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When enthusiasts begin choosing a modification plan, their decisions are most commonly based on their budget and the results. Call it horsepower-per-dollar if you'd like, but everyone is trying to get the most bang for their buck, and the exhaust system is always a good place to start.
One of the main reasons there is so much power hiding in our tailpipes is the need for mass-production. The OEM engineers simply must minimize costs, and this results in exhaust system designs that are less than optimal but often very inexpensive to mass-produce. Luckily, this opens the door for creative aftermarket exhaust companies to design and market better-flowing systems that offer more power potential and more choices for a distinctive sound.
In the last few years, complete systems have become available for many of the more-popular domestic muscle cars. These systems are available as either complete header-to-tailpipe conversions or as piece-by-piece upgrades that can bolt-in exactly where the factory pipes live, often using the same hangers. This gives enthusiasts the opportunity to upgrade one piece at a time, which is easier on the wallet. We wanted to find out what each piece of a typical late model exhaust upgrade system was worth, so we found an '01 Mustang Cobra and headed out to MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust.
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