How to Upgrade Your Nissan Patrol's Exhaust System the Aftermarket Way

The landscape of SUVs has changed quite a bit in the last two decades, especially with the introduction of more compact SUVs in the mid-90s. An SUV gives you a higher riding position therefore a safer ride. You get a better view out and a more practical vehicle that is quite good at towing and doesn't spend as much fuel as SUVs of the past.

While you can't go with modern SUVs on an off-roading adventure you can definitely enjoy a more comfortable ride. Today's SUVs are much larger and much more appealing and the Patrol is one good example of this.

Benefits of Aftermarket Exhausts

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Efficiency

An aftermarket exhaust can make your Patrol more efficient and being such a big SUV fuel efficiency isn't their strong side. That's because a new exhaust is much better at keeping engine fumes going through more easily. Hence why an aftermarket Nissan Patrol Y62 exhaust is able to make your Japanese land conqueror like new.

Versatility

With an aftermarket exhaust, you can pick which component you want to get and how much you want to replace your current exhaust system. There are plenty of options to choose from that fit everyone's pocket and needs.

Price

Talking about pockets, you don't have to pay a small fortune so that you can get a decent-sounding exhaust or one that will last long. At least, that's not the case with an aftermarket system as typically it's a much more affordable upgrade.

Longevity

A new Y62 patrol exhaust will definitely stay longer on your vehicle than your stock system but an aftermarket one can stay even longer if you know what to look. While this will increase its price, it's definitely worth it.

Performance

Again, depending on what type of Nissan Patrol Y62 exhaust you go for you can definitely improve the performance of your Patrol. Be it on or off the road, you'll notice a big difference in acceleration speeds both when moving and from a standstill.

Types of Exhausts

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Turbo-Back

If you plan on adding a turbo to your naturally aspirated engine you should consider getting a turbo-back system. This is not a simple task at all but installing such an exhaust is going to get the most out of that 5.6-litre under the bonnet. This is also the most expensive option.

Header-Back

A header-back system is less capable than a turbo-back system but it's not that far from it. With a header-back exhaust, you're repacking the whole exhaust without the turbo this time. This is still a major upgrade and one that will take quite some time and bills from your pocket in order to become part of your Patrol.

Cat-Back

A more reasonable Y62 patrol exhaust would be a cat-back one that replaces components from the catalytic converter to the rear axle. Cat-back exhausts are the most common though as they improve on performance quite a bit without costing a fortune or being too difficult to install.

Axle-Back

The most affordable and easiest exhaust to install on your Patrol would be an axle-back system. You only get to replace a handful of exhaust components including the tailpipes. But because of their simplicity, they are not going to make a big difference in efficiency or performance but are still going to be better than your Patrol's stock system.

What Makes a Good Exhaust

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Material

Aftermarket Nissan Patrol exhausts come made of different types of materials with the most affordable and malleable one being mild steel. Mild steel exhausts are the least durable too which is why most people go for aluminised steel exhausts. These are much tougher and can survive corrosive conditions a lot better. Stainless steel exhausts are the best option here as they are tough, long-lasting and can withstand high temperatures but they are the most expensive too.

Thickness

The thickness of the material the exhaust is made of affects both its longevity and ability to deter exhaust drone. Thicker and heavier Nissan Patrol exhausts are better at surviving impacts and therefore more durable but they are also more difficult to install. Exhaust drone is more common with exhausts made of a thinner material but they are also much lighter and thus easier to install.

Diameter

The diameter of the pipes that connect every exhaust component also affects the flow of gasses. You should know that larger diameter piping is far better for performance and efficiency as more gases can pass through while smaller diameter exhausts are more restrictive, especially with vehicles as big as the Patrol. Keep in mind that going for a larger diameter piping than what your Patrol needs can also be bad as it can create more backpressure than what's needed.

Bends

You can have a Y62 patrol exhaust with either crush or mandrel bends. Those made with crush bends are more restrictive since they are not smooth. Mandrel-bent exhausts are better for the flow of gasses as they make for a smooth exhaust but also a more expensive one.