Upgrading Your Charger Exhaust System

Over the years, the Dodge Charger has acquired a cult following for its amazing performance and distinctive design. No matter how well the Charger is built, there’s room for improvement, especially when it comes to the exhaust system. Upgrading the exhaust system is one of the most common Charger modifications so the sound will complement its performance. Aside from a better-sounding car, you’ll notice an increase in performance, too. Let’s go through the basics of upgrading your Charger exhaust system, what its main components are, and what the benefits of doing such an upgrade are. You’ll have all the information to decide about upgrading your exhaust system, as well as enough knowledge to impress anyone at the next car meet you go to.

How Exhaust Systems Work

Before diving into the complex topic of upgrading an exhaust system, it’s worth knowing how the exhaust system works, what its main components are, and what each of them does. In the simplest terms, the exhaust system’s primary function is to channel gasses from an internal combustion engine, reduce the noise, and filter out harmful particles that would otherwise end up in the atmosphere. Stock exhaust systems often come with several restrictions that have a significant impact on the car’s performance capabilities, fuel consumption, and overall driving experience. When the engine’s pistons move, they create pressure in the exhaust system which sends exhaust gasses through the components and lastly, the tailpipe.

Exhaust System Main Components

To fully understand how exhaust system upgrades work and which benefits you can expect from replacing stock components, you should know which components make an exhaust system. The main components found in most exhaust systems include:

• Exhaust manifold
• Catalytic converter
• Muffler
• Tailpipe

The exhaust manifold is the first component gasses reach when they leave the car’s engine. The manifold directs exhaust gas from the engine towards the catalytic converter. Although the exhaust manifold has a basic function, it’s an important part of the exhaust system because it keeps the gasses from entering the cabin. The catalytic converter wasn’t included in older vehicles because there were no strict regulations regarding emissions. This part of the exhaust system converts exhaust gasses into less harmful emissions but has a significant impact on exhaust flow, reducing the engine’s performance capabilities. After the catalytic converter, exhaust gasses pass through the muffler. This part is the one that has the biggest effect on how your Charger sounds. The last part of the exhaust is the tailpipe. Even though it comes in different sizes and shapes, a big misconception is that people think it has a lot to do with performance and sound, when the truth is that it only affects the aesthetics.

Types of Exhaust Upgrades

Each of the parts in an exhaust system has a specific function and eliminating restrictions from the system allows the engine to breathe better, ultimately improving overall performance.

Cat-Back Exhaust

A cat-back exhaust is one of the most popular and effective upgrades for a performance increase. This type of upgrade improves the exhaust flow from behind the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. With a new cat-back exhaust system, you’ll be able to notice an increase in horsepower and torque. Cat-back exhaust system upgrades are usually made from stainless steel which allows smoother exhaust flow, and there are several options regarding tubing diameter depending on the size of your engine. If you’re looking for a moderately loud cat-back exhaust system for your Charger, our recommendation is the Pypes Street Pro system with polished tips. It’s made from 2.5-inch stainless steel tubing, and it includes a cross-over X-pipe as well as Street Pro mufflers that will let your engine growl with excitement! Being that the entire system is made from stainless steel, it also provides maximum airflow, increasing power and torque.

Axle-Back Exhaust

Axle-back exhaust systems are a great upgrade if you want to improve your Charger’s power and sound without spending thousands for a full-scale exhaust upgrade. This type of upgrade includes parts located behind the rear axle such as the muffler and tailpipe. The Corsa Performance Sport axle-back system is a game-changer with its amazing sound and black tips. It features straight-through mufflers that provide a sporty sound and 2.75-inch stainless steel tubing that increases airflow.

Individual Parts

Aside from getting pre-made kits, you can get separate components if you want to fine-tune a specific feature of your Charger’s exhaust system. At AmericanMuscle, you’ll find a variety of options from leading brands in the industry such as Borla, Corsa Performance, Magnaflow, Aero Exhaust, and many more. Depending on what you want to get out of the exhaust upgrade, your budget plays a big role, but if you’re looking for a better-sounding Charger, or you need just a little bit of additional power and torque, you won’t need a huge budget or a full exhaust replacement.

Finding The Right Charger Exhaust System Parts

If you’re tired of the same dull noise your Dodge Charger is making, or you need that a little more power without touching the ECU, upgrading your exhaust system is a great idea. This is one of the most flexible upgrades you can do as you can replace a specific component, or the entire system, depending on your budget and requirements. At AmericanMuscle, you’ll find a wide variety of exhaust parts and upgrade kits that can give you exactly the driving experience you’re looking for. In case you’re not sure which upgrades are the best for you, reach out to our sales techs who will help you find the best solution. If you’re looking to improve the sound your Charger makes when you floor it, a simple muffler replacement would do the trick, but if you’re looking for a more performance-oriented exhaust upgrade, we’d recommend going with separate exhaust system components, all the way from the headers to the exhaust tips. Doing a custom upgrade on your exhaust will allow you to choose what kind of results you’ll get after the upgrade. Although it’s the least affordable option, it gives you the most freedom and flexibility.