What Role Does Exhaust Pipe Size Play in Exhaust Systems?

Building a truck that has the look, sound, and feel you want is one of the best parts of being a driver. An upgraded exhaust system, especially one with bigger pipes, can help improve performance, boost fuel efficiency, manage heat, and create a classic semi-truck sound. Many drivers also love the look of bigger pipes.

In this article, we'll look at why you might want to increase your exhaust pipe size, examine some of the options available, and look at additional exhaust upgrades. At Truck Pipes USA, we can help you create the rig of your dreams with affordable and high-quality aftermarket exhaust components.

Why Exhaust Pipe Size Matters

Semi-truck manufacturers must balance numerous needs when designing parts. Their trucks are designed for both crowded urban landscapes and isolated rural highways for drives across town and across the country.

Diesel trucks typically come with a 5" exhaust pipe in their factory-installed system. This size helps trucks minimize noise and boost emissions performance, but these benefits come with trade-offs elsewhere. By upgrading your exhaust system and choosing your pipe size, you can customize your truck for your own needs.

Performance

Upgrading the size of your exhaust pipes can be a great way to boost performance. Factory-installed exhaust systems are typically not focused on performance, trying instead to minimize noise and boost emissions performance.

A bigger pipe allows for more efficient movement of exhaust gases, reducing back pressure. While the exact improvements depend on the rest of your system, increasing exhaust pipe size can boost horsepower and torque.

However, bigger isn't always better. You should take a look at your performance needs before choosing a pipe size.

Fuel Efficiency

Bigger exhaust pipes can help boost fuel efficiency by allowing the gases formed by combustion to flow more freely out of the vehicle. This, in turn, allows the engine to burn diesel fuel more efficiently and completely.

When you drive for a living, every bit of fuel efficiency matters. Even a 1%-2% boost in fuel efficiency could save you hundreds of gallons of fuel over the course of a year.

Sound

Factory-installed exhaust pipes are designed for noise reduction, which can result in a muted engine sound that feels a little weak. A more robust exhaust system boosts lower frequency sounds coming from your engine, leading to a deeper, more full-bodied diesel sound.

Extra sound can also be helpful for long-haul drivers. A deeper sound alerts other drivers on the road to your presence, which can make isolated highways feel a bit safer.

Heat Management

Bigger exhaust pipes can also help better dissipate the heat produced by your exhaust system. Bigger pipes mean more places for the heat to go and more contact with the air to speed cooling.

Lower temperatures reduce the stress on your vehicle, which can give you an extra edge with long drives or heavy cargo. Better heat management helps lengthen the lifespan of your truck's components and reduces the need for tune-ups.

If you're looking to improve heat management with your exhaust pipe, you may want to invest in new heat shields as well.

Which Pipe Is Right for Me?

After you've decided to upgrade to a larger exhaust pipe, you have to decide which one is right for you.

5" Size

Most semi-trucks come standard with a 5" exhaust pipe. You may want to stick with the same size, especially if you don't want a significantly louder truck sound. A 5" aftermarket upgrade offers a great aesthetic change, especially for stock engines.

6" Size

A slightly larger exhaust pipe creates deeper, more resonant exhaust noises while greatly increasing airflow. A 6" pipe balances flow, velocity, torque, and low-end response. These pipes offer aftermarket looks without appearing too different from the OE.

7"+ Sizes

Larger pipes bring a big boost in turbo spool and a decrease in exhaust gas temperatures, or EGTs. If you're upgrading your engine to add a turbocharger or larger injector, a big pipe is a stylish and useful finishing touch.

Other Exhaust Upgrades

Pipe size isn't the only upgrade available. If you're considering an exhaust upgrade, take a look at these other factors to consider.

Metals

Exhaust systems come in multiple metals, each with its own pros and cons.

• Aluminized steel: Offers protection from corrosion at a reasonable price.
• Chrome: Offers a stylish look and a classic diesel sound.
• Stainless steel: Pricier than other options, but built to last.

No matter which metal you choose, regular maintenance will keep your exhaust system looking great and performing well.

Exhaust Style

By law, you must keep any catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter installed at the factory. However, that does leave room for upgrades, especially if you have an older truck.

• Cat-back exhaust: Replacing all the parts of your exhaust system downstream of your catalytic converter, this style can help improve airflow.
• DPF filter-back exhaust: While this style doesn't offer as great a performance boost, it can deepen and improve your truck's sound.
• Turbo-back exhaust: Only an option for older trucks, this style replaces the whole exhaust system and includes a turbocharger for added performance.

Truck Pipes USA offers multiple exhaust styles from leading aftermarket brands.

Single or Dual Exhaust

Many trucks come from the factory with a single exhaust system, which uses one pipe behind the driver's side rear wheel to expel gases. If this is your system, you may want to convert to a dual exhaust system to boost performance and increase gas flow.

Find Exhaust Pipes at Truck Pipes USA

With all the benefits and options available, it's no wonder so many drivers choose a bigger exhaust pipe size when customizing their trucks. Few upgrades provide the combination of performance, efficiency, and style like exhaust upgrades.

At Truck Pipes USA, we're committed to providing you with the aftermarket parts you need to create your dream truck. With affordable prices on an extensive selection of top aftermarket brands and free shipping on all orders over $99, we make it easy. Take a look at our catalog today or contact our knowledgeable team with any questions.