Click here to ediHolden Colorado utes have been faithful companions to Aussie adventures for many years and many more to come. These bad boys are praised for their on/off-road performance, stability and comfort during long-distance drives. The first generation (RC 2008-2012) was introduced to the Australian market to replace the Holden Rodeo which Isuzu reclaimed for itself. The second-generation (RG 2012-2020) had the same chassis as the Isuzu D-Max and it featured 4 trim grades, 3 body styles and 4x2 or 4x4 wheel drive.
he Holden Colorado 7 was first released in 2013, but it received backlash. In 2016, this SUV came back bigger and stronger and was later rebadged as the Holden Trailblazer. This model is a right-hand-drive version of the Chevrolet S10 dual cab.
If you own one of these utes, you can choose from a plethora of upgrades to boost the performance, practicality and the looks of your vehicle as well as to bring functionality up to date. However, it’s easy to get lost in the vast sea of modifications on the market, so it’s best to start with the most important parts such as your Holden Colorado exhaust. Think of your Colorado exhaust as the lungs of your ute. You can’t expect it to run smoothly if it suffocates, right? No matter if you’re buying a new car or you just want to upgrade your old beaut’s performance, the exhaust is one of the first things you’ll need to check
If you own one of these utes, you can choose from a plethora of upgrades to boost the performance, practicality and the looks of your vehicle as well as to bring functionality up to date. However, it’s easy to get lost in the vast sea of modifications on the market, so it’s best to start with the most important parts such as your Holden Colorado exhaust. Think of your Colorado exhaust as the lungs of your ute. You can’t expect it to run smoothly if it suffocates, right? No matter if you’re buying a new car or you just want to upgrade your old beaut’s performance, the exhaust is one of the first things you’ll need to check
When Should You Change Your Holden Colorado Exhaust?
The exhaust system is probably the most hard-working part of any vehicle. First, it allows for airflow to route toxic fumes away from the engine and the passenger cabin. Second, it reduces excessive noise produced by the engine. Third, it reduces the emissions released in the environment. Fourth, it improves the performance of the engine. And finally, it can be a great cosmetic detail.
A faulty or poor quality Holden Colorado exhaust system can single-handedly undermine your ute. It can affect the way your car runs, increase fuel consumption and cause additional problems to other parts. The most common signs that you should definitely change your Colorado exhaust are decreased fuel efficiency, increased engine noise and odd vibrations coming from the steering wheel or the gas pedal. The reason for this might be an exhaust leak, rust, loose or broken bolt or the material of which the exhaust is made. If you’ve experienced one or more of these problems, it’s time to give your Colorado a new set of lungs.
A faulty or poor quality Holden Colorado exhaust system can single-handedly undermine your ute. It can affect the way your car runs, increase fuel consumption and cause additional problems to other parts. The most common signs that you should definitely change your Colorado exhaust are decreased fuel efficiency, increased engine noise and odd vibrations coming from the steering wheel or the gas pedal. The reason for this might be an exhaust leak, rust, loose or broken bolt or the material of which the exhaust is made. If you’ve experienced one or more of these problems, it’s time to give your Colorado a new set of lungs.
Which Holden Colorado Exhaust to Buy?
- Aluminized Exhaust System – made from standard-grade steel, but it has an additional aluminium alloy layer that protects the exhaust from the elements. It’s lighter than stainless steel exhausts and usually more affordable.
- Stainless Steel Exhaust System – made from high-grade stainless steel that offers corrosion prevention, heat resistance and greater strength than aluminized exhausts.
- Catback Exhaust System – cost-effective way to increase horsepower and boost overall performance. This upgrade will replace the exhaust tips, the pipe that goes from the converter to the muffler and the muffler itself.
- Turbo back Exhaust System – suitable if you have a vehicle with a turbocharged engine. You’ll need to replace everything from the downpipe to the exhaust tips.
What to Look for in a High-Quality Colorado Exhaust System
The first thing you want is mandrel-bent tubing. This is a method that involves inserting a steel rod as the tubing is bent to ensure there’s no wrinkling or breakage at the bending point. This allows no restrictions throughout the length of the system.
Next, if you opt for stainless steel, look for either 304 or 409-grade steel. The first one is more expensive because it has a greater resistance to rust due to the high percentage of chromium and nickel. The 409-grade steel might be more susceptible to rust, but that shouldn’t be a major concern because the surface rust can be cleaned. It’s a more affordable option, that’s strong and durable. It’s worth mentioning that neither of these two is 100% rust-resistant. If you want to save even more, opt for a T6061 aluminium exhaust. This is exhaust is lighter in weight, but it also has great corrosion resistance.
Then, it’s good for the whole exhaust to be painted with heat resistant enamel, not just the welds. The gas that leaves the engine cylinders contains a lot of heat which can damage the exhaust system and prevent it from functioning properly. Moreover, the heat can raise the under-hood temperature and cause damage to other parts as well. Enamel provides superior heat and chemical resistance.
After that, you’ll want a bolt-on system that fits directly to the original vehicle mounting points for ease of fitment.
And finally, your sound options. You can choose from a straight pipe, a resonator and a muffler. However, you should be aware that these won’t only affect the sound, but the performance as well. Straight pipes and resonators provide louder sound but reduce engine backpressure. On the other hand, mufflers will lower your ute’s sound level, but they’ll allow for a deep, low-end growl sound. Stock mufflers also put higher backpressure than resonators, but if you opt for a glass pack replacement, then, you have nothing to worry about.
While some like their vehicles loud and go a step further, by to allow for that aggressive noise, it’s best to tone it down and avoid those judgy looks from your neighbours, fellow passengers and other drives.
Next, if you opt for stainless steel, look for either 304 or 409-grade steel. The first one is more expensive because it has a greater resistance to rust due to the high percentage of chromium and nickel. The 409-grade steel might be more susceptible to rust, but that shouldn’t be a major concern because the surface rust can be cleaned. It’s a more affordable option, that’s strong and durable. It’s worth mentioning that neither of these two is 100% rust-resistant. If you want to save even more, opt for a T6061 aluminium exhaust. This is exhaust is lighter in weight, but it also has great corrosion resistance.
Then, it’s good for the whole exhaust to be painted with heat resistant enamel, not just the welds. The gas that leaves the engine cylinders contains a lot of heat which can damage the exhaust system and prevent it from functioning properly. Moreover, the heat can raise the under-hood temperature and cause damage to other parts as well. Enamel provides superior heat and chemical resistance.
After that, you’ll want a bolt-on system that fits directly to the original vehicle mounting points for ease of fitment.
And finally, your sound options. You can choose from a straight pipe, a resonator and a muffler. However, you should be aware that these won’t only affect the sound, but the performance as well. Straight pipes and resonators provide louder sound but reduce engine backpressure. On the other hand, mufflers will lower your ute’s sound level, but they’ll allow for a deep, low-end growl sound. Stock mufflers also put higher backpressure than resonators, but if you opt for a glass pack replacement, then, you have nothing to worry about.
While some like their vehicles loud and go a step further, by to allow for that aggressive noise, it’s best to tone it down and avoid those judgy looks from your neighbours, fellow passengers and other drives.
