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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?

To the naked eye it may seem to be just pieces of metal bolted together but there is more to the mustang exhaust system than that. The mustang exhaust is a complex multi functional system. Of these functions, moving the hot exhaust gases coming from the engine outside of the car, limiting noise output and reducing emissions are the most important. Quicker airflow through the engine will improve the overall performance of your car and the exhaust is responsible for 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.

We begin with the manifolds. This piece is connected to the exhaust ports, and joins the waste gases from all of the cylinders into a single location. Some people will refer to this piece as the "mustang headers". Despite the fact the names are both used, they actually refer to two slightly different things. Manifolds force the gases into a single chamber at maximum speed and pressure. The headers consist of tubes which allow the gases to flow at their own pace, like water through a drain.

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.

Upgrading the exhaust of a Ford Mustang is a common thing, second only to buying new wheels. The mustang exhaust is a complex multi functional system made up of three parts; manifolds which are connected to the mustang headers, the mid-pipe and the mustang catback. The exhaust is responsible for moving the exhaust gases outside of the car, limiting noise and reducing emissions. The gases exit the mustang through the catback which consists of mufflers and the tailpipes. Upgrading your exhaust can improve the sound and fuel efficiency of your mustang.