Muffler & Tailpipe

To ensure that your exhaust system is working perfectly, you'll want to ensure that its muffler and tailpipe are in great working condition. If they aren't, then the performance of your exhaust system-and motor vehicle in general-will greatly suffer. Fortunately, all you need to do is replace your busted muffler and tailpipe, and your problem is solved. Read on and find out how to get yourself the very best muffler and tailpipe in the market today.

Aluminized steel (Good)

This is commonly used for both aftermarket and OEM exhaust systems. This aluminized steel is coated with aluminum-silicon alloy, which makes it more resistant to corrosion and extreme heat. This is a solid material for your replacement exhaust parts, especially given its affordability.

T409 stainless steel (Better)

This low-carbon stainless steel steel is stabilized by titanium and is highly resistant to corrosion. This material is used primarily for exhaust components, making it a reliable pick for aftermarket shoppers.

T304 stainless steel (Best)

This durable material is resistant to corrosion and does not harden under heat. It comes with the highest concentration of chromium and nickel, helping it in offering the ultimate in rust resistance and durability. This material comes highly recommended, especially since it's designed for all kinds of climates.

Multiple baffle muffler- This muffler type housed multiple baffles inside. It allowed exhaust gas to escape through holes in the tube. Expansion and pulse reflection helped decrease engine noise as the exhaust traveled through different sections of the muffler. These mufflers are relatively quiet, but among muffler designs, this one restricts exhaust flow the most.

Turbo Muffler- This muffler is designed with an S-shaped path inside, which allows it to be longer on the inside than on the outside. However, the downside of this muffler type is that all the turns within it restricts exhaust flow.

Straight-through muffler- This design makes use of a perforated tube and forces the exhaust gas on a path from its inlet to its outlet. Holes are punched into its pipe to allow gas to expand quietly. There is little restriction of flow with this muffler. Among muffler types, this one comes highly recommended over others.

When choosing a tailpipe, make sure it comes with the proper diameter. To make things simple, opt for a replacement pipe with the same diameter as your stock pipe. Also look for tailpipes with chrome tips, as they usually come with better performance.

Your exhaust system sees to it that your vehicle disposes of its fumes in the safest way possible. This system has many components; among them are the muffler and tailpipe. The muffler's job is to provide quite exhaust performance, and the function of the tailpipe is to direct the exhaust fumes towards the rear of the vehicle. If these components were to become damaged, then your exhaust system's overall performance could greatly suffer. Luckily, you can replace both components rather easily. In fact you can do so all by yourself and in little time, making for a cheap and convenient DIY task. So take out the tool box, roll up those sleeves, and let's get started.

• Safety gloves
• Floor jack
• Jack stands or ramp
• Hack saw
• Anti-seize
• Socket set
• Ratchet
• Replacement muffler and tailpipe

Step 1: Before doing any sort of car repair, be sure to observe proper safety precautions by wearing gloves and closed shoes.

Step 2: Lift your vehicle up using the floor jack then prop it with jack stands or a ramp Never work under your vehicle using only the floor jack to hold it up.

Step 3: Locate the muffler and cut it using a hack saw where it connects with the catalytic converter.

Step 4: Use your hands to pull out the factory hanger bushings of the mount. Remove the muffler and tailpipe from the vehicle.

Step 5: Apply a small amount of anti seize on to the threads of each new clamp.

Step 6: Slide the end of the new muffler into the output of the catalytic converter.

Step 7: Insert the new tailpipe into the output of the muffler then use a ratchet and socket to tighten the clamp.

Step 8: Using your hands, thread the exhaust hanger on the tailpipe into the bushings on the frame. This should hold the exhaust in place.

Step 9: Return the vehicle back down to the ground and you're all done.

• If you notice that your hanger is damaged, replace that as well. A damaged hanger will leave the muffler to bang against your vehicle, which will yield planet of noise and hastily wear out you're your muffler.
• You may choose to accessorize your tailpipe using exhaust tips. Aftermarket tailpipe tips also help direct exhaust emission while boosting vehicle aesthetics.