Exhaust Systems - Explained

How do car exhaust systems work? Why do cars have exhaust pipes? What are the different components of an exhaust system? An exhaust system includes: headers, O2 sensors, catalytic converters, resonators, a muffler, and a tale pipe.
How to increase horsepower with an exhaust system:
• Performance Exhaust - ...
Coming Videos:
Catalytic Converters
O2 Sensors
Mufflers
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[@gpet23]

Hey mate I need someone to fill in as a lead guitarist for my Beatles cover band. You'll fit perfectly as George Harrison.

[@tedcrilly46]

He's busy starring in the new lego movie.

[@junglistelf]

This is why I love the internet!

[@davidpetersen8585]

@@tedcrilly46 the coment was great but your Answer... I just Died!!! thank you for making my day!

[@hectorsdominion]

LMAO !!!

[@jonathancolling2284]

If Friends were to have a remake and they need someone to play Ross from the past then... 😁

[@geraldfordman7474]

Thank you Jason. I recently replaced my stock muffler with a light stainless steel cat-back exhaust system with 2 and 1/2 " dual piping. It made a notable difference. I wanted to get the Titanium Cat-back exhaust like the Focus RS but it was not available. Still, it's lighter than the stock. It sounds much better with that low-end growl. Most of all, I've noticed an increase in both horsepower and torque. Because it's equipped with a resonator, it's louder but not too loud. Thanks again.

[@Cesko_Plny_Fialovejch_Zmrdu]

*"How old are you?"* *"somewhere between 17 and 75"*

[@enriquequinn4468]

A tip : watch movies on kaldroStream. Me and my gf have been using it for watching lots of of movies recently.

[@kameronaugustine3662]

@Enrique Quinn yea, been using KaldroStream for since december myself :)

[@rodrigobenton1167]

@Enrique Quinn yea, I have been using KaldroStream for years myself :D

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks! Glad you find the videos helpful.

[@dodgeyaussie]

People don't enjoy loud exhausts? Who are these heathens?

[@RayHikes]

+Lee S I enjoy loud exhausts on a short drive or on a mountain cruise, but if my 4-banger econobox sounds like a racecar on the way to work it will start to get old pretty quick.

[@akonnema]

+Lee S yeah imagine how enjoyable it would be if it sounded like a NASCAR race every time you drove anywhere, it would get old fast.

[@StBeter-tc2te]

Lee S Liberals

[@Chuckiele]

You may try removing your entire exhaust including the manifold and I promise you, you will undo that pretty quickly.

[@mclovin7594]

My neighbors

[@EngineeringExplained]

Correct, it's simply used for determining the CAT's efficiency. It is not used in adjustments for the A/F ratio (this is done by the first O2 sensor).

[@imagineaurora4080]

Me: Trying to peacefully sleep in my room with the lights off My sleep paralysis demon in the corner watching me: 0:00

[@amxxnxo]

you're awesome, i took all the sciences / engineering classes in school and they just seemed to ignore mechanical engineering, your video's are like a school to me, great job, looks like you don't really need school after all, just need the grades to get to univercit (over here in england any way)

[@madrrior3753]

you dont want it to be loud?!??! THATS THE WHOLE POINT ;D

[@roughryder5]

PEOPLE (aka my neighbours) don't want it to be loud. Car guys want it to be loud.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I suppose I could, though it's fairly simple so I'll try to describe. Basically you just take the volume of one cylinder when the piston is at it's lowest point, then subtract the volume of the cylinder with the piston at it's highest point. Then multiply this number by the number of cylinders. This will give you the engine displacement (the volume that the pistons displace) aka engine volume. You can calculate it simply by taking the bore and stroke, and finding the volume of the cylinder.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Love that car, would love to have one. No idea honestly; if it's in great condition it'd be an awesome car to own. That said, it could be a difficult car to maintain just due to how rare it is/parts availability. I'd chat on some NSX forums to see what people think.

[@edsalvador5939]

Nice video I learned more from this video then I do at my shop

[@mrwilliams7086]

Or the fast and the furious movies 😅😅

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

Great upload! I love watching the videos from your channel, they are very clear and I always learn new things. What sort of cars have a resonator? Sports cars, or luxury cars, or do all modern cars have them now?

[@KwabenaAsamoah]

Aahhhhh it’s been 10 years since this one came out 😅

[@mrwilliams7086]

That's what she said 😂😂😂

[@EngineeringExplained]

Glad to hear it! You may like my second set of playlists on my channel, I've ordered most of my videos logically so you can learn them in a manner that everything makes sense.

[@religionbuster7180]

hi jayson. may i ask the pros and cons of deleting an egr system in diesel engine, theres plenty of vids out there but your explanations is the only one i trust. thank you

[@keremsahin5482]

Many thanks for this video.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, and really shouldn't damage the engine. But it's illegal in many states unless you're only tracking it.

[@elinyou]

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU , FOR ALL EFFORTS YOU MAKE . WISH YOU SUCCESS , IN ALL ASPECT ....... AMAZING PERSON

[@EngineeringExplained]

I appreciate the thought! Maybe one day someone from Dubai who's confused will ship me an exotic. :)

[@HIGVL999]

🤪

[@jorgeespinoza3564]

In your opinion does 2 exhaust male more power than single what you think

[@yup-2067]

These little vids always help

[@BRZinAhurry]

Thanks for the general info. All of these things were the muffler to me until I watched your video. 😂

[@adamn4017]

Yea bro to this day I thought, that exhaust is one long pipe with muffler at the end. Guess not 😂😂

[@RachelNicoleFrank]

Same 😄

[@EngineeringExplained]

I wouldn't say there's any rule like that, but it would depend where the O2 sensor is located. If it's a V8 and the O2 sensors are located in the headers before both sides join (not sure why, but it could be done) then there would be two. It's likely that that they would just put it where they join up though. As for the rest of the exhaust, the number of cylinders wouldn't matter. A 2 cyl and I6 would have the same amount.

[@Ringooos]

I was just wondering how do manufacturers tune their exhaust to sound the way they want? For instance, a c63 sounds very deep and throaty whereas something like a Ferrari sounds high pitched. Thanks.

[@EngineeringExplained]

This actually has a lot to do with the firing order as well, I'll have a video on the topic somewhat soon!

[@expert20valvehlx]

Ringo Suen Ferrari have sound engeniers and they have simple job to make intake that will have perfect sound.

[@charlesalegria73]

Engineering Explained I just did a muffler on my 2013 genesis coupe track N/a engine will this affect performance

[@aymenpedram5650]

ask a forum not a youtuber

[@thunderroy24]

Ringo Suen because one is crossplane and the other is flatplane (crankshaft type) now if you want a crossplane to sound like a flatplane v8 then look into equal length headers

[@EngineeringExplained]

Basically how rigid the car is, in a corner a stiff chassis won't flex, and the car will remain stable (depending on the suspension). A soft chassis may mean the body can flex a little bit, which isn't desirable. This is why convertibles has strengthen chassis', to make up for not having a roof.

[@TC-en7vi]

Thanks for this short a informative video!!! Hi (I don’t know much about cars) …I notice that there is gases escaping from the resonator… is that normal…!?! Thanks!!!

[@h.b.1457]

Hi! Please explain EGR on diesels. Is it good or bad thing? And does it right to turn it off???

[@marcanand9967]

heyy does removing resonator effect the fuel consumption?

[@edmardeguzman7020]

Good day sir, just want to know if there's any disadvantage with resonator delete? Thanks

[@MrSlowestD16]

The ignition timing is fine with an exhaust. If you up the a/f outside of the correctable range (ECU's will only correct A/F to a certain degree based on O2 feedback) then it'll run lean and then long term lean conditions can lead to engine wear. That's A LOT, though. You typically won't find issues with that unless you're running carbs (as they can't automatically correct A/F). Typically O2 sensors allow like 20% A/F correction, you likely won't see that w/o flow mods (cam, heads, intake, etc.)

[@franchize31x]

On some vehicles with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), the system functions off of the back pressure of the exhaust system. If you put a more free flowing exhaust system on, the EGR may not function and that COULD cause engine damage due to high internal temperatures during cruising speeds (speeds where EGR would be in effect).

[@spelunkerd]

A very wise mechanic once told me that he had never seen an engine performance problem if a downstream (after the cat) O2 sensor was not working. Presumably that distal sensor just assesses the cat efficiency. On newer systems, is input from the distal sensor used for anything other than that?

[@EngineeringExplained]

I guess that the torque wouldn't ruin the chassis and the forces involved would leave it intact. Unless they designed it, or tested it, it's likely just speculation. I've heard the transmission can handle 700 hp, who knows. Eventually I'll get into that scene, and plan on making the results very clear.

[@7DeFinitive7]

love your work EE, my go to place when i need to know something, thanks for the excellent effort!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Easier said than done, but I'm working on a few. Let me know if you have any contacts! I do have a video with a nitrous kit from Nitrous Express; should have a catback coming as well soon.

[@josh___3846]

Do you know what a good reference would be for how a resonator works? Googling has lots of info about helmholtz resonators but I find hardly any about the barrel type. Thanks

[@EngineeringExplained]

You may have misread his statement, he's saying he'd buy one for me, not that I should buy one. I do want a new car, but for the time being cannot afford what I'd like. So I shall wait! It's a true statement nonetheless, cars are not wise financial investments - they're just fun.

[@chrismason301]

can you do a whole video on EGR systems and if a delete is good

[@EngineeringExplained]

I may one day do a motorcycle playlist, yes.

[@Journeyman.71]

I kinda knew, but didn't really know. This was very helpful!

[@bigbeast1018]

I already knew what an exhaust is and all the parts and I still learned in this video 👍🏼

[@ProjectAjax]

Do you have a video showing exhaust pulses in the exhaust? The back and forth

[@mattturner6972]

is there a benefit to a tubular manifold rather than cast manifold for FI? love the videos as well! thanks.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Straight pipe is exactly that, no interference (hence no cat).

[@EngineeringExplained]

You wouldn't legally be able to drive your car in the majority of states. But if it's just for track use, I suppose you could see some power gains. Do the right thing, keep the cat, or get a high flow one!

[@Precisionstriker]

Engineering Explained personally i feel id prefer to have a cat. Maybe backwards for a jeep driver. But we have a responsibility to take care of this planet and the animals

[@pensadoalejandro69]

I cut out my resonator on my wrx sounds decent. will it affect performance

[@rootsandvulture]

Loving the recent basics videos you've been doing, have to say some of the more complicated videos are a bit beyond me atm. Basically - More BASICS please!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Check out my F1 playlist, probably have some additional material like this soon.

[@Jper5831]

Love your videos.If it wasnt 4 u i wouldnt have a good understanding on automobiles.Looking forward on the muffler video, like how u added ur car as example

[@HorizonPaintingHawaiiLLC]

I’d really like to see a performance resonator video

[@EngineeringExplained]

No shouldn't be difficult, maybe some bolts that don't want to break free, but that's about it.

[@tonygruber7665]

Any concerns with putting the Cat after the resonator? I'd like to have an h-pipe in front of both the cat and the resonator. It seems this would be a better configuration. Better efficiency and power.

[@nickouellette484]

What if you placed a muffler where the resonator is and a resonator where the muffler is placed? Would the sound or efficiency be effected by the placement swap?

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

I'd like you to talk about how modifying your exhaust can shorten engine life. I've heard that when exhaust gases find less resistance than the engine expects, it runs maladjusted and you can damage the exhaust valves. And I'm guessing it ruins the whole engine timing... but I don't know if an adjusted ECU can "teach" the engine a new timing according to the modifications (but that can overstress internals), and for carburated cars without electronic management I totally don't know what happens.

[@mafingerboard]

Thanks this has givin me at least a general idea but I was wondering on street cars how do they purposely make the exhaust loud?

[@kinabatanganskater]

EE.. i have avrequest.. please Make a video on "straight pipe problem". Discuss on what are the effects of doing so on car performance, pistons, pipe etc. coz i found out after sometime, my engine just got a major overhaul coz the engine block just got bigger and i got to skim them and use oversize piston. Plus theres so much carbon deposits on the pistons. Wonder are those really are the problems that might occur when using straighten pipe. Thanks for the consideration 🌻

[@jmitt91]

Your videos are fantastic. Would you be able to do some on motorcycles and the physics/engineering principles that surround them?

[@Buzzaard1949]

My question: Can an exhaust system cause a harmonic vibration? My 1963 Thunderbird now has one. The vibration becomes noticeable at around 65 mph. It is a pulsing vibration and the pluses quicken when you let off the gas pedal and coast. We have checked and balanced everything else on the car...driveshaft, differential, transmission, harmonic balancer on engine, tires were road force balanced, brake drums were balanced. Because the vibration quickens when the car coasts, it acts a bit like a semi-truck that is engine braked. Could this be caused by the dual exhaust system installed on the car?

[@Potatonater-it7gw]

maybe the resonators are for the incorrect frequency range?

[@ItsXXnotXXme]

I really hope you can answer my question. I looked on youtube to find an analysis of an f1 car exhaust sound and one of a acura nsx. The f1 was a really high frequency 500-720Hz while the NSX's had a range of 250-300Hz. Since F=velocity/wave length is it possibly to put a smaller diameter exhaust on a nsx or any car and increase the exhaust velocity to increase the frequency therefore making it sound more like an f1 car or at least a farrari.

[@sadsismint]

nice vid, looking foward to the follow ups! cat converters something that will be pretty cool.

[@theknacke]

Your videos are very informative and interesting. Thanks for making them! Keep up the great work!(:

[@chocolon1129]

Need help!!! Have a 2022 Tacoma with a S&B CAI, Yotawerx Tune, 5.29 Nitro Gears, Manifold Spacer, URD Y pipe that ends on 3” but have a Borla Catback that is 2.5 will this affect the flow? Or will it be better to have a 3” catback?

[@SwissArmy300]

Exhaust with just a complete 3" piping. Meaning an exhaust system that does not have any mufflers or resonators, just 3" tubing all the way through. is good or bad? i have a mini JCW 2009 210hp. Will it affect performance and I will miss hp? Thanks.

[@Dacommenta]

They are beastly cars to drive. I'm jealous. Exhaust cracking sounds sooooo good.

[@metalicharsha]

good video thanks man..on common rail engines they use diesel particle filter..can you explain what does this thing do??? any electronics involve with it?? are they using DPF with catalytic converters or just DPF??

[@eyadhafiz689]

hi, thanks for the great videos i often hear some commentators say that this chases can handle up to 1000hp and so but what does that mean?? and what happens when you cross the limit?? i think chases engineering would make a good video

[@EngineeringExplained]

Perhaps, I'm not much of a sound guru so I wouldn't be the best to ask. Maybe some one on here will have a better understanding.

[@harley291096]

The new look works great!

[@PedroNeto-gz6ex]

First I would like to thank you for how much I've learned with your videos. My question is, I remember back in the 90's, the legendary acura NSX had two large tail pipes, and the nissan 300zx had 4 smaller tail pipes. If both had the same HP would the exhaust system make them different?

[@MrJimbobDP]

love ur videos ..ur very bright...i am a mechanic too so i know my stuff,,well done

[@Cocora22]

I'm kind of wondering that with your knowledge you might be able to help me. So I was looking under my 2018 cadillac Escalade today just sort of checking things out. I noticed that on the bottom of the muffler close to the seam there's a tiny hole. I kind of figured that might be normal. However what didn't look normal to me was the amount of soot build up all around that orifice. Should I be concerned about this a t 18,000 miles?

[@The44One]

I have a 2017 Dodge Ram v6, I took off my stock muffler and put on a after market muffler I didn't like the sound so I put back the original stock muffler. My question is can I lose torque cause I took off the pipe and put it back to it original ??

[@AightBro123]

Mike Vasquez you should ask on a newer video now that this is a month old

[@StBeter-tc2te]

Mike Vasquez Yea, should've got the hemi

[@g6qwerty]

Be sure to get some WD-40 or PB Rust blaster or similar, it will really help get those rusted bolts and nuts out and off, also depending on how badly rusted your exhaust is you may have to cut stuff off, may also want to replace your muffler and exhaust hangers.

[@daniels0002]

I heard somewhere that a resonator can help keep air in the exhaust longer helping out a car with a turbo engine. Is this accurate or false?

[@charlesclemons741]

Can I connect a 3 inch exhaust pipe to a 2.5 inch catalytic converter that mounted pretty close to the exhaust manifold? Will this negatively affect performance? Thank you!

[@cycletime21]

I've noticed am increase in manufacturers using Helmholtz resonance in exhaust systems. Can you do a video that explains it's function?

[@ProzentoLSD]

Hello and thanks for a great video. Can I please ask a question about Exhaust flow. I want to purchase a 3" downpipe and frontpipe combo (or 3.125" to 2.5" combo from other company). The question is - wont it make any problem that 3" or 2.5" inch pipe will run into 2" stock exhaust?

[@pacco883]

thanks for that quick summary

[@EngineeringExplained]

I believe they're common in many different types of cars.

[@flaviovasquez1746]

I have a CTS catless downpipe already installed in my car, if I buy exhaust kit will I have to get rid of my downpipe? Also res delete kit

[@SamnissArandeen]

It means the chassis is stiff enough and has good enough handling to withstand the power of the engine. Pretty much, the chassis can stand up to the torsion of the drivetrain and keep the tires on the ground firmly planted for maximum grip on corner exits.

[@fightingfalconfan]

it's a second O2 sensor. if it fails for the converter fails you won't be able to pass emmissions testing. On new cars they just plug in a code reader to find out if you pass, on older cars they will actually probe your tail pipe.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yep.

[@kcirreb94]

Can you make a video on how manufactures tune for the exhaust note they want, for example like how they did with the LFA

[@EngineeringExplained]

March of 2012, yes.

[@ecutech357]

Thank for your tutorials

[@rootsandvulture]

A video on the main differences bewteen a diesel and petrol car, what does one have that the other doesn't etc would be good.

[@EngineeringExplained]

You mean if they both had the same engine, or same hp? Yes, it could make a difference, depending on the total area of the pipe allowing for the gases to leave. If they have the same hp, then, well, they have the same hp.

[@mantavyaagarwal7345]

Me and my team are building an a.t.v. and so we want good quality steel. Fir the time being we have considered AISI 1026 for the purpose but could you plz suggest us some other good quality material which is also not so much expensive.

[@Wes_5kyph1]

In relation to your diagram, where is the "flex pipe" located or does it vary?

[@nfisheremti]

i have an exhaust system question: why do people (specifically racers) make center mounted exhaust exits? I have seen this on some of the race car build channels (ie. speed academy-RX7 build). they seem to go to an awful amount of trouble, adding extra pipe, and bends to make it exit in the center rear. why? thanks.

[@thesniperofcs]

Hi E E, what do you think of the muffler delete on a Natural Aspiration engine? am I going to gain or lose horse power?

[@dominickwinfield8442]

Do a video on straight pipe

[@r.anthony8685]

So both the resonator and the mufler are basically suppressors? And what is the difference?

[@dietryingracingteam]

i think u should a heat wrap vid and keep up the good work!

[@paquesepas6696]

I bought a used honda element and previous owner installed an aftermarket cat but I noticed they welded it and canceled basically took out the resonator part and it's a straight pipe from cat to muffler. My question is when I accelerate I get this annoying flying buzzing bee sound and it stops once I take my foot off the pedal. I checked the exhaust system for leaks first and the donut gasket between exhaust manifold and cat and before cat 02 sensor, is slightly leaking. Do you think this sound is coming from the resonator or donut gasket?

[@aztecafily1524]

I have an M5 V10 engine, this car have from factory 4 catalytic converters, resonators and of course mufflers, Two of the secondary catalytic converters were removed along with resonators and mufflers, Could this be the reason to have the inside of the truck always hot?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Cost, bought this car 6 years ago. I do need to film it eventually.

[@franciscosotelo3938]

I have a 2015 mustang 5.0 i took it to get straight pipe it feels a bit less responsive but it sounds nice should i get a full exhaust system instead?

[@firdausmatsoib3775]

is it true the bending radius of the exhaust manifold will effect the performance?

[@jenniferna4896]

good video, explained very well.