What advantages are there to having dual exhaust?

Does it increase hp? Fuel economy? Or is it just a cool way to waste money?

 

It depends on how it's implemented. You can theoretically reduce restriction, and gain some horsepower on the margins. A lot of people alter the muffler in conjunction with swapping the exhaust, if you're into "loud pipes".

Otherwise, it mostly just helps the hood scoop do its job

 

For a cat-back system that's emissions compliant, it's basically the look and sound. Oh, that and the 20 extra horsepower and 10 more mpg's. (Just kidding.) I actually love to listen to the MBRP on mine.

 

some people claim a bit more power but how much idk. I do know that bigger and better exhaust means more air out so better performance is logical.

It does give a better sound and look cooler at the least tho.

 

I have the Flowmaster American Thunder dual series and I was told I actually lost a couple horses so its mostly for looks and sound.

 

On a stock vehicle it is aesthetic as there is no appreciable gain.

 

Thought so.

 

Just exhaust wont do much for gains just looks and sound. If you want to get gains out of an exhaust system you need more air in as well and on new vehicles it means programing the ECU to use the more air in and out and adjust for fuel.

 

And while many won't admit it, aesthetic value is a significant force in most people's lives. People buy things that appeal to them and most hope others will perceive them favorably. So, buying that Dodge RAM Hemi with throaty duals from the factory sends a message that the same truck with a single exhaust doesn't send. And, driving a lifted, blacked-out, Tacoma TRD Off Road with big tires and off-road accessories sends a message that a base standard cab doesn't. And while most would say they don't care what anyone else thinks, psychologists would disagree. So, I suggest that everyone make the mods to their trucks that appeal to both their function and aesthetics, thereby feeding (and satisfying) both beasts. And, if you pull up next to my Tacoma at a light, you might laugh, you might cry, but you'll never really know. Enjoy, everyone.

 

The basic theory to increasing engine performance is two-fold. 1) Moving air in. 2) Moving air out! This is why large, unrestricted intakes are useful; and large unrestricted exhaust systems are useful. That being said, too large of an exhaust, without a complimentary intake system, can actually cause more problems because there's not enough back pressure. The two go hand-in-hand. All other modifications, (IE different cams, increased fuel delivery, ram-air, superchargers, etc..) are designed to enhance the intake and exhaust capabilities. Dual exhaust is nice, but you'll have to visit the intake system as well if you want a real performance boost. Otherwise, it's just for show...

 

6 stacks through the hood.

 

A true dual exhaust will net noitceable gains. A Y-pipe which is what a lot of people do, will not do much of anything.

True dual is a seperate header to exhaust pipe for each exhaust manifold running straight back.

A Y pipe, well, it's a Y. Your system is only as good as the most restricted or smallest point.

 

Well said...