There is nothing quite like the roar of a V8 engine. Even at idle, V8s have a special quality that seems to get the adrenaline flowing through our veins, making us fantasize about smoke shows and wide open highways. While most V8s sound decent with a stock exhaust, one of the most rewarding modifications in terms of both power and pleasure that you can make to your muscle car is to add an aftermarket exhaust system.



Part of making the most horsepower out of an engine means getting the exhaust gases out as quickly as possible so that fresh air can come in. Tuning an exhaust system to increase gas flow can really help maximize the output of a V8 engine. The first thing to consider is the diameter of the piping. 2.5 inches is the absolute minimum for most V8s, while 3 inches is probably sufficient for all but the most extreme engines. Next, true dual-exhaust gives each exhaust manifold its own direct piping to individual mufflers. An X-pipe, which is a crossover pipe in the shape of an X, can help equalize pressure between the two sides of an exhaust system, as well as reduce any irritating drone that sometimes occurs in high-flow exhaust systems at highway speeds.

Now that you have got the basics installed, it is time to take care of the details. If possible, you should make the effort to replace the stock exhaust manifolds with headers. Headers are special manifolds with a better design when it comes to removing exhaust gases from the engine. They can add horsepower to the engine by making it more efficient.

Next, you will want to consider your catalytic converters. Now, if your vehicle did not come with them, as most did not in the 1960s, then you have nothing to worry about. If you do have them, and you are making upwards of 400 horsepower with your current setup, then you may wish to consider upgrading to high-flow cats. These will reduce the restriction that catalytic converters introduce into the exhaust system.

Finally, muffler choice is largely a function of personal preference when it comes to sound, and minimal restriction when it comes to power. There are a number of different muffler designs out there. Some, like the a cherry bomb style of muffler, use a straight-through design packed with fiberglass that is meant to absorb some of the noise as the exhaust gases pass through. Aside from straight pipes, this is the loudest muffler you can buy. Others use multiple chambers combined with insulation in order to slow the exhaust gases down and reduce the volume of the system. This type of muffler is more restrictive, but gives you a wider choice of tone, from raspy and wild to burbling and powerful.

There are several respected companies to chose from when it comes to performance mufflers, and some of the biggest names are Magnaflow, Borla, and Flowmaster. Many of these companies have sound clips on their websites where you can check out how their various products would sound on your vehicle. Whatever system you decide on, make sure to get it installed by a muffler shop you trust in order to make sure that your system will last you for as long as you own your car.