How Much Does It Cost To Straight Pipe A Car Or Truck?

Many people are interested in straight piping their car but aren't sure where to start or what the cost might be. To help you learn more about straight piping your vehicle, we've done our research to share the associated costs with you.

The average cost for straight piping a car or a truck is around $1,000 to $2,000. This includes the straight pipe kit and the installation charges. If you choose to do it yourself, you'll save about $100 to $200.

In this blog post, we'll talk about the cost of straight piping a vehicle and some of the factors that will affect the price. We'll also give you some tips on keeping the cost as low as possible. So, if you're thinking about straight piping your car or truck, read on for more information!

Exhaust manifold photographed under a car, How Much Does It Cost To Straight Pipe A Car Or Truck?

What Is a Straight Pipe Exhaust?

A straight pipe exhaust is a type of exhaust system that uses a series of straight pipes to route exhaust gases away from the engine. Straight pipe exhausts are often used in racing vehicles and high-performance cars, as they allow the engine to breathe more freely and produce more power.

An exhaust photographed up close

However, straight pipe exhausts can also be quite loud and may not be legal in some areas. In addition, they can lead to increased vibration and wear on engine components. As such, straight pipe exhausts are not suitable for every driver. But for those who are looking to maximize performance, a straight pipe exhaust can be a valuable addition to their car.

Pros of Straight Piping Your Car or Truck

It's not uncommon to see a car with a straight pipe exhaust on the road these days. But why do people choose to straight pipe their car? There are a few reasons.

Enhancement in Horsepower 

The primary advantage of using a straight pipe exhaust is that you’ll see increased horsepower. The system reduces back pressure from the engine, allowing it to perform without being hindered by other systems that restrict exhaust flow.

This allows your engine to breathe better. In turn, gas can flow through them and into your car's cylinders. This means better fuel efficiency at the same time!

A Straight Pipe Exhaust Will Make Your Vehicle Stand Out in the Crowd

When you want to make your vehicle stand out, installing an exhaust system with chrome-plated pipes is a perfect way. The finishing touches on these parts will give it that sleek look and people's attention before they even see what kind of engine power runs underhood!

A twin-pipe installation can be chosen instead of sporty looks are desired; both options come complete with colorful welds in red blue or green, which gorgeous up any vehicle's exterior design while giving off a great sound.

Appreciate Your Vehicle's Authentic Engine Sound

Straight pipes give the car a deeper, more aggressive sound. It often sounds louder than other setups, but they also provide you with the true sound of your engine. This also increases your car's appeal if you take part in racing games. 

Reduce the Weight Profile of Your Vehicle

One of the best ways to optimize your fuel economy is by using a straight pipe exhaust. It’s designed specifically for track vehicles and race cars, so you can get rid of mufflers as well as catalytic converters.

Mufflers are heavyweight components that slow down performance. Removing them will allow drivers greater freedom when tuning their rides. Straight pipes tend to weigh less than stock exhaust systems. This means that they often perform better too.

Cons of Straight Piping Your Car

The legendary DeLorean DMC 12 car

It Will Make Your Car Very Loud

Removing the muffler will increase your engine's noise volume. As much as it can increase your vehicle's appeal, your neighbor might not like it. That's why you should consider the tolerance of your neighbors and the areas you drive around before straight piping your vehicle. 

It Can Be Quite Expensive 

The overall cost of straight piping your car can poke a hole in your budget. Consider that you'd have to at least pay for the straight pipe exhaust kit, equipment, and installation charges. Even if you opt to DIY your straight piping project, the kit and equipment can still be quite expensive.

Decreased Resale Value

Due to the fact that straight piped cars are illegal in certain states and even countries, the resale value of your car will be affected. It's because certain laws prohibit most kinds of car customization. 

Bad for Environment 

A classic car exhaust system has a catalytic converter and muffler to lessen the emissions your vehicle produces. It also lessens the sound level of your car inside and outside. Thus removing them to install a straight pipe will hurt the environment in two ways Since you would have to remove them when you straight pipe your car, it will contribute to noise and air pollution.

How Much Will It Cost You To Straightpipe Your Vehicle?

Powerful car with exhaust pipe

Straight Pipe Kit

A straight pipe kit can typically cost between $200 and $1,000. Your vehicle's model and make will be the main factor in determining the cost of the kit. 

Check out this Universal Exhaust Straight Pipe on Amazon.

If you're looking for a straighter exhaust pipe, you might want to consider an aftermarket option. There are many benefits to upgrading your exhaust system, including improved performance and weight savings. Aftermarket options also tend to be less expensive than stock options.

However, it's important to note that straighter exhaust pipes can be more challenging to install than stock options when it comes to installation. This is because they often require custom mounting brackets and hangers.

Installation Charge

Installation charges for straight piping a vehicle costs around $200 depending on the mechanic's skills and experience. If you want to save money, you can also DIY your straight piping project.

How Do You Do-It-Yourself Straight Pipe Your Car?

Before starting your project, you need to prepare the necessary materials needed. This includes the following:

  • straight pipe kit
  • measuring tape
  • adjustable wrench
  • hacksaw and HSS hacksaw blade
  • pipe clamps
  • straight blasted file 

Check Out This Hacksaw Set on Amazon.

DIY Steps to Install Straight Pipe

  1. Set up the pipe length. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the muffler inlet and the outlet of the catalytic converter. Allow for a 6 inches extra length for the joint fittings later on.
  2. Cut the pipe. With a pencil, mark the length to be cut with a pencil. Use the pipe vice to hold the pipe. Then use a hacksaw with an HSS blade on it to cut the pipe. Use the file to remove the cutting burr. 
  3. Align and tighten the clamps. During this step, you must ensure that your car is parked on leveled ground. Start at the carburetor or at the catalytic converter to ensure that all parts are aligned. 
  4. Finally, test your installation by starting the engine to see if there are any leaks or problems.

If you are not sure if your DIY project went well, better consult an expert mechanic. 

Frequently Asked Questions

In Which States Is It Considered Illegal to Straight Pipe Your Vehicle?

Generally, straight piping your vehicle is allowed on race tracks. However, outside the race tracks, not all areas are tolerant of straight piped cars. Some of these states include:

  • Ohio
  • North Carolina
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • Kentucky
  • Iowa
  • Oklahoma
  • Wisconsin
  • California

If you live in an urban area, expect to be pulled over for excessive vehicle noise. 

Is Straight Piping Your Car Reversible?

Straight piping your car is technically reversible. But once you do it, you can't remodify your car to its stock form. Still, if you want to revert to the classic exhaust system, you would have to remove the straight pipe system and reinstall a brand new exhaust system.

How Much Horse Power Does Straight Piping Add?

Straight piping your car can increase your car's performance by 5 to 10 horsepower. 

How Does Straight Piping Affect Your Vehicle

Straight pipes can damage your engine to a certain extent. It also increases gas mileage while improving your car's performance.  

Final Thoughts

Exhaust manifold photographed under a car

In the end, straight piping your car is a personal choice. There are many benefits to doing it yourself, but there can also be consequences if something goes wrong. It’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making a decision. Have you ever straight piped your car? If so, let us know how it went in the comments below!

Since you're already here, you might be interested in the following articles:

Are Exhausts Universal? [For All Vehicles]

Glasspacks Vs. Straight Pipe: What Are The Differences?

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