Your vehicle’s engine produces harmful emissions that are dangerous to the environment. The purpose of the exhaust system is to convert these emissions into less harmful substances. It also involves transporting these emissions through the exhaust system and out of the tailpipe.
When referring to the downpipe, we mention a specific piece connecting the manifold and the catalytic converter. The manifold collects your engine’s gases, which then transports them into the rest of the exhaust system. In contrast, the catalytic converter produces these less harmful substances.
Summary
A downpipe exhaust is a type of exhaust that directs gases between the turbine house and the exhaust system.
The purpose of a downpipe exhaust is to enable these substances to travel faster through the system without any restrictions. They are designed with large diameters to allow larger quantities to pass through.
We did comprehensive research about the exhaust system and gathered the most important information we could find. Car enthusiasts from around the world gather online in themed forums to help those in need with specific information.
This system is a complex one, but we got you covered. If you still have questions about this topic, continue reading as we explain the downpipe exhaust system in detail.
Table of Contents
What is a downpipe exhaust system?
The downpipe is an essential piece for your vehicle, and you should consider making this upgrade. It directs the gases from the engine directly into the exhaust system. That is why this piece is situated in the turbine housing and is an important piece responsible for increasing the system’s efficiency.
Catalytic converters clean exhaust gases right as they are produced. But these parts will also cause you to gradually lose power, which is the only downside of such a part. Car enthusiasts prefer to purchase and install an aftermarket downpipe if they want to push their vehicles to the limit.
What does it do?
Whether you drive a Mustang or a BMW, the upgrade to a downpipe exhaust system is something worth considering. The companies producing these parts are considering every requirement their clients might have. That is why they also meet a stock vehicle’s performance requirements, making them highly versatile.
Environment protection is becoming increasingly important, so these downpipes also meet emission standards with a high air movement. The last step in upgrading your vehicle is unlocking more power by modifying the exhaust system.
You must take advantage of the higher flow rates and install this upgrade. Make sure to check compatibility before purchasing and installing this part.
Up-pipe vs. downpipe
Uppipe enables the exhaust gases to flow freely from the manifold into the turbo. In contrast, the downpipe will allow the gases to exit the turbo and enter the exhaust pipe. These parts are easy to understand as they have opposite functions.
You will have to choose the ideal one for your needs. The up-pipe will offer a more aggressive feel while also reducing response time. It will give you a boost in horsepower and will help you reach higher performances with your car.
The downpipe provides as much as 25 horsepower without a tune, so you should choose this option if you want raw power and better performance in a specific way.
Pros & Cons
Installing a downpipe on your vehicle comes with several pros and cons. Take a look at these points and decide if installing it is worth it.
Pros
Increased horsepower – you can gain up to 40 horsepower with a catted downpipe if you also tune your vehicle. It is a significant boost that will provide a significant advantage in racing.
- A 180 HP car can get up to 220.
- A 200 HP car can get up to 240.
- A 250 HP car cat get up to 290.
Louder exhaust sound: Because the downpipe is wide to allow more air to pass through, it also allows sound waves to travel better. It results in a louder sound when you accelerate.
High versatility: A stock downpipe can be very restrictive if you plan to upgrade your car. But if you replace this part, you have more freedom to work around your car and gain more performance.
Cheap price: a high-quality piece costs around $350, which is a low price considering the significant horsepower upgrade. The performance increase in a Civic Type R or a Ford Focus ST is massive. However, the price tag does not include the installation and labor work.
Cons
Bad exhaust smell – because the catalytic converter is less restrictive, you might experience an unpleasant smell after installing the downpipe. This smell is only noticeable when you are stopped for a long time, such as in heavy traffic.
Void warranty – you are installing an aftermarket mod, which might void the car warranty. But this will only impact the turbo and exhaust system parts. You might be able to keep the warranty for electronics and other systems.
Street illegal – these parts are not legal for public roads. Still, a catted downpipe might be harder to differentiate from stock ones. In general, they are intended for legal racing and off-road courses.
