An exhaust header in simple terms is a minor asset for high performance drivers who are solely interested in higher speeds and usually make more and more modifications to their vehicles to achieve that desire.
It is an automotive part engineered to enhance vehicular performance. This would imply installation of large intake vents for the engine. The main function performed by the exhaust header is to modify the system in such a way so as to prevent any sort of back pressure on the engine which in turn cuts down the job of cylinders. Exhaust headers may be classified as per their types and tuning based on performance aimed at by the driver.
Now let us understand how the conventional exhaust system works. After the combustion by the cylinders, the exhaust is routed out of the exhaust pipe by the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold, if it creates a back pressure, exerts more energy when it pushes against the cylinder to prepare for another firing. This leads to loss of efficiency. The exhaust header has a somewhat different function. It creates smaller exhaust pipes, one for each cylinder and routes the entire exhaust to a larger centralized collector. All pipes of such header are uniquely shaped and bent so as to exhaust the gases in a sequential order from the point of firing from the cylinders. This increases the efficiency of the cylinders as all or any back pressure problems are eliminated.
Now that we have discussed about classification based on tuning you may know that the header can be tuned to pull out exhaust even from the next cylinder which saves much work for the cylinders. Drivers interested in open road speed fun opt for high performance headers whereas those preferring to drive and accelerate around town go for low performance exhaust headers.
Manufacturers come up with a variety of specifically designed exhaust headers depending upon the car and its design. You may also know that exhaust leaks can be dangerous and to prevent leakage headers should be professionally installed or at least with professional care. Improperly installed exhaust headers may lead to leakage of carbon monoxide into the vehicle cabin and cause damage to drivers and passengers.
Car manufacturers are stressing upon striking a balance between performance and design so that drivers need not fiddle with the original constitution of the car which in turn puts them at risk.
