Which is louder, full exhaust or mid-pipe and rear section?
2 Answers
When modifying exhaust systems of the same level, the mid-pipe and rear section tends to be louder because it is the part that most significantly affects the exhaust sound. Modifying the mid-pipe and rear section exhaust: Typically, an exhaust system has three mufflers, with two located in the mid-pipe and rear section. Aftermarket mid-pipe and rear section parts often optimize or remove one of the mufflers to enhance the exhaust sound while improving exhaust efficiency, thereby increasing power. Modifying the front section (header) exhaust: The front section is the starting point of the exhaust system, connected to the engine via exhaust manifolds. A four-cylinder engine has four exhaust manifolds, and the front section's role is to merge these four pipes into one. If you want to improve exhaust efficiency, the most effective method is to modify the front section. Modifying the full exhaust system: The full exhaust system includes the entire exhaust setup. Choosing a model with a louder exhaust sound will inevitably enhance the overall sound. Different exhaust designs and layouts within the full system will have varying impacts on efficiency, backpressure, and sound.
I find this question quite interesting. Comparing a full exhaust system to just a mid-to-rear section, the full system is definitely more aggressive. You see, a full exhaust includes both the headers and the mid-to-rear section, essentially replacing the entire exhaust system. Especially after removing the catalytic converter in the headers, the exhaust flows completely unobstructed—just a light tap on the throttle produces a thunderous roar. I once drove a friend’s car with a full exhaust mod, and even the cold start made the whole parking garage rumble. At a red light, people in neighboring cars would lean out to look. While upgrading just the mid-to-rear section can also increase volume by replacing the muffler, the factory catalytic converter in the headers still dampens the sound, making it feel somewhat muffled. It’s decent at high RPMs, but at low revs, it’s clearly not as bold as a full system. Of course, a full exhaust is much more expensive and more likely to attract police attention, so you’ll need to weigh whether it’s worth it.
