Finding the Best Aftermarket Exhaust Upgrade for a Mazda BT50

Aftermarket car parts have always been bargain than the ones installed by the manufacturer, but, of course, getting the right type of part for your vehicle on your own can be quite the task. The model and make of your vehicle can help you find the correct part to fit your vehicle but enhancements in performance require more than knowing what type of vehicle you have. For pickup trucks like the Mazda BT50, it can be difficult to find parts that will improve it's abilities especially when it comes to more complicated ones like the exhaust system. There's a lot of components that make an exhaust system and because of that, there are a lot of factors to consider in order to get the best bang for your buck.

Types

Axle-Back

These type of exhaust systems are one of the cheapest options which replace all the parts coming from the rear axle to the exhaust tip. While they don't drastically increase power gains their installation is a lot easier than the other two types which makes this BT50 exhaust the perfect upgrade if you need an emergency or a temporary upgrade.

Cat-Back
Like Axle-back systems these are also very easy to install but they are way better at increasing performance as they come with a dedicated muffler and tailpipes. Cat-back systems come with a mid-pipe, X, H and a U-pipe option depending on your truck model and make while they also offer better fuel economy. A new cat-back BT50 exhaust system will replace everything from the catalytic converter to the muffler and they will make your car sound tougher too. A cat-back exhaust is also the safest option as it usually incorporates your pickup's OEM catalytic converter which puts it in the safe zone when it comes to legality over emissions.

Header-Back
This is the most complete upgrade you can get as it will replace everything from the header collectors and on to the tailpipes which make for a more time-consuming installation process. This system usually comes with larger pipes but because of these numerous advantages, this type of system is pricier than the rest. Bigger isn't always better and if you get a BT50 exhaust system with a pipe diameter bigger than the one on your engine you are going to permit greater airflow.

Configuration

Single

Having the same number of parts in your aftermarket BT50 exhaust system as the OEM may seem like something to avoid but although they are the same configuration the difference is noticeable. With an aftermarket configuration, you will always get a bigger pipe diameter and less restrictive bends.

Dual

With this configuration, you can expect your vehicle to attract more attention than ever but since everything is doubled you will also add more weight and pay more too. Despite these disadvantages, a dual system is still a better performing option than a single exhaust system as there are two separate exhaust pathways which make for a high-flow system. While pressure imbalance can happen quite easily with dual exhaust systems the issue is easily solved by having a crossover pipe to allow the air to flow freely between the two sets of pipes.

Dual-Exit

This third option is not the same as a dual exhaust system and while it has two tips exiting from the muffler the setup that comes before that part is the one found in a single exhaust system. There is one headpipe, one converter, and one muffler, which make this system have the looks of a dual system but without any improvement in performance.

Material

Mild Steel

This is your most affordable option as it doesn't offer very good protection against rust and corrosion and they are not as durable too but if you are in the market for something just to make your ride more attractive this is the most affordable way to do so.

Stainless Steel

Although a more expensive option, stainless steel is more durable and also a better rust and corrosion-resistant option as well as a better-looking material than its counterpart. A stainless steel system will increase the value of your vehicle too. While both of these won't give your exhaust an eternal shine you can expect to polish the stainless steel system less than you would the mild steel one.

Build

Crush Bends

The commonly used crush bends are not the best in providing a less-restrictive airflow as they are curved in a way that makes the piping have wrinkles. Since the manufacturing process is faster and simpler these type of bends are quite cheaper and they also create a lot of vibrations which affect airflow.

Mandrel Bends

On the other side of the rainbow, however, the sun shines bright since exhaust systems with mandrel bends make airflow pass-through without putting any restriction on it since there are no wrinkles, to begin with. The manufacturing process here is more complicated as the piping is smooth both inside and out which also means that the price is higher.