How Much Does Straight Pipe Cost: Is It Worth the Price?

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“How much does straight pipe cost?” is a common question among car owners who know how important straight piping is for their car. You need about 1,000 to 2,000 dollars to straight pipe your car or truck.

How Much Does Straight Pipe Cost

However, you can save almost 100 to 200 dollars if you do it yourself. In this guide, we’ll discuss the cost of straight piping a car and other essential things to know about straight piping a vehicle.

How Much Will It Cost To Straight Pipe Your Car?

It will cost around $75 to $200 to straight pipe your car. However, this price is not fixed. It can be higher or lower depending on your vehicle’s type and location. The cost of a straight pipe solely depends on the quality and manufacturer of the pipe you’re getting.  

These are some of the most essential factors to consider to know the price of straight piping your vehicle.

– Straight Pipe Kit

A straight pipe kit price ranges from 200 to 1,000 dollars. The major factor determining the kit’s cost is your vehicle’s make and model. You should probably think of aftermarket options if you need an exhaust pipe that’s more straight. 

There are several advantages why you should upgrade your exhaust system, including weight saving and improved performance. Aftermarket options usually cost less than stock options.

However, it’s important to remember that installing straighter exhaust pipes can be more complex than installing stock choices. This is because they frequently need unique mounting brackets and hangers.

– Installation Charge

The installation charge for a straight pipe is around 200 dollars, depending on the mechanic’s experience and skill. If you wish to save money, you can go for DIY straight piping.

– Straight Piping a Mustang

To determine the cost of straight piping a Ford Mustang, consider the estimates to replace an exhaust pipe for this model. Replacing an exhaust pipe in a Mustang will run you close to 615 dollars, even though this price includes both components (550 dollars) and labor (65 dollars).

The additional cost of removing the muffler and other exhaust system components to complete a whole “straight pipe” job is not included in the price of replacing an exhaust pipe.

– Straight Piping a Challenger

It is vital to be aware of these pricing variations because the cost of straight piping a car varies depending on the type of vehicle. Particularly for a Dodge Challenger, you should budget close to 1,000 dollars for parts and labor.

Depending on the manufacturer you purchase from, the cost of the parts may vary. However, for this car, the straight pipe exhaust kit typically costs around 800 dollars, while labor costs about 200 dollars. Remember that these estimations may change based on the Challenger submodel and the year of delivery.

– Straight Piping a Camaro

On the other hand, let’s say you drive a Chevrolet Camaro. You would pay a different price to straight pipe a pony car like a Camaro than a Challenger. This is due to differences in their exhaust systems. It will likely cost you close to 200 to 300 dollars for the straight pipe exhaust kit (parts).

You will need to put down a sizable sum of money for labor and installation, and you might pay about 1,000 dollars to get your Camaro straight piped by a qualified mechanic. However, you can also save money by purchasing gently used parts or performing your own installation.

– Straight Piping a Honda Civic

For a Honda Civic, which is a more typical car, you should expect to pay roughly 600 dollars on average for a straight pipe job. This estimate is primarily the cost of the parts, which is approximately 525 dollars on average.

On the other hand, labor will typically cost around 75 dollars, though the exact amount will consequently depend on where you live and how old your Honda Civic is.

– Straight Piping A BMW

The price to straight-pipe a BMW will invariably be more than the price to straight pipe a Mustang or Civic because BMW is regarded as a luxury automobile manufacturer. The average cost to straight pipe a BMW automobile is nearly 1,100 dollars.

This estimate was chosen according to the average cost to replace the exhaust pipe in the BMW, and it considers both the labor cost and the cost of the parts, which total about under 1,000 dollars. It should be noted that to completely “straight pipe” your BMW, a mechanic will also need to remove the muffler and other system components, which could raise the project’s overall cost.

– Factors Affecting Straight Pipe Installation Costs

Aside from being an expensive automobile modification, straight piping costs might differ widely due to the following factors:

  • The quality of metal used for the new straight pipe exhaust system
  • The manufacturer of the parts you’re buying
  • The make, year and model of the car you own
  • Whether or not you do a professional mechanic installation or DIY installation and the hours it will take you to install 
  • The auto labor rate where you live and taxes related to auto labor

– Nullifying Warranty

Depending on the sort of car you have and who provided the warranty, a straight pipe may nullify it. The issue is that straight piping an automobile is generally prohibited and will void your warranty.

Additionally, the warranty provider could nullify the warranty because the exhaust modification damaged the car.

How To Install Straight Pipe on Your Own to Save Costs?

To install straight pipe on your own to save costs, you should start by fixing the pipe length, cutting the pipe, and aligning the clamps before tightening them. Make sure you know what you’re doing before you attempt this project to avoid acquiring extra costs.

Follow these steps if you wish to install your car’s straight pipe.

1. Fix the Pipe Length

Measure the distance between the catalytic converter’s outlet and the muffler’s inlet with a measuring tape. Take note that six inches extra length should be allowed for future joint fits.

2. Cut the Pipe

Mark the length that needs to be cut with a pencil and hold the pipe in the pipe vice. After that, cut the pipe with a hacksaw equipped with an HSS blade. Use the file to get rid of the cutting burr. Be careful when doing this step of the process, and make sure you are wearing protective gear.

3. Align the Clamps and Tighten Them

During this phase, you must ensure your car is parked on flat ground. Start with the catalytic converter or the carburetor to ensure that everything is in place. Lastly, run the engine to check for leaks or other issues after installing everything.

Why Do People Purchase a Straight Pipe Exhaust System?

People purchase a straight pipe exhaust system because it greatly reduces the amount of engine backpressure, which increases horsepower and makes it simpler for the exhaust to form. A straight exhaust pipe is the only component of a straight pipe exhaust system.

The catalytic converter, resonator, and muffler must be removed from this exhaust system. Due to the lengthy labor involved, this auto service is frequently very expensive when performed by a professional.

Also, upgrading an exhaust pipe to a straight one might be quite expensive. It is also believed to boost your car’s horsepower, which could be your target for in an exhaust upgrade.

– Car Smoking When You Use a Straight Pipe

A straight pipe exhaust system usually does not cause smoke to exit the car. If the smoke does come out of your vehicle, it is likely a result of another problem, such as an oil-burning engine. However, it is normal to occasionally see white smoke from the exhaust system occasionally.

– Best Exhaust Pipe Size

The size of the exhaust system will matter depending on the level of performance you desire from your vehicle. Some individuals have a false belief that if you want to increase horsepower, you need a bigger exhaust system.

However, the real sweet spot is when you increase the exhaust diameter by about 14 to 12 inches, and you may attain maximum horsepower in this way. Also, remember that choosing dual exhaust over single allows you to get more horsepower with a smaller diameter.

– Cat-Back Vs. Straight Pipe

The straight pipe is fully installed after removing the catalytic converter, resonator, and muffler. But another exhaust system alteration called a “cat-back” also results in greater volume and horsepower.

The cat-back exhaust modification entails modifying the piping that begins after the CAT, muffler, and tailpipe to facilitate a simpler exhaust outflow. Furthermore, whereas straight piping a car is typically illegal, cat-backing is legal. The cost of both exhaust system modifications is almost the same.

When you or a professional enters the exhaust system of an automobile and removes the catalytic converter, this procedure is known as a “cat deletion.” This exhaust system adjustment aims to avoid the muffling exhaust sound, making the car seem louder and more performance-oriented when driving it.

– Additional Horsepower

A straight pipe should provide 0 to 10 horsepower to a normal automobile. The model of your car and the changes you’ve previously made greatly impact how much horsepower and torque a straight pipe exhaust adds.

A powerful engine will run much better with a straight pipe. In this situation, you can gain a lot of horsepowers just by releasing the restriction. You might not notice a change in basic cars with a 4-cylinder engine.

– Sound

Many people argue whether an exhaust system with a straight pipe or a muffler makes more noise. Straight pipe typically produces a louder car because it eliminates the complete exhaust system instead of the muffler delete, which merely removes the muffler. However, take note that this also means more annoying droning or vibration sounds exist. 

– Consumes More Fuel

Straight pipes make it more challenging to accelerate from a standstill because of the faster exhaust gas velocity. Also, your car’s fuel economy will deteriorate, and it consumes more gas frequently.

The new exhaust system alters the airflow and turbulence in the engine bay, lowering gas mileage. Before straight-piping your car, you should think about this because it can eventually strain your pocketbook.

– Nice For Your Car

Most people will agree that straight piping won’t negatively impact a car’s engine, but the issues lie in the exhaust system. When you straight pipe an exhaust system, the velocity of the exhaust stream rises, making it more difficult to accelerate from a standstill (like at stop signs or stop lights).

Straight piping does not damage your engine, and can even make it run more efficiently. A straight pipe can only harm an automobile if it is constructed with inferior materials that cannot withstand the heat generated by the engine.

You run additional risks when using a straight pipe made of inferior materials. And since straight piping eliminates essential components of the exhaust system that your car was built to use, it’s not always a good idea to modify it.

What Are the Advantages of a Straight Pipe Exhaust?

The advantages of a straight pipe exhaust include better performance, better sound, improved fuel economy, cost-effective maintenance, reduced weight, and better aesthetics, among others. Nearly every vehicle, from the everyday family car to the potent V8 muscle vehicles, benefits from a straight pipe exhaust.

It raises the question of why carmakers choose not to include straight pipes in their cars, and we will examine this after examining the advantages.

– Better Performance

Aside from the sound, the ultimate reason for getting a straight pipe is performance improvement. One or more catalytic converters, DPF filters, a back pipe, oxygen sensors, and a muffler delete are features of modern exhaust systems that make it more difficult for the engine to release pollutants.

Straight pipe builds consist entirely of a pipe and no other components, leaving only the muffler. The increased performance results from the engine being allowed to run at its maximum efficiency now that the exhaust pressure is absent. The main thing is that you can tell the difference despite the power boost, which is only 2 to 3 percent or 10 to 20 horsepower.

– Better Sound 

By the time exhaust fumes exit the vehicle, they have passed through several barriers and a muffler designed to reduce noise to extremely low levels. Straight pipes liberate the engine’s natural sound, making it louder and more forceful.

Although it can improve the sound without necessarily affecting performance or volume, we still recommend installing a high-performance muffler at the back of the vehicle.

– Improved Fuel Economy

There is much debate in the automotive industry about the MPG benefit and actual performance of a straight exhaust pipe. We firmly believe that it enhances both, perhaps not to the extent that people anticipate, but sufficiently enough to justify the expense. By releasing the gas pressure from the exhaust manifold, the engine will run better and use less gasoline. 

– Cost-effective Maintenance

Another reason you should opt for a straight pipe exhaust is cost-effective maintenance and improved reliability. Modern vehicles’ exhaust systems, particularly diesel ones, tend to have problems. The design is only focused on reducing emissions without consideration for the condition of the engine.

When you remove any mechanically unneeded pieces from the exhaust system, you reduce the number of parts that need to be repaired and save wear on engine parts. 

– Reduced Weight 

Removing most of the parts and replacing the pipe with a high-grade aluminum alternative can decrease the vehicle’s overall weight, resulting in a higher power-to-weight ratio.

– Better Aesthetics

Generally, stock exhaust systems could be better. You can do little more to enhance the appearance of a factory exhaust system aside from altering the exhaust tips.

Aftermarket straight pipe exhaust systems aren’t created solely for performance and sound. They let you choose the material, color, and shape according to your preferences and have a superior aesthetic to any standard stock system.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Straight Pipe Exhaust?

The disadvantages of a straight pipe exhaust is that it raises your car’s emissions, which is bad for the environment, and it is illegal in some states. If you’re merely searching for sound, a high-performance muffler can help you achieve that without raising your car’s emissions.

As discussed earlier, there is a reason why automakers don’t just put straight pipes in every vehicle they make. Almost all aspects of their automobiles would improve, except exhaust emissions. The rise in popularity of hybrid cars, electric cars, and increasing government requirements are pressuring manufacturers to make internal combustion engines greener.

When thinking about a straight pipe exhaust, you should confirm that it is a legal alteration in your state. In some places, removing the emission-reducing filters from the exhaust system may render the vehicle illegal to drive on public roads. From your personal perspective, you should also consider the ecological aspect. 

Is straight pipe legal? When catalytic converters are removed, unburned fuel ignites through the exhaust system and catches fire at the back of the vehicle. Due to this and the rise in CO2 emissions, straight piping is prohibited in several states.

Conclusion

We hope that our cost and cost-factor guidance has given you a good understanding of why this job can sometimes cost more than 1,000 dollars. Let’s have a quick recap on some of the important points.

  • The cost of a straight pipe solely depends on the quality and manufacturer of the pipe you’re getting.  
  • Aside from the sound, the ultimate reason for getting a straight pipe is performance improvement.
  • Straight piping greatly reduces the amount of engine backpressure, which increases horsepower and makes it simpler for the exhaust to form. 
  • Straight pipes make it more challenging to accelerate from a standstill because of the faster exhaust gas velocity. Also, your car’s fuel economy will deteriorate, and it consumes more gas frequently.

The cost of this straight piping, which boosts sound and horsepower, varies based on where you reside and the type of car you drive.

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