How to Buy a Performance Exhaust System for a Car

So you'd like to max out your car's output by installing a performance exhaust system. You're excited about the prospect of the improved performance a performance exhaust system provides, but you need to look at several things before laying out all that cash. Here's how to buy the performance exhaust system that's right for your car and needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide on dual or single exhaust. If you currently have single exhaust, you need to make some additional modifications to accommodate a new dual performance exhaust. Decide if you need dual or if a high performance single exhaust will do the job.

2. Look at materials, since most performance exhaust comes in stainless steel and aluminized steel. Since you'll be investing between $200 and $400 for the complete system, it makes sense to make it last as long as possible. Going with stainless will ensure you get the longest life out of the exhaust.

3. Match the manifold, being aware that the exhaust system for one car usually doesn't work on every car. Check with the manufacturer and ask if their product will fit on your make, model and year of car.

4. Buy the whole performance exhaust system as a kit, and it will save you a little bit of cash.

5. Read the reviews and see what other gear heads are saying about different performance exhaust systems, what they like the best and why they choose certain manufacturers. Most shopping pages give consumer reviews of the products they sell, including performance exhaust systems.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your mechanic for a recommendation on a good performance exhaust system as well.