Australia is one of the biggest export markets for Nissan vehicles, with the Patrol being one of their most popular models. And you can really tell why Australians are crazy for these tough and rugged four-wheel drives - they're reliable and made to withstand the rough Australian environment, making them ideal for everyday people who like to have a getaway in the vast Australian outback every once in a while. But as great as the Patrol is, it's not perfect. And to be fair, no vehicle can be said to be perfect. Different people need different things out of their Patrol, so they obviously pick models that suit them best. However, if you're looking to get more out of your Patrol in terms of performance, mileage, looks and appearance, the most efficient way to accomplish all of that is by installing an aftermarket exhaust system.
While every vehicle comes with a perfectly functional stock exhaust system, that system is oftentimes restrictive. This means that your engine isn't able to live up to its full potential, simply because these restrictions rob it of much needed clean air to burn fuel efficiently, and the exhaust gases need more time to leave the system, which can cause back pressure, which again translates into power and mileage losses. And this is where aftermarket systems come into play. By simply having wider diameter pipes, a quality Patrol dump pipe that is manufactured using advanced mandrel bending techniques, aftermarket exhaust systems free up a lot of power potential.
Unlike stock exhaust systems that are manufactured with cost-cutting in mind, aftermarket exhaust systems are made with performance gains in mind. Of course, you'll have to pay a hefty amount for an aftermarket exhaust system, but given the fact that they usually outlast the longevity of your Patrol, many gear heads agree that they're worth the initial investment. Not only are aftermarket exhaust durable themselves to their quality stainless or aluminised steel construction, but they also prolong the longevity of your vehicle due to the fact that they allow the engine to breathe more freely.
Additionally, the mandrel bending technique used to manufacture stock exhaust systems is far superior. Mandrel bending is a technique that involves a mandrel being placed inside the pipe to prevent kinks and creases. This means that the bends remain virtually free of diameter and profile changes. The mandrels are made up of a series of rounded radius-faced balls that are tied together by a flexible cable. These balls are typically made of brass and can flex and follow the bend radius, while at the same time support the inside walls of the pipe. In order to smooth out irregularities and enhance the appearance of the pipe, aftermarket manufacturers utilise a wiper die.
Crush bending, on the other hand, is the technique used by most vehicle manufacturers to make their exhaust systems, involves tubes being bent using only backing shoes and a radius die. As aforementioned, these pipes are still functional, but they have a bend on the inside of the radius. This is a result of the stretching of the outside of the tube bend as the pipe is drawn across the die, while the inside bend is contracted, resulting in a slight depression. This is the most common type of bending because it's the most economical and requires less equipment.
Speaking of pipes, your Petrol dump pipe is probably one of the most underrated, yet overworked parts of your entire system. When the throttle shuts in your turbo, there's a huge build-up of pressure as air is forced out. In other words, when the engine isn't burning fuel, it isn't using oxygen either, which can put the turbo under pressure, ultimately resulting in damaged pipes or a damaged turbo. This happens because the flow will try to go back through the turbo, causing a compressor surge. The compressor surge can make the turbo spin in reverse, causing a huge strain on the bearings.
The Nissan dump pipe is fitted to the waste-gate, which is located right after the muffler, and its purpose is to help the turbo run at full potential. Quality dump pipes use a clever design that reduces turbo lag and makes the turbo spin longer. Besides improving turbo performance, dump pipes can also change how your Patrol sounds. You can buy a Nissan dump pipe separately, and see noticeable benefits in how your vehicle performs and sounds. However, before you do that, consult with a dealer or mechanic, as installing a new dump pipe may require modifications to make it fit properly. You'll find a wide range of dump pipes online that can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, and you can choose one based on your Nissan Patrol's model, make and year to ensure a proper fit.
