7 of Our Favorite Exhaust Systems
When executed just right, a proper exhaust is the cherry on top of the perfect automotive sundae—it stands out in its own right, but it also completes the package. And it’s not just the sound, glorious though it may be. The visual—and sometimes the artistry—that a good set of pipes can add sometimes does more to define a car than any bit of thoughtfully penned bodywork.
We got to thinking about the sights and sounds that captivate us most, and this list was the result. We could have gone on for days, though, and we bet you have some favorites, too, so give our submissions a read, then tell us your favorite exhaust—for whatever reasons you choose—in the comments!
Ford GT40
I’m going to go with the Ford GT40’s “bundle of snakes” exhaust. When you stop to consider the precision with which such a system had to be fabricated, your mind kind of melts a bit. If you’ve never YouTubed one of these things at full honk, do yourself a favor and click play below. — Nate Petroelje
Gurney Eagle
The first time I ever saw a Gurney Eagle was at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction in 2013. The car was on display in the lobby area of the tent, and I remember being flabbergasted at the intricacies of the exhaust pipes coming out of that Gurney-Weslake V-12. I’d never seen anything like it, and all I could think of was spaghetti twirled up on a fork. — Stefan Lombard
Outlaw Dirt Sprint Car
No question, there are some lovely-to-look-at exhausts here, but I’m more moved by the sound an engine makes through that exhaust, and that’s a tough call. On several occasions I’ve been lucky enough to be at a racetrack when vintage Ferrari Formula 1 cars were making an exhibition run, and the Ferrari 412 T2’s fabric-tearing sound from its 3.0-liter V-12 is just otherworldly. But I’m picking something far less sophisticated: An exhaust note made by simple unmuffled headers fed by a 410-cubic-inch V-8 engine in an outlaw dirt sprint car. One car is loud; 24 sprint cars, representing about 21,600 horsepower, is thunder. The biggest sanctioning body for sprint cars is the World of Outlaws, which runs about 90 races a year, in a season that, in 2024, starts on February 7 and ends on November 9.
Due to local zoning laws, the WoO requires mufflers for 22 of the races. Since my hearing is shot already (Kids! Don’t do drugs, but DO wear earplugs!), I’ll take the unmuffled races, and the unmistakable smell of methanol in the evening. — Steven Cole Smith
Drag Headers
The best exhaust systems are the ones that end after the headers.
I couldn’t have said it much better than SCS. A 410 engine belching out of unmuffled Schoenfeld headers is tops.
But a close second are drag headers. Zoomies or fenderwell are my favorite on old drag cars. That cackle. That’s the noise I’d like to hear out of the trumpets as I approach heaven’s gate. Oh, and the visual appearance of four pipes directing exhaust up and over fat slicks, or peaking around the lip of a fender. Get outta here! — Cameron Neveu
Mercedes SLR McLaren and 1987–93 Mustang LX
My favorite exhaust in terms of looks is the side exit exhaust of the 2003–10 Mercedes SLR McLaren, because of that insane amount of space between the front wheel and the cowl and the subtle little twin pipes peeking under that area. The flat belly pan likely made this a mandatory location, but that only adds to the appeal. But when it comes to looks and sounds, for me there’s nothing like a 1987-93 Mustang LX with its signature chrome double-barreled shotgun tailpipes, and that small block Ford rumble. I could look and listen to that exhaust all day. — Sajeev Mehta
Shelby Mustang GT350
I grew up on V-8s in a GM family. That said, the first time I heard the idle and subsequent roar of a 289 in an early Shelby GT350, I knew Ford had done something right.
It wasn’t till I was older that I learned all about how firing order, crank design, and exhaust setup influenced the amazing sounds that come from our favorite engines. That 289 was what I remember as my earliest favorite so that’s what I picked for this response, but like Steven Cole Smith said, there are so many great sounds out there that it’s a really tough call. — Eddy Eckart
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Dear modern performance cars, if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all. I live in an area near the intersection of two BC provincial highways in an urban setting. Loud exhaust has become more than just obnoxious. From diesel trucks to imports that sound like tyrannosaurus farts, the art of great sounds has faded and has been replaced by noise alone. And not a pleasant noise. Ironically there is an NHRA racetrack a stones throw away from my home and it is often drowned out by the regular traffic in the area. For my money, give me a pre-1960 car with a set of Smithys or Hollywoods any day. For looks I nominate any early 60s Mopar with a 413 and fenderwell headers. The classic low growl of older exhaust systems will trump any of the modern tinny high decibel glass rattlers out there.
I was at Sebring in 1964 when Harley Earl pulled in with his personal Corvette. It didn’t wail but it sure rumbled. The chrome pipes came out through the fenders about where the false vents were. They dumped into side mufflers which seemed to have no packing. He “ goosed “ a few times to prove it. Beautiful car , great sound. Yes I am old.
I had the luck to work with AAR and Phil Remington for too years a True Master
Being able to rev to 9000 rpm seemingly almost instantaneously, the Lexus LFA has a exhaust note that will give you chills.
Some good ones there. The Fox Mustang is good, but the best Mustang soundtracks belong to the 4.6L 3V and 4V modular V8s. Just ear candy. I love the current 5.0L Coyote in almost every way for its smooth power and rev-forever nature, but it sounds like an old Flathead with Smitty’s mufflers. Raspy and generally awful. What you noted about firing order and exhaust grouping is 100 percent true. Ford maximized the Coyote by changing the firing order (back to the order used on the Flathead!) and lost all the sweet sound the 4.6Ls had.
It is difficult to imagine an article on this topic would not mention the fabulous sound of the Novi engines in the Indy 500 cars of the 50s, 60s, and into the 70s. On the Internet one can listen to the sound recordings of the Novi driven in a 1963 qualification attempt by ‘rookie’ Bobby Unser.’ Long time Novi driver and Indycar favorite Jim Hurtinise, had already qualified a Novi for a front row starting position in another Novi. The Chief Mechanic for the #6 ‘Hotel Tropicana Special, driven by Unser was Andy Granatelli. From my earliest days of attending Indy 500 races, beginning in about 1965 and going every year for 20+ years, the sound of the Novi still exists as a favorite ‘ear worm.’ The recordings don’t do justice to the real sounds.
Another memorable ‘ear shocker’ was my first exposure at Indy in the early 2000s during the Michael Schumacher, F1 era at IMS. F1 starts practice sessions very precisely at a designated time. A buddy who knew how loud and high pitched the high revving F1 engines were, suggested that for the start of practice we should sit in the shade of the covered grandstands opposite the F1 pit areas. (Not at all the best location around the Indy road course for viewing the race cars.) But that location, under the roof structure, provided an echo chamber for the shrieking, screaming F1 engines. They could be heard from miles away from the track. That first exposure sound / experience erased completely any and all notions that international race fans wearing ear protection on lanyards were simply whimps. Even my old and probably damaged ears told me quickly that this sound was too much for safety. Wear ear protection, sure, but that sound vibrated every organ in one’s body!
In about 1962, a guy named Gary Hooker crafted a pair of headers for his 409. They not only became the rage in drag racing, but also sold like hot cakes to the DIY street racer. They added a cacophony of metallic combustion noises (and heat!) under the hood that told everyone your car had something extra. The early headers often failed prematurely, had fitment issues, and had to be tightened up frequently. Still, the sound of headers remains one of my favorites.
A Ford flathead with dual glass-packs. …………..Jim.
#1 on this list should be the 1967 Ferrari 312 F1 Car.
-Wayne
A number of earlier posts mentioned the C2 Small Block Chevys, but none called out that those engines came from the factory with the Rams Horn manifolds. They really set off the look of a classic Chevy!
Especially if it was a high HP version with the 2,1/2” Pipe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iItzJc-NHI4&t=64s
I have two inputs, both marginal.
I cut my teeth in the industry building custom exhaust systems in the 80’s.
Small block Darts and Dusters where we had to build the hedders to exhaust forwards, on the driver side, because of the chassis structure, and then still balance it with the passenger side when the secondaries opened.
Currently I have an 04 Sierra, 6 litre, I know there is no secondaries, but when I come on to the foot feed, my wifes clothes still fall off.
The Duralast Baja truck with the 5.4ltr 4 valve engine had an 8 into 1 exhaust system that was like none other. When it went past it at 7000+ RPM it was unforgettable.
https://youtu.be/jFtsOfDA0TA
I liked the sound of the exhaust on certain GM V6 cars of the late 1980’s. A relative had a Corsica that sounded raspy and edgy, maybe a bit like a Buick Grand National. And my dad bought new a 1987 LeSabre coupe, and it sounded cool, also. When he replaced the muffler with an aftermarket one, the great sound was gone.
I hope Hagerty posts this, they Never post my replies…These are a must
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iItzJc-NHI4&t=64s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PL8-_G8JVc @2:53
Not quite the same subject but how about any RR Merlin or big Pratt and Whitney R2800 at full song? Or any moto GP bike at full song.