Every single vehicle on the road today comes with an exhaust system, with most vehicles offering a single pipe that exits from the rear end. All of those exhausts perform the same function; they get rid of the gases and other contaminants that have been produced by the engine. However, you might have noticed that some vehicles, particularly those designed for performance, boast dual-exhaust systems. These are there to improve the car's performance, so they're great for anyone who wants to maximise the power at their disposal when they hit the gas.
Here's why.
Room to breathe
People don't often think about the importance of the exhaust system, but it's actually the vital final part of a car's combustion cycle. All of the gases that have been used up need to be ejected in order for new air to enter and new fuel to be burnt. In a sense, this is like the way we breathe ourselves; in order to bring in new oxygen, we also need to expel carbon dioxide. If an Olympic sprinter couldn't expel enough carbon dioxide to make room for more oxygen, their performance would suffer.
In the same way, a vehicle that is able to quickly clear its own cylinders will be able to take in more fuel and oxygen, and it will therefore enjoy greater performance. This is why they are normally more advantageous for six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines; they will be expelling waste products from either 2 or 4 cylinders more than a standard four-cylinder. Such engines are at increased risk of creating back pressure due to the amount of waste gases building up in a single exhaust system, something that will rob the vehicle of its horsepower.
Ability to go the distance
Beyond needing to take full advantage of their engine's outputs, high-performance vehicles also need to be able to keep the temperature of the engines down while travelling at high speeds for extended periods. If they can't do that, the increased temperature will eventually overheat the engine, potentially causing significant internal damage. Impressive performance is maintained by reducing the wear on the engine's components. A dual exhaust is likely to keep your vehicle in prime condition for longer if you're planning on pushing it hard quite frequently.
Dual exhaust systems are a natural match for vehicles that are made to be driven fast, or simply for drivers who want to make the most out of their car's engine. They'll increase power and reliability by dispelling used-up gases sooner and helping maintain an effective temperature under the hood. Talk to a professional today if you'd like to hear more.
