How To Make Your Exhaust Louder with Performance Upgrades

Date Posted: 10 July 2024

Are you not satisfied with the exhaust note your vehicle produces and are looking to change it up? Whether you crave a deeper, more aggressive growl or simply want a louder, sportier note, there are several ways you can achieve this - either via sound-focused modifications or performance upgrades that also have a significant impact on the sound your car makes.

In this article, we will talk about the various modifications that can amplify your car's exhaust sound, ranging from simple, cost-effective changes to comprehensive performance upgrades. We will discuss simple upgrades like performance mufflers, resonator delete kits, and exhaust tips before we get to more comprehensive modifications like cold air intakes, sports catalytic converters, and full aftermarket exhaust systems.

On that (exhaust) note, let us dive straight into the sound-focused upgrades.

Pure Sound Upgrades

We will start with three upgrades that are primarily focused on changing the exhaust note of your vehicle, although they do also have some general performance benefits. These modifications are cheaper than performance and sound upgrades, so they could be your first choice if you are still searching for the exhaust note you like the most.

1.1. Performance Mufflers

A white car with mufflers parked near trees.

The main role of mufflers is to reduce the noise produced by the engine's exhaust gases. Mufflers utilise a series of chambers and baffles that disrupt and dissipate sound waves, which results in a quieter exhaust note. While effective at noise reduction, standard mufflers often limit the car's exhaust flow, which leads to a more subdued sound and can have a slightly negative impact on performance.

Performance mufflers, on the other hand, are engineered to both enhance the exhaust note and improve exhaust flow. These mufflers use fewer baffles and more straight-through designs, allowing the sound waves to exit the exhaust system more freely. This results in a stronger, deeper, and more aggressive exhaust note that you may be looking for.

In general, you can pick between chambered and straight-pipe mufflers if you are looking for a better sound. Chambered mufflers produce a deeper sound with growls, while straight-pipe mufflers maximise the exhaust flow and produce a more aggressive sound, similar to race cars.

Additionally, by reducing backpressure in the exhaust system, performance mufflers can contribute to a slight increase in horsepower and overall engine efficiency, so you also get a slight performance upgrade.

1.2. Resonator Delete Kits

A resonator is another component of the exhaust system that is specifically designed to reduce certain sound frequencies produced by the engine. Unlike mufflers, which aim to minimise overall noise, resonators target specific sound waves to eliminate droning and humming at particular RPMs, which results in a smoother exhaust note.

Similar to mufflers, resonators have a combination of chambers and perforated tubes that cause sound waves to cancel each other out. Now, a resonator delete kit removes the resonator from the exhaust system, allowing the exhaust gases and sound waves to pass through without any filtering.

This modification significantly increases the volume and aggressiveness of the exhaust note. By eliminating the resonator, the exhaust sound becomes louder and more raw, often with a noticeable increase in pops and crackles during acceleration and deceleration, providing a sportier and more dynamic auditory experience.

However, we should note that not all types of exhaust systems have a resonator; some have just a muffler without a resonator. In that case, a resonator delete kit is, clearly, unneeded. You should also keep in mind that all states in Australia have legal limits for maximum vehicle noise, so make sure your car is still in compliance with your local laws if you use a resonator delete kit.

1.3. Exhaust Tips

Exhaust tips are the final sound-focused exhaust upgrade you can install - they are the visible part of the exhaust system that protrudes from the rear of the vehicle. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing you to customise the look and sound of their vehicle. Unlike mufflers and resonators, exhaust tips do not have internal components to significantly alter the exhaust flow or sound waves but the design of the tips can still affect the exhaust note.

For example, larger diameter tips can create a deeper and more resonant sound, while dual-wall or rolled-edge tips can produce a more refined tone. Additionally, some exhaust tips are designed with built-in sound amplifiers or resonators that can enhance the exhaust note further. Upgrading to performance exhaust tips is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to achieve a more aggressive and pronounced exhaust sound.

While the change in sound may not be as drastic as with performance mufflers or resonator deletes, exhaust tips can still contribute to a louder and more aesthetically pleasing exhaust note, complementing other modifications to the exhaust system.

Performance and Sound Upgrades

The following three upgrades are primarily done to improve the performance of your engine, but they also have a significant effect on the sound your car makes. However, as these modifications are performance-based and include the replacement of larger, more important components, they are more expensive than performance mufflers, resonator deletes, and different exhaust tips, so take that into consideration if you are only looking for a sound upgrade.

2.1. Cold Air Intake

A cold air intake system is, first and foremost, a performance upgrade - it is designed to improve an engine's performance by increasing the amount of cooler air that enters the combustion chamber. The stock air intake typically draws air from within the engine bay, while a cold air intake system pulls air from outside the vehicle, where it is cooler and denser.

This cooler air has more oxygen, allowing for a more efficient combustion process, which results in increased horsepower and torque. In addition to these performance benefits, a cold air intake also has a notable impact on the vehicle's sound, which is why we included it in this list, even though it is not part of the exhaust system. When installed, a cold air intake system can create a louder and more aggressive induction noise.

This is the sound of air being sucked into the engine, which becomes more pronounced due to the less restrictive and more open design of the intake system. If you have it installed, you will often hear a distinctive growl or roar during acceleration, adding an exciting auditory element to the driving experience that complements the better performance of your car.

2.2. Sports Catalytic Converter

An image of a manifold sports catalytic converter.

A sports catalytic converter (also called a high-flow catalytic converter) is designed to improve an engine's performance by allowing exhaust gases to flow more freely through the exhaust system. Standard catalytic converters are primarily focused on reducing emissions by converting harmful gases into less harmful substances, while sports catalytic converters look for a balance between emissions control and performance enhancement.

The primary benefit of a sports catalytic converter is its ability to reduce back pressure in the exhaust system. This reduction in backpressure allows the engine to expel exhaust gases more efficiently, leading to gains in horsepower and torque, just like a cold air intake system. The improved flow characteristics of a sports catalytic converter can enhance throttle response and overall engine performance, making the vehicle feel more responsive and powerful.

An additional benefit is how sports catalytic converters affect the sound of the exhaust. By allowing exhaust gases to pass through more freely, these converters produce a louder and more aggressive exhaust note compared to standard catalytic converters. The sound is typically deeper and more resonant, potentially adding to the sporty and performance-oriented character of your vehicle.

2.3. Aftermarket Exhaust System Upgrade

One more option to improve the sound your car makes is to upgrade the entire exhaust system to a performance exhaust system. This comprehensive modification involves replacing the stock exhaust components, including the muffler, resonator, catalytic converter, and exhaust pipes, with high-performance counterparts designed to maximise exhaust flow and enhance sound. \

Performance exhaust systems are engineered to reduce backpressure and increase the efficiency of exhaust gas expulsion. This improvement in flow dynamics boosts horsepower and torque and improves throttle response and overall engine efficiency. Another benefit of aftermarket exhausts is that the materials used, such as stainless steel or titanium, are often more durable and heat-resistant than those in stock systems, also contributing to longevity and performance under high-stress conditions.

In general, a performance exhaust system upgrade is one of the first major modifications many people choose. Additionally, the impact of a performance exhaust on sound can’t be ignored - it will drastically change the exhaust note of a vehicle. These systems are designed to produce a louder, deeper, and more aggressive sound. The combination of freer-flowing mufflers, high-flow catalytic converters, and larger diameter pipes results in a more pronounced and exhilarating exhaust note, especially during acceleration and at high RPMs.

However, replacing the entire exhaust system is, as you would probably expect, the most expensive mod on our list.

All Sound and Performance Upgrades in One Place

If you are looking to make your exhaust louder with performance upgrades, you can get what you need at Perform-Ex Auto. We have high-quality aftermarket exhaust system parts for many vehicle makes and models, from sound upgrades like performance mufflers to sports catalytic converters to full performance exhaust systems.

The parts you will find at Perform-Ex are from the world’s leading automotive brands and all come with a genuine warranty. So find the upgrade you are looking for, place your order online, and we will ship it to your address. In case you need assistance with the fit or have any questions, contact us and we will respond to you as soon as possible.