Throughout the years, many trucks have been produced to be larger, but the long lived Mazda B-series has ignored this trend by remaining a true compact pickup this entire time. Initially, the Mazda B-series was a joint Mazda/Ford production to reduce manufacturing costs. In other words, it was basically a Ford Ranger in different clothing. However, Mazda’s pickup trucks never lost their compact identity, which makes them very maneuverable without sacrificing anything in the aspect of pickup functionality.
Next to tires and wheels, tweaking the Mazda exhaust system is one of the quickest, easiest and long-lasting upgrades you could do, including performance, looks and sound. Want reduced exhaust temperatures, improved flow and more torque and horsepower? Want an increased fuel mileage and a new growl? Have a rusty system? Want a sporty tip or dual pipes? There is an aftermarket Mazda exhaust system for every model and application out there, with plenty of upgrades for whatever you need, no matter what your budget allows, from tip to header.
In order to understand the benefits and purpose of the aftermarket exhaust systems, you have to understand their anatomy. And while it may not be as exciting, frightening or embarrassing as the talk about anatomy you had in high school, it’s of great importance nonetheless.
The factory exhaust system on your vehicle is made to muffle as much sound as possible, which means it also restricts the flow of the exhaust gases that come out of your engine, resulting in what’s called backpressure. All engines require a bit of backpressure in order to operate properly, however, that robs them of some potential power. Generally, the engine has to use some of its power to cram exhaust gases out of the tailpipe instead of using it to power the vehicle. If you want some of that power back, you can replace some of the stock exhaust parts with less-restrictive performance exhaust parts.
The materials the exhaust system is manufactured from have a huge impact as well. There are two basic choices when it comes to that – stainless steel and aluminised steel. Aluminised steel is cheaper, but it is more prone to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel rusts much slower and usually lasts a very long time, possibly longer than the car itself, and for this reason it’s much more expensive.
Something worth noting is that stainless steel heats up much quicker than aluminised steel which makes it expand. Meaning that after use, the exhaust joints work loose, so when it’s cold the exhaust rattles and clatters. Once the vehicle is running and warm, the metals expand and the joints tighten, thus the exhaust system quietens down.
