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 are these things done by the exhaust system? It is accomplished by the pushing of the gases, beginning in the engine and continuing through to the pipes and mufflers, and ending by going out of the car. The mustang exhaust system has three main parts. It doesn't matter what year your mustang was built, they all have the same set-up. It is strongly recommended that both of the headers be upgraded and a cat-back exhaust be used. Your performance will definitely improve. As a bonus, you may get better sound and fuel efficiency.

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.

Next in our list of components is the mid-pipe. Every mustang exhaust system features a mid-pipe. The mid-pipe is where the gases are directed when they exit the manifold. Equalizing the exhaust pulses is the core reason for having this. Exhaust pulses are bursts of exhaust leaving the engine to the pipe and aid in system efficiency resulting in more engine power.

The third component is known as the mustang catback, which is bolted on to the back of the catalytic converters. The entire assembly is made up of the mufflers and the tailpipes, this is the final place that the vicious gases created by the engine come to. There are many products available aftermarket for performance upgrading of headers, exhaust and intake, the best source would be to click the links that you find in this article or resource box.

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.