had It So Good Veteren motorcycles are enjoying something of a revival. Nonetheless, they were built at a time when carbon emissions weren’t an issue. Petrol, gasoline to some of our readers, was just an endless fuel source. Today, things are a little different, so your classic motorcycle must accommodate modern emission guidelines. Say No to Scrapped Parts There are scrapyards and specialist forums out there, but should you be using these resource? Second-hand parts aren’t always the optimal solution, not when they’ve been exposed to the...

What is a Single Chamber Exhaust System?

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The architecture of a single chamber exhaust system changes from one kit to the next. What gives here? Why is one single chamber product shaped with a standard single inlet, single outlet form factor while the next kit is fitted with two inlets? More importantly, what specific exhaust eliminating functions are addressed when you fit a single chamber exhaust system? Scraping the Open Pipe Envelope   That’s right, by installing a single welded muffler box inline, your exhaust system is approaching a major barrier. Not for the faint of heart, you’ll gain that deep muscle car tone, plus a performance profile that doesn’t sacrifice hard-earned horsepower. Back inside your neighbour’s vehicle, a car that likely employs a multi-chambered exhaust system , there are special baffles and channels that exist to reduce the engine’s back pressure noise profile. In your single chamber system , those baffles and chambered innards are rejected in favour of a straight-through channel arch...

Legal Decibel Emissions for a Car Exhaust

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A deep sense of satisfaction slips through your vibrating bones when your exhaust system lets rip , but that happy grin rapidly drops away when you enter a residential district. Clearly, your car exhaust is generating too much noise. It’s breaking some local ordinance and upsetting your neighbours. Let’s pacify that street full of howling dogs and angry residents by making sure your exhaust noise level is street legal. Gain Some Noise Perspective The decibel scale measures sound intensity. The loudness of the sound is calibrated across a logarithmic scale, but we don’t really need to know the mathematics behind the science. Suffice to say, we have a measurement system for sound intensity, and we also have several reference points that illustrate key points on that chart. If you’re listening to a regular conversation, you’re experiencing 60-dB (decibels) of loudness. A crowded party ramps that figure up to 70-dB. It’s at this point that you really recognize the sound as an irrit...

Are Exhaust Noise Different in Cars and Motorbikes?

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The engine in a motorbike is smaller than a car engine, yet its noise profile is louder than its four-wheeled highway cousin. Admittedly, that larger engine is concealed in the car engine compartment, an enclosed alcove that can be soundproofed, while the two-wheeler wears its power plant out in the open. Still, this question begs an answer. Are there exhaust noise differences between cars and motorbikes? Motorcycle Culture Unlike cars, motorbike owners often buy their wheels with the sole intent of putting the bike on steroids. The biker immediately opts for aftermarket pipes. The bike pipes are shorter than a car exhaust system , though, as is the muffler housing . The upshot of this condensed exhaust system is more noise. Essentially, that biker culture and the motorbike’s streamlined form encourage noisy leanings. That bias demands svelte pipework, tighter turns on a slimmer frame, and a near obsessional need to feel that noise vibrate the owners’ fillings. Engine Ar...