Just like any other Japanese car manufacturer, Mitsubishi has positioned itself as a brand that produces reliable, easy-to-drive and economical cars. Mitsubishi has also invested plenty in making its own technologies like MIVEC and their space seats which are heavily inspired by NASA's own seats used in their space crafts.
No matter what type of Mitsubishi model you go for you can expect all the above but what you can't rely on as much is the exhaust system. It's not that it isn't good, it's just not as good as its competitors, but luckily you can easily change that with an aftermarket exhaust.
Installing an Aftermarket Exhaust
Preparation
Installing an exhaust system on any vehicle shouldn't be a task that should scare you. It may look daunting but it's actually not that complex if you prepare accordingly. Once you choose your new system from probably a wide selection of aftermarket Mitsubishi exhausts for your car it's time to park it up. Let your vehicle cool down and gather your tools. This includes a floor jack, jack stands, six pointed sockets, a ratchet, WD-40, safety glasses and some gloves.
Removal
1. Once your car has cooled down, The first thing you should do is lift it up with the jack and place it on four jack stands one on each corner where the jack points are close to the rocker panels.
2. After that start by removing the O2 (oxygen) sensors typically connected to both sides of the exhaust pipes. All the nuts and bolts you see need to be sprayed with WD-40 or a similar solution in order to make your job of removing them much easier.
3. Once the WD-40 has stayed on for about 5 minutes, start taking off the nuts and bolts with the ratchet. After all the fasteners are removed, continue by taking off the pipes from the rubber hangers. There are typically metal pins that hold the piping to the rubber rings.
4. When you're done with the hangers, take the old exhaust system off. Just be careful with the catalytic converter in the process. You'll need that back unless you've bought a new one which is not a common sight as this component is quite expensive.
Installation
1. Before you start attaching the new Mitsubishi exhaust system to your vehicle make sure to spray some anti-seize fluid on the bolt threading. This makes it easier to fasten the bolts when you have the exhaust up in the air.
2. Make sure you have all the hardware such as the gaskets and new hangers if you've purchased them as well. Start off, by placing the end of the exhaust pipe with the downpipe port so that the holes for the bolts align. At this stage either have someone help hold the exhaust in that position or get a support stand that will keep it in place.
3. Tighten the bolts but don't go all the way as you need to leave them finger tight in case you need to reposition them later on. If your new Mitsubishi exhaust is made up of multiple pieces you should ensure they are connected well together and that all the seals are fitted properly. Some exhausts actually require certain pieces to be welded and if that's the case with yours, make sure you do so or get someone who knows how to do it for you.
4. When the above is done you then need to reconnect the O2 sensors you disconnected at the beginning. Next, slide the metal pins that hold the exhaust onto the rubber hangers and check the bolts and nuts. Tighten them properly this time and start your car. It will probably have some smoke come out but that's normal for a new system.
Why Install an Aftermarket Exhaust?
Performance
You might think why should you install an aftermarket Mitsubishi exhaust system and not an OEM one? The main reason for this is the added performance you get with aftermarket Mitsubishi exhausts. Your car is going to be far more responsive than with the limits of an OEM exhaust.
Efficiency
By having an aftermarket exhaust on, your Mitsubishi will also be much more efficient. That's solely of an aftermarket exhaust's freeing nature which doesn't put stress on other components and makes your vehicle more efficient as a whole.
Cost
The price of getting an aftermarket Mitsubishi exhaust is far lower than what an OEM system costs. Aftermarket exhausts are going to be either the same or of better quality than OEM ones yet still cost less or the same as an underpowered stock exhaust.
Longevity
Finally, an aftermarket Mitsubishi exhaust system will make your vehicle last longer. The efficiency that your car will experience will also prolong the lifespan of many components and systems making it overall an even longer-lasting car than it already is.
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