One of the most valuable elements of a performance motosport vehicle is the exhaust system. Whether you’re in it for the powerful sound or the actual power, it can make a big impression in a lot of ways. Of course, choosing the best exhaust can prove to be a daunting task. With so many different options out there today, it can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never considered this option before. Fortunately, this guide will help you learn everything that you need to know so that you can find the right exhaust for your motosport unit, no matter what you have in mind.

Step One: Understand Why You Need (or Want) It

Stock exhausts are so limited in their capabilities, and that’s done purposely because they’re designed to cater to the “every customer” of the motosports industry. However, when you choose to upgrade to a performance exhaust, you’ll need to think about what you’re expecting to get out of it—and yes, that means more than just “performance”. What kind of performance? Do you want more sound? More power? More customization? This is what will set the stage for how you shop for your new exhaust and which features are most important.

Step Two: Choose What You’re Replacing

There are various components to the exhaust that you can replace on their own, or you can invest in an entirely new performance exhaust system from front to back. Most commonly, people upgrade the muffler and tailpipe. However, you can also choose to upgrade the resonator, converter(s), and other exhaust pipes, depending on the system. Typically, when it comes to these upgrades, people will choose one of two options:

Muffler/Tail Pipe Only

Or

Cat-Back (Full Exhaust)

Although you can find components to do any degree of upgrade you want, these two are the most common choices. It depends on the enhancements that you want and what kind of money you have to spend.

Step Three: Research Your Options

This is where the Internet is going to come to the rescue yet again. Once you have an idea of what you want, you can start looking up the best performance exhausts for your motosport vehicle, based on the features that matter most to you. You'll find “best of” guides, reviews of some of the leading performance exhausts available today, and firsthand accounts of what others have done on forums and social networks. All of this information should be used to help you make your decision.

When doing your research, make sure that you look up the biggest complaints or issues with the exhausts that you are considering. This isn’t something many people think of, but some products are notorious for specific issues and knowing that ahead of time can save you the headache. For example, you might have found what you think is the perfect system to upgrade your motosport unit, but you find out the headers are known for having issues. Maybe you’ll look at a different one, or perhaps you’ll just choose to upgrade the muffler instead of the entire system.

Either way, the point is the same: you know what you’re getting into.

Step Four: Compare the Different Features

You know what you want, and now you know what’s out there. It's time to take that information and start checking out the features of each performance exhaust that you’re considering. See what kind of elements it has and what features it offers that meet your needs. Consider the price, but only insofar that you’re getting something within your budget that is a good value for the money. You'll want to pay far more attention to the actual features of the exhaust than the price tag.

Always go with stainless steel components whenever possible. This is the most durable option and it will ensure that your exhaust stays intact and doesn’t rust or corrode sooner than it should. The rest of the features are negotiable, really, but you always want to stick with stainless steel when it comes to an exhaust and when you’re increasing its performance, that’s even more important. Other materials can’t take the high heat, exposure to the elements, and other abuse as well.

Step Five: Make Your Selection

Now that you’ve seen what’s out there and what different units have to offer, it will be easier for you to choose the system that suits your needs. Remember that you’ll need to choose between single and dual exhausts as part of the process, but that’s usually going to be a decision that you make early on based on how much power or what performance enhancements you want. Choose the exhaust system that gives you what you want in terms of performance, power, and other features that are included.

Even if you narrow it down to a few options, that will make it easier to start the shopping process, where you will be able to finish making your decision after doing a little more looking around or even talking to sales professionals to get professional advice.

Upgrade Your Motosport Vehicle Now

There’s nothing like a new performance exhaust to give you the boost that you want. With a much better idea of how to get the best selection, it will be easier for you to make the most of your purchase. You might even find options and styles that you didn’t know were out there before. It’s all about making the best decision, and that starts with being informed. Thanks to the expansion of online shopping in the motosports industry, there is something for just about everyone.

Take advantage of the technology and increasing selection of performance exhausts in the motosports world and start working on creating your custom ride with a new exhaust. Whether you’re looking for sound, power, or both, there are plenty of options available to choose from. If you’re struggling to find the best fit, feel free to ask for help or consult your favorite motosports retailer for assistance in getting the best aftermarket parts for your ride.

Click here to Contact Hawk Motosports and we will help answer any questions you may have!