What is the Cost of a Straight Pipe Exhaust?
Installing a straight pipe exhaust system is a popular modification for drivers looking to enhance the sound of their vehicle. But before sawing off your exhaust and letting those decibels fly, it's important to understand the costs involved with a straight pipe job.
From the straight pipe itself to professional installation to supporting mods, we've got you covered on what it takes financially to unleash maximum noise.
What is a Straight Pipe Exhaust?
A straight pipe refers to an exhaust system without any baffles or mufflers in the piping. This allows the engine's exhaust to flow freely out the tailpipe opening, resulting in increased noise and reduced backpressure.
Going with a straight pipe setup removes the catalytic converter, resonators, and muffler. This may impact emissions depending on your local laws but will make quite the racket compared to stock.
Some key benefits of straight piping an exhaust include:
- Louder sound - With no mufflers to reduce noise, the exhaust tone will be very loud and aggressive
- Increased power - Less backpressure allows the engine to expel spent gasses easier which can increase horsepower and torque
- Weight reduction - Deleting heavy exhaust components reduces overall vehicle weight slightly
Of course there are tradeoffs as well, like potential engine codes from removing the catalytic converter or excessive noise citations. But for folks set on sporty exhaust sound, a straight pipe gets the job done.
Straight Pipe Kit Cost
The most basic component required is the actual straight piping that will replace your stock exhaust system. Many popular brands offer straight pipe exhaust kits with all the pipes, clamps, and hangers needed.
Aftermarket Straight Piping Kits
The best option is getting a vehicle-specific straight pipe kit for your exact make, model, year, and engine size. These kits ensure a simpler bolt-in fit:
- Sizes range from 2-4 inches in diameter
- Lengths span a few feet up to full exhaust replacements
- Quality brands like Magnaflow, Borla, and Flowmaster run $200 to $300 for a kit
- Universal no-name kits cost between $50 to $100 typically
Universal Resonator/Muffler Delete Pipes
For folks on a budget, opting for a cheap universal muffler or resonator delete kit is the way to go. You still get that straight pipe sound without breaking the bank:
- Basic steel piping with welded flanges
- Requires custom fitment and welding to existing exhaust
- Lowest cost kits are $30 to $100 range
So when looking at buying the pipes alone, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on materials used and if the kit is tuned for your specific vehicle.
Installation Cost for Straight Pipes
While the pipes themselves are the main material cost, paying for exhaust shop labor to install and fit everything adds to the total price tag. There are two options when getting a new straight pipe exhaust put on:
Professional Installation
Paying for an experienced mechanic to install the straight pipe exhaust system allows for proper fitment and finishing. But their time equals dollars out of your pocket:
- Shop labor rates vary greatly, often $80 to $150 per hour
- Full exhaust installs take 2 to 5 hours typically
- So total labor costs run $200 to $800 for the job
The benefit is having a perfectly functioning straight piped exhaust system once the work is complete.
DIY Straight Pipe Install
To save cash on paying for exhaust shop labor, you can always try tackling the install yourself at home. This avoids labor charges but does take commitment:
- Requires automotive tools like saws, welding equipment for exhaust work
- The right jacks, stands, and ramps to access the underside of your vehicle
- Takes 4 to 8 hours for first-timers to complete the job
Going the DIY route really saves money long run but only if you have the expertise, tools, and perseverance to take on the exhaust project yourself.
Whether you pay a shop for install help or sweat it out yourself, understand that physically getting the straight pipe mounted under your vehicle takes serious effort and comes with costs as well.
Additional Straight Pipe Expenses
On top of the pipes and installation, additional supporting mods and repairs might be required over time when running a straight piped exhaust system:
Extra Hangers and Clamps
Getting that custom fit around chassis components needs extras like:
- Additional exhaust clamps for leak-proof seals
- New rubber hangers help reduce noise and rattling
Fixing New Engine Codes
Your ride's computer may not like the deleted catalytic converter and set off check engine lights:
- Diagnosis and clearing of engine fault codes
- Reprogramming ECU may be required
- Adding defoulers to trick engine sensors
Increased Fuel Consumption
Lack of backpressure hurts fuel mileage:
- Less exhaust restriction can reduce engine efficiency
- Owners report 1-4 MPG drops in economy
Plan for miscellaneous straight pipe expenses down the road too when budgeting for the modification.
Tallying up all the potential costs, here is a realistic overview of what most vehicle owners can expect to shell out for the straight piping project overall:
- Parts - $100 to $300 for quality pipes and clamps
- Installation - $0 for DIY to $500+ for shop rates
- Upgrades - $50 to $200+ for hangers, repairs etc over vehicle lifetime
So realistically most straight pipe exhaust jobs cost a car or truck owner around $250 to $800 when the math is all said and done.
Now that number can go way up if extensive custom fabrication work is required or you experience major issues. But for the average enthusiast bolting on an aftermarket kit, plan for a few hundred bucks overall.