How to Choose the Right Type of Aftermarket Exhaust for an Isuzu D-Max

Diesel engines are slowly but surely getting left behind when it comes to passenger vehicles big and small as manufacturers are transitioning to hybrid powertrains. But one Japanese car manufacturer doesn't think so as they still make quite good diesel utes. The D-Max from Isuzu is that ute which has both lots of power and great mileage numbers.

The 3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is able to produce 380 Nm of torque and 175 HP. The interior styling may need a bit of a refresh but the ride comfort is quite good for such an affordable ute while practicality is something Isuzu can boast about. The same doesn't go for its exhaust though.

There are various types of aftermarket exhaust systems to choose from but the tried-and-true solution is definitely a cat-back exhaust. A cat-back exhaust replaces a fair share of components starting from the catalytic converter to the exit pipes. This makes for quite a popular Dmax exhaust system since it provides ample performance gains as well as a fairly straightforward installation process without costing a fortune.

If you want to get more from your D-Max than what you do with a cat-back system on it, you should consider going for a header-back exhaust. This Dmax exhaust upgrade is able to replace the exhaust system completely, even its hardware gets replaced with a header-back Dmax exhaust system. As you know this costs a lot more than a cat-back exhaust and it'll take a lot more time and effort to install but it's definitely worth it. 

Going one step further than a header-back exhaust you'll come across turbo-back systems. These replace one more component than header-back systems and that's the turbocharger. Performance gains are through the roof with a turbo-back exhaust and so is fuel efficiency but keep in mind it will cost you a small fortune to add such an Isuzu Dmax exhaust.

With axle-back exhausts, you get the most affordable and easiest-to-install exhaust upgrade. They are able to replace quite a small number of components starting from the rear axle to the tailpipes. An axle-back exhaust may not make your D-Max work like a performance vehicle but it's still better than stock.

There are other factors that determine how good a new exhaust will be for your D-Max. One of them is the type of bends the exhaust has. No matter how comprehensive or simple it is, if a Dmax exhaust upgrade comes with mandrel bends you're off to a great start. That's because mandrel-bent exhausts are less restrictive than crush-bent exhausts which are more affordable. 

The size or diameter of the piping also determines the restrictiveness of an exhaust. The smaller the diameter the less air can pass through and thus more gasses will build up and cause the engine to get suffocated on its own fumes. Larger diameter piping is generally better but it can also cause issues if you go with too large of a diameter. This can create too much backpressure which is not what you want to do.

The type of metal an Isuzu Dmax exhaust comes made of is going to tell you how durable and strong it's going to be. For instance, mild steel exhausts are the most affordable but also the most malleable as they can survive corrosive environments or impacts that well. Aluminised steel exhausts are a better option as they are tougher and have better anti-corrosive properties than mild steel exhausts. Stainless steel exhausts are the go-to option for many people as they are not only stronger but also better at surviving both corrosive and high-temperature conditions.

When it comes to the material the exhaust is made its thickness is also important. Thicker exhausts are much more durable as they can absorb impacts better but they are also heavier which doesn't do any good for fuel economy. Know that thicker materials also help reduce exhaust drone while thinner materials make for a more lightweight construction that is easier to install.

Getting to know your D-Max's engine is crucial to both installing and finding the right Isuzu Dmax exhaust. Knowing the numbers it can crunch out as well as its limitations is going to give you a better picture of what to expect.

No matter how much power you want to introduce with your new exhaust it needs to be legal. As long as your D-Max is able to pass emissions and dB limitations you're good to go.

It's better that you go for a kit instead of searching for individual parts and hardware yourself. This will make the installation process a lot easier which will save you lots of time and headaches.

Although your D-Max won't be slow after you're done installing a new exhaust to it, you might want to take it slow when doing so. One mistake will bring you back to the drawing board which is not what you want after you're done.

No, I'm not talking about your pet but the catalytic converter. It should be put in place or replaced with a new one but it should never be removed completely as you will be fined if stopped and checked.