Many people use the words “premium” and “performance” interchangeably when talking about aftermarket exhaust systems. However, while there is some crossover between a premium and a performance exhaust, they’re not always the same thing. The MRT experts are here to help you distinguish between the two so you know what you’re getting from your next exhaust.

What is a Premium Exhaust System?

When talking about exhaust systems, the word “premium” refers to the materials used to make them and how they are made. Most factory exhausts are made of mild steel or low grade stainless such as 409 grade stainless steel. Though inexpensive, their resistance to rust, corrosion and heat isn’t very good. Mild steel exhaust pipes can wear out in as little as two or three years. T304 stainless steel is considered a premium material; this alloy has been known to last well over 10 years even in extreme driving conditions.

Regarding construction, non-premium exhausts are constructed using crush bending. This is when you place the tube against a die and use pressure to bend it. While simple and affordable, the technique frequently causes small deformations (such as wrinkles) that affect the structural strength. CNC mandrel bending, on the other hand, inserts a mandrel tool into the tube to maintain its shape. The result is smooth, accurate and durable bends even around tight radiuses.

What is a Performance Exhaust System?

The performance aspect of an exhaust system concerns the flow of exhaust gases generated by the air and fuel combustion process. The engine must push these gases out before drawing in more air. The faster the outflow, the more power, torque and sound an engine can produce.

A performance exhaust system is designed to let exhaust gas flow faster and generate less back pressure. The main way to do this is with large diameter piping. Most stock systems use smaller diameter exhaust tube to keep costs down, so even a slightly wider exhaust will greatly improve flow rates. The classic rule is that, for optimal flow, you should have one inch of total pipe diameter (including dual pipes) for every 100 engine horsepower. Mandrel bending contributes to exhaust flow since there are fewer imperfections to restrict the gases.

Switching to a different muffler also affects the performance. Factory mufflers typically have a chambered design and a lot of acoustic filler material for noise reduction, both of which also limit exhaust flow. Many modern performance exhaust systems have a straight-through muffler design with less filler. This increases flow and gives the vehicle a more aggressive sound at full throttle while maintaining a more mellow sound when idling or cruising.

Finding the Right Exhaust System

It’s important to know what you’re looking for from an aftermarket exhaust. A premium exhaust system isn’t necessarily going to provide big performance gains, and a performance exhaust can be made of inferior materials. At MRT, we use T304 stainless steel and mandrel bending to handcraft exhausts with large piping and straight-through mufflers, giving you a system that is premium and high-performance. Each MRT aftermarket exhaust system has a limited lifetime warranty.