The Right Exhaust Size Isn't Bigger

Heeltoe Corner Club

Our simple male minds always seem to dump into a "bigger is better" mentality. For many things this sort of thinking make sense. But for exhaust diameter, the logic breaks down.

A bigger exhaust CAN flow more air than a smaller one. But how much your engine CAN flow is a different amount of air. The goal of the exhaust is to flow the air the engine is capable of processing in the most efficient way it can. After tuning, improving airflow on the inlet, raising boost, and other upgrades the need for a larger exhaust is clear. The engine can support more airflow, so the exhaust needs to support it as well.

But there needs to be a realistic view of what the engine is capable of doing before the size of the exhaust can really be determined. The point is, the exhaust size is a tunable factor just like spring rates, the ride height and the damper firmness. More isn't always better!