Cars

The Allure of Performance Exhaust Car Parts

In the dynamic world of automotive enthusiasts, the pursuit of enhanced performance and a distinctive engine note often leads them to explore the realm of aftermarket upgrades. Among the myriad modifications available, aftermarket exhaust systems stand out as one of the most common and impactful choices for car enthusiasts in Australia. In this exploration, we delve into the reasons behind the widespread popularity of exhaust car parts in the Australian automotive landscape, understanding what makes them a coveted upgrade and the essential considerations when choosing the right aftermarket exhaust system.

Air Suspension: Everything You Need to Know

Until recently, most cars were fitted with mechanical springs and shocks to absorb road imperfections and offer a tolerable ride. That has all changed, especially at the higher end of the market, with luxury brands pushing innovative suspension setups that don’t compromise on comfort or performance. Air suspension in different guises and names has become standard gear on higher trims but is slowly and surely making its way into the mainstream. Its popularity is based on adjusting the ride height in the air springs for changing driving and road conditions. This can be done within seconds and improves handling, cornering and braking performance, while the car glides over potholes and bumps with ease. 

Comfortable and Enjoyable Caravanning: A Simple Guide to Finding the Ideal Awning

Having your home on wheels gives you the solution when you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life but still get an adequate dose of comfort to back you up on your adventures. Privacy is one of those bits of comfort one simply can’t do without at the campsite, no matter how empty it may be. 

Sure, the caravan provides that privacy indoors, but there are times when you need your peace and quiet outside as well, simply because there are those days when you want to make the most of the surroundings by enjoying that tasty morning coffee in the sun for the ideal start of the day. Which calls for the help of perfectly-sized awning privacy screens that can enhance your caravanning experience. 

As there are simply too many options on the market nowadays when it comes to these crucial accessories that can truly contribute to your adventures, here’s a simple guide on how to narrow down the best choices for you. Starting with basic considerations like:

Elevating Your Ride: The Essentials of Car Suspension Upgrades

When it comes to the overall performance, comfort, and safety of your vehicle, few components are as crucial as the suspension system. Car suspension plays a pivotal role in absorbing shocks, maintaining tire traction, and ensuring a smooth, controlled ride. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of car suspension, the reasons to consider upgrading it, and the various types of aftermarket suspensions available. We’ll also highlight the innovative airbag suspension technology and provide essential insights into what you should know before installing aftermarket suspension.

Boosting Your Y62 Patrol’s Performance with an Outback Exhaust

Nissan’s Y62 Patrol isn’t just the biggest, roomiest, and most powerful of the truly off-road-capable wagons on the Australian market; it’s also the most eager when it comes to cost-conscious performance upgrades. Not that their 5.6L V8s are actually lacking anything, but a lot of Y62 owners are surprised by how easy it is to add 20kW to an already impressive 298kW output without actually touching the engine.

A low-restriction outback exhaust system is one of the most effective and affordable performance upgrades you can make to any ute or 4WD, but they’re especially advantageous for V8-equipped wagons like the hugely capable Y62. These big motored 7-seaters have to be just as efficient at getting rid of spent exhaust gasses as they are at drawing in large amounts of air and fuel; and a well-tuned, bolt-on aftermarket exhaust is the simplest way for them to breathe better, as well as put more power on the bitumen.

Outback Exhausts Give Your Y62 Patrol Potent Performance

Although exhaust tuning is one of Australia’s most popular ways to increase output, 3.0″ Outback Y62 exhaust systems are more than just a collection of large-diameter pipes. They’re complete cat-back systems that are engineered specifically to match the power and torque output of the Y62’s VK56 aluminium powerplant; and starting with 2mm thick, 409 stainless steel tubing, they consist of:

• A 2.5″ single-in/3.0″ dual-out Y-pipe section with a braided flex joint;
• A 3.0” low restriction centre muffler assembly; and,
• A 3.0” low restriction rear muffler/tailpipe assembly.

With their full TIG welded flange plates and brackets, premium outback systems are built to bolt directly to the Y62’s cats, are suspended from the OE factory hangars, and don’t require any cutting, welding, or fabricating. These attributes alone make them one of the most convenient high-performance upgrades of any type that you can buy, and the benefits that you can instantly expect are going to include:

• Improved acceleration when taking off, or when merging into moving traffic;
• Better throttle response for passing or pulling heavy loads; and,
• Increased low-end torque for climbing hills, or going off-road.

Make no mistake: when you need the added power to pull a heavy caravan on the open highway, the Y62’s outback exhaust system performance is impressive; and it’s the technology that goes into these systems that makes them so formidable. They’re designed with Oz’s tough, power-robbing climate in mind, which means they’re big on the fundamentals that can transform even the plainest exhaust system into a potent performer.

3.0″ Systems are Built on the Best Principles of Exhaust Design

When it comes to thermal efficiency, exhaust engineers are fully aware that Australia’s hot, thin atmospheric air has just as much of an effect on exhaust behaviour as it does on combustion. They know that improving exhaust flow not only makes it easier for engines to overcome the natural difficulties of less-than-perfect breathing conditions, it can even lead to better fuel consumption while increasing output.

3.0” Y62 outback exhausts are built on the basics of optimal exhaust engineering, and are designed to be the most effective at:

• Actively collecting and drawing as much heat and hot exhaust gas away from the engine as possible;
• Encouraging greater gas velocity throughout the entire length of the exhaust system; and,
• Doing away with gating factors that can adversely affect exhaust gas movement.

Together with the VK56’s already outstanding performance characteristics, outback exhausts offer the best high flow / low restriction combination that you can ask for from an Australian Design Rule (ADR) compliant Y62 system. It takes uncompromising construction to fully maximize the potential that a 3.0″ system has though, which is why you only have to look at the tubing itself to see where these outback exhausts hold the advantage.

You Can’t Beat the Advantages That Mandrel Bending Have to Offer

Tubing formed using internally supported, mandrel bending equipment is the key component in outback exhaust construction. In fact, an outback-equipped Y62’s vast improvement in exhaust gas flow is due almost exclusively to this fabricating and shaping process whose benefits over crush bending include:

• A reduction in the tendency of exhaust gases to swirl or rotate inside the tube due to variations in internal diameters;
• A significant decrease in the backpressure and turbulence that would be created by the wrinkling inside a crushed bent tube; and,
• A dramatic increase in exhaust scavenging as the path from higher to lower pressure is smoother.

With their innovative construction, outback exhausts are better at evacuating spent exhaust gases than any other type of aftermarket exhaust system. Coatings and materials are also integral to how well these systems perform though, and this is where the advantages of thermally coated 409 stainless gives these smart Y62 exhausts the decisive lead over other aftermarket offerings.

High-Quality Materials and Coatings Make Outback Exhausts the Best Y62 Alternative

While most aftermarket exhaust systems are quick to point out that they’re made from lightweight, high-polished 304 or 316 stainless, it’s almost a moot point when you’re talking about a 3500kg Y62. These full-sized Patrols need exhaust tubing that’s durable and long-lasting, and the high chromium content of black-anodized 409-grade stainless steel fits the bill perfectly.

With its 60% higher heat transfer capacity, 409 grade is the ideal exhaust material for climates where heat retention is a serious problem, and boasts a range of benefits that include:

• Heat resistance to 675°C, with short-term resistance up to 815°C;
• Increased resistance to material fatigue or failure resulting from heat cycling; and,
• Greater formability, making it easier to repair than either 304 or 316 stainless.

Heat-resistant thermal coatings round out the list of superior properties that outback exhausts made from 409 stainless have to offer. These special coatings are formulated to lock heat inside the exhaust system, which means:

• A dramatic reduction in heat levels that can play havoc with engine bay temperatures;
• Increased heat retention for added exhaust scavenging and evacuation; and,
• Improved corrosion and oxidation protection from exposure to exhaust gases and extreme temperatures.

Thermal coatings not only make outback systems more efficient but also more durable. Y62s are built to go anywhere, and these are the qualities that you want your wagon’s exhaust to have.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, it takes a special powerplant to shovel a 3500kg Y62 Patrol uphill with a caravan in tow, but Nissan’s 5.6L VK56 is more than up to the job. It wouldn’t hurt to have a few extra kW on hand for the toughest jobs though, which is why now might be a good time to consider an aftermarket exhaust system.

A 3.0″ Outback Y62 exhaust system is all you need to give your Y62 a proper power boost, without turning a screw on your engine. With the power it’s capable of unleashing, it’s an upgrade that you won’t regret making.

A Simple Guide to Aftermarket Ford Ranger Exhaust Upgrades

It’s no coincidence that Ford’s PJ and PK Rangers, together with their scrappy little cousin from Mazda, the BT-50, continue to be some of the most highly regarded and sought-after 4WDs in Oz. These mid-sized, Aussie-engineered utes were designed to be sturdy enough to tackle the toughest terrain, while still being tame enough to take on peak traffic in Sydney; and they’re longtime favourites of Australia’s aftermarket community, especially when it comes to exhaust systems.

With their hardy 115kW 3.0L turbo diesel powerplants, Gen 3 Rangers have nothing to lose and everything to gain from a low-restriction exhaust system. It’s bolt-on power that doesn’t require you to open up the engine, which is why if you’re looking for a simple guide on what to look for in a proper aftermarket exhaust, you’ve come to the right place.

Time to Enjoy the Benefits of an Aftermarket Ford Ranger Exhaust

Let’s be honest: while the Gen 3’s breathing isn’t shabby, an upgraded turbo back 3.0″ exhaust for Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 utes can free up some of the power that these 4-cylinder engines have always been obliged to hold back on. 12kW is a noticeable, easy power increase to be found simply by moving from 2.0” tubing to 3.0” tubing, but that’s not the only benefit that upgrading the Ranger’s exhaust has to offer.

At their core, exhaust systems are tasked just as much with moving excessive heat away from an engine as they are with moving spent gases. And even though power-robbing heat would be problematic anywhere, Australia’s hot climate places a special urgency on moving as much heat away from engines and engine compartments as efficiently as possible.

Beating the heat is also an essential part of preventing damaging thermal fatigue, and a 3.0” Ford Ranger exhaust upgrade helps by achieving the following:

• Scavenging as much hot exhaust gas away from the engine as possible;
• Creating a sufficient amount of flow velocity to encourage quicker exhaust gas removal; and,
• Removing any obstacles that could hamper exhaust gas movement.

Make no mistake, with the Ranger’s 1175kg payload and 3038kg towing capacities, upgrading your Ranger exhaust system is going to generate a welcomed power boost. It’s when you’re driving a tonne of tools out to a job site, pulling a trailer on holiday, or just trying to merge safely into freeway traffic, that the extra power of a 3.0” exhaust is going to come in handy.

Top-Quality Exhausts Begin with Top-Quality Australian Parts

Top quality Australian made, 3.0” turbo back systems for the Gen 3 PJ and PK Rangers, and Mazda BT-50s are exact replacements for their factory-installed systems, and consist of:

• A front dump pipe and connector pipe with double braided flex joint;
• A 200-cell diesel catalytic converter assembly;
• A low-restriction muffler or resonator assembly;
• A side exit tailpipe assembly; and,
• All necessary connection hardware.

TIG welded flanges and mandrel bent tubing help to ensure that these upgraded Ford Ranger exhaust systems have the benefit of minimal turbulence and maximum scavenging. They also don’t require any cutting or welding, are designed to fit both 2WD and 4WD models, and will work with any Gen 3 space-, extra-, or dual-cab configuration. In fact, these Ranger exhaust systems bolt directly to your vehicle’s stock exhaust mounting points, and don’t even require a hoist for the installation.

Here’s Why 409 Stainless Steel Makes the Best Exhaust

Tube stock is just as important as tube size when it comes to building high-quality exhaust systems, and long-lasting 409-grade stainless steel has all the attributes that you could ask for in an exhaust upgrade. 409 grade stainless is highly formable, making it easier to repair than other grades of stainless; and it also lacks the annealed appearance that’s common with highly polished stainless steels like 304 or 316. That’s because 409’s chromium content oxidizes quickly, forming a passive layer of protective surface rust that protects it from even deeper forms of corrosion.

It’s in the endless battle against heat retention, however, that 409’s heat transfer capacity really proves its worth. 409-grade stainless is 60% more efficient at shedding heat than other stainless steel alloys, giving it a range of premium performance characteristics that include:

• Prolonged heat resistance to 675°C, with acceptable limited exposure up to 815°C;
• Superior resistance to thermal fatigue brought on by heat cycling; and,
• Advanced corrosion protection from exhaust gases or on-road exposure.

409’s exceptional heat transfer capacity can even help minimize the possibility of EGR sensor failures, along with the sudden jump in fuel consumption and loss of performance that it can lead to. In short, 409-grade stainless makes for a Ford Ranger exhaust system that can even save you money in the long run.

Thermal Barrier Coatings Lock in Heat for Added Durability

Make no mistake: no matter if it’s OE or aftermarket, keeping as much excess heat away from your engine as possible is one of the most important tasks that any exhaust system for a Ford Ranger can have. And with exhaust gas temperatures easily capable of stretching above 600°C downstream of a turbo, thermal barrier coatings have to be a part of any aftermarket exhaust solution.

That’s why when it comes to high-quality custom exhaust, Ford Ranger systems need to be treated with heat-resistant enamel for maximum thermal assurance. Thermal barrier coatings are formulated to lock in exhaust temperatures in excess of 1000°C, the benefits of which are:

• A reduction in radiated heat levels, both within the engine bay and within the cab;
• A reduction in tubing oxidation due to exposure to extreme temperatures; and,
• An increase in heat retention that can aid in exhaust scavenging as well as turbo spooling.

Ideally, insisting on your upgraded Ford Ranger exhaust system having a thermal barrier coating not only increases the efficiency of the system, it also increases its durability.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, the Gen 3 PJ and PK Rangers are the reason today’s T6 / PX Rangers are now the best-selling utes in Australia. Reliable, straightforward engineering is Gen 3’s greatest attribute, and that approach is even reflected in their aftermarket exhaust offerings.

A turbo back 3.0″ exhaust for the Ford Ranger and the Mazda BT-50 is an affordable, uncomplicated upgrade that can give these hardworking utes a solid performance boost. There’s no simpler, or easier way to unlock their power potential.

A Simple Guide to Ute Tray Tool Boxes: The Different Types of Ute Toolboxes

Having the right ute tray toolbox is crucial, especially if your job requires you to work with tools. If you don’t have the right toolbox, it will be nearly impossible for you to find the tools that you need when they’re needed most.

A Simple Guide to Car Insulation: Benefits of Wool Car Insulation

Deciding to insulate the interior of a van, combi, or any other vehicle that you’re spending a lot of time in is a job that’s well worth the effort. But with a roster of insulating choices that can range from high-density/high particulate rock wool and fibreglass batts, to costly closed-cell spray foams, there’s only one material that has the best qualities of them all: 100% natural wool.

A Simple Guide to Selecting the Best 4×4 LED Driving Light

LED driving lights have taken the 4×4 market by storm, and their popularity isn’t going anywhere, any time soon. LED driving lights provide various benefits over HID and halogen lights, including a cooler operating temperature and longer lifespan.