Drivers often times neglect what’s happening under their cars in favour of what’s happening under their hoods, and little do they know that the two parts are tightly connected and relevant to each other in how they perform. This is quite a shame really, as the exhaust system which runs underneath the vehicle itself from the engine to the exhaust tip, can impact the entire vehicle. Upgrading your stock exhaust system with a well made performance aftermarket exhaust system can make a huge difference. The exhaust affects the performance of everything – from fuel economy, to horsepower and how the car sounds.

This especially applies to vehicles that have forced induction or turbo. When the throttle is shut in a turbo driven engine, there is a build up of very high pressure as there’s still air forced to come out of the turbo. When you pull the throttle up, it’s like you’re plugging a sink – the flow will be entirely stopped and water will just build up and cause a mess. In order to prevent the restriction of air, you should invest in a quality dump pipe exhaust and a larger exhaust system overall to allow the turbo to breath more freely and spin faster, thus allowing for more power.

To make things more simple, let’s assume the engine isn’t burning fuel, which means it’s not using oxygen. This leads to the turbo system being under pressure which will cause damage to the turbo itself or the pipes, as it can split them as it attempts to rush backwards through the turbo. This is what causes the cluttering noises which are also known as compressor surges. Compressor surges can be the cause of the turbine spinning in a reverse direction which can cause a huge strain on the bearings.

A dump pipe exhaust is fit to the waste-gate and its function is to help the exhaust system when the turbo is at full power. They’re usually quite noisy and should be looped onto the exhaust pipe system right before the cat. A quality dump pipe exhaust is usually made with a clever design in order to reduce turbo lag and keep the turbo spinning longer.

When you’re out to buy a dump exhaust, it’s advisable that you consult with an experienced mechanic. They usually require a modification of some sort to the vehicle in order to be installed and fit. It’s not a good idea to bolt them onto your stock exhaust. Also, don’t forget to pay extra attention to the size of the pipes.