Questions about exhaust

[m00p]

I'm not even sure if this is the right place to post this but I have a few questions about exhaust.

1. Exhaust - whats the actual definition of it, some people say they have exhaust but just have a muffler, while many people have the full catback system and everything.

2. Louder isn't better is it? I've read people who brag about their cars being "hella fast" simply because they can be heard over a mile away.

3. What is a FULL exhaust system? Does it include headers, catback, muffler?

Just curious, thanks!

[HXCivic97]

1. Exhaust - whats the actual definition of it, some people say they have exhaust but just have a muffler, while many people have the full catback system and everything.

Easy enough - the exhaust is everything on the exhaust side of the engine. Header(s), catalytic converter, muffler, tailpipe, etc. Generally, however, people refer to everything after the header as the exhaust system.

2. Louder isn't better is it? I've read people who brag about their cars being "hella fast" simply because they can be heard over a mile away.

Definately not. You can strap a tin can on your tail pipe and make it louder. Or take out the muffler, or simply punch a hole in the exhaust pipe. Thats loud, and definately not better. There are some very respectable exhaust systems that are not particularly loud, although, any performance exhaust system will be louder than when stock. Decibels, however, do not equal horsepower.

3. What is a FULL exhaust system? Does it include headers, catback, muffler?

First of all, catback refers to what part of the exhaust system has been replaced, in this case, everything from the catalytic converter back. It's not a part of the exhaust system as your post implies. Secondly, a 'full' exhaust system can be a misleading term. Technically, it would include everything that has to do with the exhaust which does include the header(s). However, when people usually say full exhaust system, they're generally referring to everything from the header(s) back being replaced with performance parts.

That's the way I've always understood exhaust, though i'm by no means the be-all-and-end-all of exhaust knowledge. I have a feeling there will be different opinions on what these terms mean.

Hope that helps -