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Exhaust Systems Buyers Guide

There are many possibilities today to get more performance out of your automobile. The oldest most trusted way to allow your engine to flow more freely is to add an exhaust system. The stock exhaust is very constrictive and usually just a cost effective part from the manufacturer. There are many different brands of exhaust systems out there, but like most other things in life, you really get what you pay for. Just because one exhaust is cheaper then another doesn't always mean its not of such high quality, but beware because many times you get what you paid for. Great pairing with an upgraded exhaust system are Cold-Air Intakes, Headers, and Computer Chips or Programmers. Different exhaust systems will be listed below.

Header-back is to the part of the exhaust system from the outlet of the header to the final vent to open air — everything from the header back. Header-back systems are generally produced for cars without turbochargers.

          Dynomax Pictured above available at ModernParts.com

Turbo-back is to the part of the exhaust system from the outlet of a turbocharger to the final vent to open air. Turbo-back systems are generally produced for cars with turbochargers. Some turbo-back systems replace stock catalytic converters with others having less flow restriction.

 

                   Magnaflow Pictured above available at ModernParts.com

Cat-back refers to the portion of the exhaust system from the outlet of the catalytic converter to the final vent to open air. This generally includes the pipe from the converter to the muffler, the muffler, and the final length of pipe to open air.

                                            (AEM) DC Sport Cat-Back Exhaust Pictured above available at ModernParts.com

Cat-back exhaust systems are a very popular aftermarket performance enhancement. They generally use larger diameter pipe than the stock system. Good systems will have mandrel-bent turns that allow the exhaust gas to exit with as little back pressure as possible. The mufflers included in these kits are often glasspacks, again to reduce back pressure. If the system is engineered more for show than functionality, it may be tuned to enhance the lower sounds that are lacking from high-RPM low-displacement engines. See information about the above named companies below.

AEM (DC Sport)

At AEM, our mission is clear. We engineer products that outperform the competition, and create original product designs that revolutionize the industry. AEM accomplishes this through a strict commitment to thorough research and development and leading-edge manufacturing processes. We invest heavily in these processes, and take great strides to control every aspect. It’s how AEM has spent the last 19 years building our reputation and it is how we will continue to maintain our status as an industry leader for years to come.

BD Diesel

 

 BD Diesel Performance is unique among its peers in that it designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products specifically engineered for performance diesel applications. Located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, BD Diesel’s state-of-the-art facility covers 65,000 square feet, and employs 60 plus highly-trained individuals.

 

The BD Diesel name became recognized in 1989, when the company introduced the first exhaust brake for the burgeoning diesel pick-up truck market. BD Diesel’s roots, however, actually date back to 1972, when Valley Fuel Injection, Ltd. first opened its doors. Today, Valley Fuel Injection and BD Diesel Performance are one, with eight specialty divisions that focus on diesel power train components.

Bully Dog

Revolutionizing the market again Bully Dog Technologies releases the Performance Management Tool or PMT. This single product will allow the user to increase, adjust and monitor the power, performance and characteristics of their vehicle.

The PMT is loaded with benefits and features. First and foremost the Performance Management Tool serves as a downloader with 4 pre-set performance setting including Tow, Performance and Extreme, another setting, the Crazy Larry that ads as much as 230 additional horsepower can be downloaded for FREE as well as product updates from the companies website for those that desire even more performance. Those performance levels are adjustable On the Fly while the vehicle is being driven down the road.

Beyond the added performance the PMT mounts in the cab where it serves as a monitoring gauge allowing the driver to monitor the vehicles performance and operating conditions as well as the ability to scan diagnostic Trouble Codes.

First to market again! Bully Dog Technologies has released their Power Pup line of downloaders for the each of the new diesel engines that hit the market earlier this year from Chevrolet/GM, Dodge and Ford. The Power Pup Downloader provides additional power, performance, fuel economy and safety all in one package.

With the introduction of Power Pup Downloader for ’08 models it features two power settings, “Tow Mode” designed specifically to achieve optimum performance while towing a trailer or fifth wheel and the “Performance” setting designed for ultimate performance. In addition to the added power, performance and fuel economy, the Power Pup features a number of valuable tools such as a Diagnostic Trouble Code reader and the ability to adjust the factory speedometer for larger aftermarket wheels and tires.

Corsa

The Name in High Performance
CORSA Performance is an engineering and manufacturing company based in Berea, Ohio, that specializes in high performance stainless steel exhaust systems for the marine and automotive aftermarket. CORSA's founder and President, Jim Browning, spent more than 17 years working for high performance automotive industry giant Mr. Gasket in various capacities, including Vice President of Research and Development, before starting CORSA Performance in 1989.

Since that time CORSA has become a leader in performance marine exhaust systems supplying more than 60 OEM boat manufacturers and more than 1,000 boat dealers worldwide. CORSA manufacturers a wide range of products, including diverter valves, muffler systems, exhaust tips, and silencers, that are designed and tested to meet noise restrictions in all states.
CORSA has incorporated the use of hydroforming, or bulge forming, equipment in its manufacturing process. Bulge forming is a revolutionary, leading edge manufacturing process that uses extreme fluid pressure to expand metal into shapes that otherwise would have been unobtainable using conventional manufacturing methods.

In fact, CORSA is the only manufacturer in the marine industry and automotive aftermarket to have in-house hydroforming capabilities. A good example of what can be accomplished with hydroforming is the new generation C5 Corvette steel frame rails. Hyrdoforming provides increased strength, greater part dimensional precision, and reduces over-all vehicle weight. Hydroforming also affords manufacturing cost savings by reducing tool and equipment requirements, less blanking, trimming, flanging, fixtures, and complicated welding and piercing operations - and results in less scrap and provides parts consolidation benefits.

CORSA Performance is now and will continue to be a leading-edge technology-driven company. CORSA's phenomenal growth in the marine industry is the result of many factors. Listening to customer needs, supplying innovative products featuring the latest technology, the best quality and value in the market, and backing it up with a commitment to serving the customer is what CORSA is all about. Without the dedication and perseverance of the CORSA team, none of this would be possible

Dynomax

Power.
Massive amounts are sent through your vehicle when you equip it with the right
Dynomax exhaust system. Intense horsepower ripples through the engine making towing, hauling and climbing virtually effortless while added torque catapults you off the line!

Sound.
Thunderous, full, intense…
Dynomax exhaust systems are carefully engineered and tuned to represent the distinct personality of each application. It's a sound you can feel!

MAGNA FLOW

MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust got its start as a natural extension of Car Sound Exhaust Systems, Inc., our parent company, that specializes in superior catalytic converter technology. Car Sound Exhaust Systems, Inc. has spent 25 years earning a reputation as a market leader around the world.

Today, we at Car Sound/MagnaFlow are extremely proud of this and stake our 25 years of experience and reputation on each and every one of our products. Each new product we develop is personally evaluated by me and tested by our team of designers and engineers, then field tested to ensure that these products meet our stringent quality and performance standards.

Mario Andretti has joined our team and now stands with us in supporting our conviction that Car Sound and MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust stand alone as a leader in the exhaust business.

To further reinforce our message to the world with respect to MagnaFlow's rugged reliability, this year our affiliation with Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's ProTruck series will demonstrate the durability and performance potential of our products definitively.

On May 18, 2000 Car Sound/MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust was awarded the ISO-9001 certificate. ISO-9001 is an international quality standard created by the International Organization for Standardization to define quality management and manufacturing systems. It has 20 specific design, material, and process requirements that help MagnaFlow/Car Sound ensure customer satisfaction with our products and services. ISO-9001 certified companies are re-audited every six months to ensure that quality standards are maintained.

Together, we stand united in our passion to deliver the best performing, most durable and capable exhaust components in the world. As we go forward, you'll slowly start to witness a change as we segue fully into the MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust brand identity, a name that has achieved global recognition. This change will simply help people from both sides of our business understand that high quality and high performance is part of our mantra and...it's in our name.

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