How Much Does a Custom Exhaust Cost?
Custom exhaust systems are designed to replace the factory-issued components of your car. Depending on the desired result, you can expect to spend anywhere between $500 to $2,000. The price depends on the make and model of your vehicle and how many pieces of the exhaust system you want to change.
The Parts You Choose Affect the Price
Your car’s exhaust system plays an important role in keeping your car free of toxic fumes and minimizing the sound created by the engine as it runs. It is made up of several parts:
- The exhaust manifold collects and removes dangerous post-combustion fumes.
- The flange gasket provides a seal between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe.
- The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions.
- The middle or cross piping houses the resonator.
- The resonator helps channel the engine noise to the muffler.
- The muffler quiets the noise from the engine and helps to create back pressure for peak performance.
Each of these components can be replaced with an aftermarket option, directly influencing your vehicle’s sound, appearance and performance.
Other Variables That Affect the Cost
Your car’s factory-installed system is designed to meet safety requirements while keeping costs down for the manufacturer, so it’s not tailored to your car’s make or model. Because of this, you might want to customize your exhaust system so your cars will look, sound and drive better. There are a wide range of variables that can affect the total cost of a new exhaust system. Some things to keep in mind:
- Your car’s make and model: Luxury cars require expensive parts, but more affordable options may be available for older cars.
- Type of exhaust system: There are two types of exhaust system parts available: aftermarket products and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Aftermarket products are generic copies and can be cheaper than OEM options. There are also different styles of exhaust systems — including cat-back, axle-back and high performance — which can also affect the final price.
- Exhaust material: The material chosen will determine the system’s durability. Mild steel is the most affordable choice, but it rusts more quickly. Stainless steel or aluminized steel are more expensive, but they are resistant to corrosion and can improve sound.
- Labor costs: Labor costs can be affected by the number of parts you’re having replaced and whether you are having any custom pieces machined.
Are Custom Exhaust Systems Worth the Cost?
While there’s nothing wrong with a factory-installed exhaust system, a custom one is made to meet the needs of your car’s specific make and model. Any car, from a sedan to a truck, could benefit from the increased power and performance that a custom system can provide.
A custom exhaust system can have many benefits that make it worth the considerable cost. With a custom exhaust system, your engine will be more efficient, allowing it to burn more fuel and provide more power. The horsepower and torque will improve and help your engine perform better than before.
Your fuel economy can also be influenced by a new exhaust system. If the custom system is more fuel-efficient, you’ll get better gas mileage. Plus, you can extend your car’s life by minimizing the wear and tear that an old exhaust system can have on the rest of your car’s components.
Finally — and for some drivers most importantly — a custom exhaust system can improve the appearance and sound of your car. You can choose to make your car louder or quieter, and many car enthusiasts prefer the look of a car with exposed manifolds.
How Much Does a Custom Exhaust System Cost?
Speaking to a professional is the best way to get an exact quote for your car, but in general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $2,000 for parts and $75 to $200 dollars for labor. The final cost depends on the materials, parts and customization you’ve chosen for your vehicle.
Installing a custom exhaust system is expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to trust your car to experts who are capable of completing the job the right way. Cheap parts, inexperienced labor or cut corners can result in a vehicle that performs poorly and even more expensive repairs down the road.
When looking for the right shop to complete your custom exhaust system, don’t be afraid to ask about the team’s experience and background. You should work with someone who is knowledgeable in the custom exhaust process and has the right space and tools to machine the parts. A custom exhaust system isn’t something you want to compromise on.
The Importance of a Properly Maintained Exhaust System
Your car’s exhaust system doesn’t just improve performance and reduce sound; it also removes dangerous fumes from your car’s cabin. If your exhaust system has visible rust or damage or if your car sounds louder than normal, it’s important to take it in for inspection as soon as possible. A poorly working exhaust system can cause premature wear and tear on the engine and shorten your car’s life.
If you have an exhaust system that needs repair or you aren’t happy with the current performance, a custom exhaust system can be the right choice.
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