Articles

An exhaust upgrade is second only to buying new wheels when it comes to altering a Ford Mustang. It doesn't matter if you are only exchanging them mid-pipes or replace the system completely, Mustang owners have one common goal: An exhaust system that lasts and sounds great. The only way to make sure this will happen is to improve on the current exhaust system. So, what are the elements of the exhaust system in a Ford Mustang?

There is more to the mustang exhaust system than just pieces of metal bolted together. Your mustang exhaust performs many functions, the most important ones are the following. They move the hot exhaust gases coming from your engine out of the car. They limit the noise output and reduce exhaust emissions. The faster you are able increase the air flow through the engine the better overall performance you will have and the exhaust is integral this.

How is it that the exhaust system accomplishes these things? By forcing the gases from your engine into the pipes and mufflers and out of the vehicle. There are three main parts of the mustang exhaust system. Regardless of what year, all mustangs have the same configuration. Upgrading both the headers and going with cat-back exhaust are definitely recommended. Performance will be improved, and in many cases sound and fuel efficiency as well.

Manifolds are the first component and are attached to the engine exhaust ports. Exhaust gasses are funneled through the manifolds from the cylinders into the mid-pipe, which is the single exhaust passage for all cylinders. Mustang headers are synonymous with manifolds and although they perform the same functions, they do not work in exactly the same way. Headers normally have curved tubes joining the exhaust ports to the exhaust pipe while the several holes of the manifold converge into a common chamber. Both systems prevent the gasses from slamming through the ports, channeling them instead in a gentle flow into the pipe.

The next part is the mid-pipe, which is a component of every mustang exhaust system. This is the place where the gases arrive after they leave the manifold, with the main purpose being to equalize the exhaust pulses. These are the exhaust bursts from the engine to the pipe, which creates a more efficient working of the system, and allow the engine to produce greater power.

The mustang catback is the third component. The catback is bolted on at the rear of the catalytic converters. Assembly is made up of the mufflers and tailpipes and is the last stop along the line for the vicious gases coming from your engine. Multiple aftermarket performance upgrades relating to headers, exhaust and intake are available. Clicking the links within this article or resource box is where your best sources can be found.

Mustang headers are synonymous with manifolds and although they perform the same functions, they do not work in exactly the same way. Headers normally have curved tubes joining the exhaust ports to the exhaust pipe while the several holes of the manifold converge into a common chamber. The next component, which is something included in each and every mustang exhaust, is the mid-pipe. The third component is called the mustang catback. The catback bolts on at the back of the catalytic converters. The assembly consists of the mufflers and the tailpipes.