The primary components of the automotive exhaust system are:
The exhaust manifold is bolted to the engine's cylinder head. It can be of a one-piece or two-piece construction. In performance type vehicles, the exhaust manifold is often replaced with extractors.
A normal exhaust manifold is usually made from cast iron.
Due to the extreme temperatures generated at the exhaust manifold, heat shields can be installed to protect other vehicle components from heat damage.
The engine pipe is attached to the exhaust manifold. It takes the gases away through the catalytic converter, then through the muffler system to the outside environment.
The catalytic converter is attached to the engine pipe, between the engine and the muffler.
It converts the harmful by-products of combustion to relatively harmless gases.
The exhaust components are supported along the length of the vehicle by brackets suspended from the underbody.
These are usually rubber-mounted supports that help isolate the vibrations of the exhaust from the main body of the vehicle.
Rubber is preferred because of its natural dampening effect.
Muffler
The muffler is located between the engine and the exhaust outlet. It is designed to reduce the noise levels of the exhaust by breaking up the sound frequencies of the gases.
Mufflers can be of various designs but their function is common to all.
Resonator
Many manufacturers use a resonator in the exhaust system. It is located between the muffler and the exhaust outlet.
Its function is to reduce any resonance levels that the muffler could not adequately suppress.
IMG: exhaustcomp_tailpipe.jpg
Tail pipe
The tail pipe takes the exhaust gases away from the vehicle. Its exit point must not allow any of the exhaust gases to enter the vehicle.
Source: CDX Global
