Charge pipes and downpipes are not the same. A charge pipe is used to route exhaust from an engine through a turbocharger, which increases power and torque. Downpipes carry exhaust away from an engine into either a muffler or tailpipe.
Charge pipes are not used to decrease backpressure on an exhaust system like downpipes. Exhaust gases exit at the top of a piston engine, then travel down and around to the turbocharger mounted to the intake manifold. These gases come out of the cylinders and into what is called a plenum chamber. It’s a chamber formed in the exhaust manifold. it directs the exhaust gases to the desired location downpipes or charge pipes, depending on what is needed by the engine.
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Does a downpipe make your car louder?
Yes, a downpipe usually does make your car louder. The turbine wheel inside the turbocharger compresses the air flowing into it with voracious force, squeezing out what would otherwise be wasted energy as heat.
In order for that process to work properly, the engine and exhaust stream must not contain any contaminants (unburnt gasoline and oil) which would diminish gas mileage and lead to clogged-up filters.
The average sound of a hard-driven turbocharged engine adjacent to a muffler is about 70dbA in normal driving conditions.
Downpipe size has an impact on how loud a turbo sounds. Larger pipes mean more exhaust volume in the downpipe and thus a louder turbo.
In general, if you have a stock vehicle with an aftermarket turbo kit installed, adding a cat-back exhaust will make your car louder.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If the manufacturer provides an off-road pipe or silencer system (such as Nissan’s Xtra-Series pipes) that has an externally mounted muffler, the combination will not be louder than stock.
Is a catless downpipe illegal?
Yes, a catless downpipe is illegal. A catless downpipe redirects exhaust gases around the catalytic converter and away from it.
A catless downpipe is illegal in all US countries because it increases pollution levels and can also lead to more expensive repairs should the converter fail.
A downpipe that does not contain a catalyst will emit unburned hydrocarbons, which can cause air pollution and smog.
Why would you want to replace your stock downpipe with a catless one?
The first reason is that a catless downpipe will keep your car quieter while idle. The second is that by making your car quieter, it helps you stay stealthier when you’re creeping around watching the deer in the back of your yard. The third reason is that a catless downpipe is more durable since there’s no catalytic converter to get clogged up with carbon deposits and oil from the engine.
How do I know if my car needs a downpipe or charge pipe
If you’re wondering whether or not your car needs a downpipe or charge pipe, check to see if there is a difference in the exhaust noise. If you can hear the exhaust more clearly after replacing your downpipe with a charge pipe, then it’s safe to say that you need a charge pipe.
When should I get an aftermarket exhaust installed on my vehicle?
Some people might be wondering whether or not they should get an aftermarket exhaust installed on their vehicle. The decision will depend on different factors, such as the type of vehicle you have.
For example, if you have a truck with a large engine, then it might make sense to install an aftermarket exhaust. Or if you live in a city and need to tow anything from time to time, then it could also make sense to invest in an aftermarket exhaust system.
The decision will also depend on whether or not you want to improve your car’s performance, reduce noise pollution while driving around the neighborhood, etc. If you decide that an aftermarket exhaust system is right for your particular situation, then make sure that you buy one.
What is a turbo charge tube?
A turbocharger, or just turbo for short is a turbine-driven forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine’s power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. It consists of a rotating turbine, compressor, and housing that contains the compressing mechanism. The volume of air from the compressor is compressed to produce thermal energy when it is combined with fuel in the cylinder.
Charge pipe carries the pressurized air from the turbo to the intake manifold. The charge pipe helps directs air, and as a result, more power is produced with less throttle opening. They help connect the turbocharger to the engine’s intake system of piping however, they aren’t always used with every vehicle that has a turbo.
What does a cold side charge pipe do?
A cold side charge pipe, also known as a coolant or intake side charge pipe, has a dual role. The first is that it allows the turbo to be mounted lower. This decreases the noise and drag generated by drag-inducing airflow. It is made of metal or aluminum typically with an insulated coating to minimize heat transfer to the hot engine coolant. The second is that it helps draw hot exhaust gas through the turbocharger and out of the engine’s exhaust manifold, thereby improving turbo efficiency and reducing engine emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOX), and carbon monoxide (CO).
The cold side charge pipe is located on the “cold” side of the turbocharger where cooler air from outside of the engine compartment will help it to run more efficiently by protecting the turbo from excessive heat.
Why are some charge pipes made of plastic?
Some charge pipes are made of plastic because they are lighter in weight compared to metal, which makes them less expensive and easier to install. In addition, aluminum is prone to corrosion. However, the primary advantage to using plastic charge pipes is that they are less likely to corrode and cause a lot of maintenance issues for the vehicle owner.
Conclusion
Is a Charge Pipe the Same as a Downpipe? A charge pipe is different than a downpipe. The exhaust from an engine is routed through the charge pipe to the turbocharger, which increases power and torque, which are then sent into the intake manifold and into cylinders. Downpipes carry exhaust away from an engine into either a muffler or tailpipe.
The decision will depend on whether you want to improve your car’s performance, reduce noise pollution while driving around town, etc.
Reference
Charge Pipe [What Is It and Why Use It?
