Circle Track Racing Exhaust Parts & Components

Using performance circle track racing headers, mufflers, and exhaust parts helps improve horsepower and engine performance when compared to a basic exhaust manifold or muffler design. This is accomplished through dyno-testing and designs that allow smoother and faster exhaust flow with less restrictions and resulting in improved engine efficiency.

Without exhaust components, when racing on the track, hot exhaust gases and loud noise will exit directly from the engine, which is located in front of the driver. This would create hazardous conditions as the driver could breathe in the noxious fumes along with increased loudness that could damage hearing without proper protection. Having an exhaust system installed is required by nearly every racing sanctioned body to avoid these hazards and properly routes the gases out and away from both the driver and vehicle.

An exhaust system on automotive racing applications is a combination of metal tubes (often called chassis headers or track headers) that are bolted together in order to route hot exhaust gases and harmful fumes from the engine out and away from the vehicle. An exhaust system is also designed to reduce the sound level and noise created by the combustion within the engine.

In most circle track racing applications, the two main parts of a performance exhaust system are the headers and mufflers. The headers merge the exhaust leaving each cylinder on both sides of the engine into one large pipe. After the headers is a short length of exhaust pipe that leads to a muffler, which reduces some of the sound created by the engine. After the muffler is a small tailpipe or turndown that is usually angled to direct exhaust away from the vehicle.

Circle track exhaust parts and systems can vary depending on what class requirements are as well as the material the parts are made from (for example, stainless steel, mild steel, aluminized, etc.). Headers can range in price anywhere from over $100 to over $2000. Mufflers can be found from over $20 to $300 each. Turndowns and exhaust tailpipes can run between $50 to $70 for a pair.

The best exhaust system for circle track racing is dependent on different factors as well as available options. The first step, which will narrow down your choices, is the type of exhaust needed and designed for your specific race vehicle. From that pool of options, there are usually different selections regarding types of material the exhaust system is made from.

The instructions regarding how to replace an exhaust system or perform a repair vary depending on the engine (such as a specific circle track crate engine) and the specific race vehicle used. In most cases, the first step is installing the headers onto the engine. This process is straightforward with the header flanges bolted to the cylinder heads with a header gasket sealing the gap between the two. The mufflers are then bolted or welded to the end of the headers, followed by the turndowns.