A Look at Fashioning your Own Exhaust System

The exhaust is one of the most under-valued parts of any vehicle. Yes, the gases blow out, but sometimes, the exhaust system raises issues with ground clearance and engine efficiency. If the stock exhaust wreaks havoc on driving, along with the vehicle’s power and roar, consider assembling your own exhaust system.

First, use your jack stands to lift your vehicle to an acceptable height, then go under. Analyze the current exhaust pipe and mark a line on the location you’ll be cutting into. Take pictures of the underside and determine where the new piping will be laid.

Loosen and remove the exhaust hanger attachments then pry out the exhaust pipe. Start cutting at the marked lines with a reciprocating saw. You will have no choice but to cut extra piping if the exhaust pipes pass through hard-to-reach areas like the suspension. One way to minimize the visible exhaust fumes is to add bends at certain sections of the piping through an exhaust elbow.

The degree of bend will depend on your system design, especially if you are considering a change in muffler location from the rear or out the sides like in certain muscle cars. You must have new tubing prepared to weld with the elbow if you are letting go of much of the stock piping.

A new exhaust system may work well for your car in terms of performance. At the same time, making the exhaust layout with a set of elbows enables a change in direction.