Next to buying new wheels, upgrading the exhaust is the most common alteration done to a mustang. Either exchanging the mid-pipes, or redoing the entire system a common theme among mustang owners is they want exhaust systems that sound great and last. You can achieve this by improving the parts of your exhaust. Now you ask yourself, what are the different parts of the mustang exhaust?

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.

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 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.