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Truck manufacturers often leave lots of room for additions and improvements to a truck’s horsepower and torque. This is why the built-in exhaust system is easily replaceable for a better system in the market, which gives truck owners more variability in their vehicles.

Your truck’s exhaust system is meant to divert reaction exhaust gases away from your vehicle’s controlled combustion. Choosing to install an aftermarket performance exhaust will allow you to free up more of your engine’s power while allowing for a quicker and more efficient way for exhaust gases to escape. As a result, this allows your truck to breathe better while maximizing your fuel usage at the same time.

Choosing the right exhaust system

Your truck’s factory exhaust system is meant to muffle as much sound as possible while still maintaining adequate power-robbing backpressure restricted by the exhaust gas flow from its pipelines. Aftermarket exhaust systems typically come in three different types that offer varying levels of less-restrictive performance depending on your preference.

In this article, we will share the three types of exhaust systems you can choose from:

1. Cat-back systems

Cat-back exhaust systems revert your catalytic converter’s components to your mufflers. These systems will include new tailpipes and mufflers, and can also have a mid-pipe, H-pipe, Y-pipe, or X-pipe, depending on your truck’s models.

Furthermore, they have an advantage over other systems due to their low-cost power gains. With considerably better fuel economy compared to other system types, it’s a formidable contender together due to the fact that these are emissions-legal systems because they incorporate your vehicle’s stock catalytic converter.

2. Header-back systems

Choosing a Header-back exhaust system will force you to replace everything from your truck’s header collector down to its tailpipes. By overhauling the entire exhaust system, you’ll make your truck have a larger pipe diameter for greater exhaust flow.

One significant drawback of this exhaust system is that it’ll be considerably expensive to install compared to a cat-back or axle-back exhaust system. You should only opt to retrofit your truck with a header-back exhaust system if you’re looking to upgrade your entire system of all its components.

3. Axle-back systems

An axle-back exhaust system is the most affordable system, mainly due to being the easiest system to install. It includes all the parts from your truck’s rear axle to the exhaust tip. Though header-back and cat-backs offer more power gains, it doesn’t cost nearly as little as what you’d spend if you choose an axle-back exhaust system.

Conclusion

Once you’ve decided on the type of exhaust system you want on your truck, you’ll then have to consider if you’ll go for a single or double exhaust system. Most people who prefer optimum performance choose the two-muffler look that’s paired with high-flow capacity with two separate exhaust passages, one for each back of their truck’s engine cylinders.

The key to choosing which system works best for your truck is finding the perfect balance of compatibility of the exhaust system to your model and your preference in handling your vehicle.

At US Diesel Parts, we handle all types of truck repair from fixing engines, drivetrains, fuel systems, and turbochargers. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can give your vehicle a professional assessment and service!