What Is An Exhaust System?

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By "exhaust system", in its most general sense, is meant any apparatus whereby flue gas (that is, gas which is emitted into the atmosphere via a pipe or flue) is channeled away from the controlled combustion of a given fuel. The smoke stacks at a nuclear power plant, the chimney on one's house and, of course, the tailpipes of automobiles are all components of exhaust systems. These three examples alone substantiate the claim that exhaust systems are ubiquitous and essential to our daily lives.

The focus of the present article is on exhaust systems in automobiles. As mentioned above, the point of contact for most of us with vehicle exhaust systems is the exhaust pipe. This is merely the terminal point, however, for a considerably more complex assembly which makes up the exhaust system in total. As one might expect, there is considerable variation among exhaust systems depending on the nature of one's automobile and his/her vehicle performance needs:

• If optimal fuel economy and engine performance are a priority, then a performance exhaust system such as Magnaflow would be a wise option .
• Depending on the system's muffler, your car could purr like a cat or roar like lion.
• Some brands of exhaust systems (including Magnaflow performance exhaust systems) vary in design according to whether the system is intended for installation in a truck, car, or SUV.

The consumer should bear in mind such considerations when shopping around for a new exhaust system. But before treating of these details, we'll first outline those features which are common to vehicle exhaust systems. Read more...

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Truck Champ's Exhaust Systems Learning Center

(back to main Exhaust System page)

• What Is An Exhaust System?
• More Exhaust System Information
• Stock Vs. Performance Replacement Exhaust System