Major Newb: Exhausts

Hi,

I'm brand new here and I just bought my first car. I am wondering what exactly the benefits of having a dual exhaust are. I am quite ignorant of things automotive, but I like the look of them and the sound they make.

No flames please :)

Lud

The advantage of a dual exhaust system is that the engine exhausts more freely, thereby lowering the back pressure which is inherent in an exhaust system. With a dual exhaust system, a sizable increase in engine horsepower can be obtained because the "breathing" capacity of the engine is improved, leaving less exhaust gases in the engine at the end of each exhaust stroke. This, in turn, leaves more room for an extra intake of the air-fuel mixture.

Also realize that you'd only get dual exhaust if you actually need it, and 99% of all 4 cylinders (those running crazy boost would need it) don't need it.

And also notice that most "dual exhaust" cars don't actually have a pipe coming from each bank but a regular pipe splitting into two mufflers, which does virtually nothing.

Most NA engines have dualpipes directly after the muffler (some probably has four), but few have it all the way. The main reason to have dual pipes is that it can reduce exhaust backpressure, but one larger pipe could also reduce the backpressure the same amount. But if one larger pipe is used the engine sound would be higher.

Thanks a lot everyone, very helpful. Another quick question:

http://www.borla.com/uk.boomers/
These exhausts are 'universal', can they be retrofitted onto any car? I have a '93 Intrepid.

Thanks again

In some situations, multiple exhaust pipes can be more space efficient.