What to Know Before Buying an Aftermarket Exhaust System

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There are many different types of aftermarket modifications you can install on your Isuzu Dmax to improve its performance, the majority of which focus on the front-end of your vehicle, including the turbocharger, supercharger systems, cold air intakes and upgraded engine components. One of the most underrated, yet efficient modifications you can perform on your Dmax, however, is in the exhaust system. An aftermarket Dmax exhaust upgrade can unlock some of the “hidden potential” of your Dmax’ engine. What happens inside the exhaust system is important to the overall output produced by your engine.

Think of the air intake system as a large pipe through which your engine inhales. Then think of the exhaust system as a straw through which your engine needs to exhale after thousands of controlled explosions (combustion) have occurred inside it. The exhaust gases that have to leave your engine will have a hard time leaving if you have a stock exhaust system. The reason for this is that stock exhaust systems are made with savings in mind. They do the bare minimum required from them. But for some people, the bare minimum simply isn’t enough. They just want or need more out of their vehicles. That being said, here’s what you need to know when looking for a Dmax exhaust upgrade.

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Catalytic Converters are a Must

While some people claim that not including a catalytic converter in the exhaust system can lead to greater performance gains, the truth is – nobody should drive a vehicle without one. Today’s automotive world is highly regulated, and your emissions control system is sophisticated and computer-controlled. More and more states and countries around the world require emission tests at regular intervals. If your car doesn’t pass the test, you can’t drive it. That being said, no matter what type of modification you’re performing on your exhaust system, make sure the catalytic converter stays.

Performance Headers

The headers/manifolds that your Dmax comes with aren’t made with performance in mind. They’re a compromise made between the emission system engineers and the financial team whose goal is to provide a competitive product. However, aftermarket exhaust systems are made with performance in mind, allowing high volumes of exhaust gases to get out of the engine cylinders as swiftly as possible. Depending on the design, the headers can improve horsepower and torque, reduce operating temperatures, improve fuel economy, the scavenging of gasses and help the engine breathe.

Scavenging is the process in which the gases are pushed through the headers with the help of high-pressure compression waves that are created when the exhaust gases leave the engine cylinders. However, there are also negative pressure waves that go back to the header pipes, exhaust ports and combustion chambers. Scavenging can benefit your Dmax performance by helping exhaust gases get out of the engine faster, pulling the optimum amount of air and fuel into the cylinders, and improving the rate at which the cylinders release the exhaust gases.

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Performance Mufflers

The muffler is the part that reduces the noises made by the exhaust gases travelling the system. Performance aftermarket mufflers are much less restrictive than their stock counterparts, and they sound better. Some systems allow you to choose between different mufflers so that you get the sound you like. It’s important to choose a muffler that’s of similar size to your stock muffler. This will ensure it fits snugly. Furthermore, make sure the outlet and inlet pipes match your exhaust setup.

Exhaust Tips

The exhaust tip is the only part of the entire exhaust system that’s visible to others. Exhaust tips are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and finishes. Some of the most popular exhaust tip shapes are oval, round and square. Some of the most popular finishes are chrome, titanium and stainless steel. When choosing an exhaust tip, you need to make sure it doesn’t cause clearance issues and it fits your pipes just right.

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Materials Matter

Aftermarket performance exhaust systems can be made of a few different materials. There are two major things to consider when deciding on the ideal material – the budget and how and where you use your Dmax. Stainless steel exhaust systems are the most durable, and they’re suitable for use in any type of environment. However, they’re also the most expensive. On the other hand, aluminium exhaust systems are more affordable, lightweight, yet still durable. On the downside, they’re not ideal for use near coastlines, where the air is humid and contains salt.

Once you’ve installed a new aftermarket exhaust system on your Isuzu Dmax, drive slowly for a while and pay attention to whether there are any exhaust leaks under your vehicle and under the hood when idling. Any banging or rattling should be dealt with as soon as possible. Inspect all of the connections on the exhaust system periodically to ensure they’re secure and tight.