Top Aftermarket Exhaust Systems for Unlocking More Power in Your Polaris Slingshot

Exhaust System Upgrades for Polaris Slingshot

The Polaris Slingshot is a unique three-wheeled vehicle that delivers an exciting open-air driving experience. While the stock Slingshot exhaust provides a decent note, many owners choose to upgrade their exhaust system to enhance both the look and sound of their ride.

An aftermarket Slingshot exhaust offers a range of benefits that can improve the overall driving experience. Upgraded exhausts provide increased horsepower and torque, improved throttle response, better fuel efficiency, and an aggressive exhaust note. They also give the Slingshot a customized, head-turning look.

Improved Performance

One of the main reasons to upgrade your Slingshot's exhaust is to unlock more power. The stock system is fairly restrictive, limiting airflow and engine performance. Aftermarket exhausts feature mandrel-bent tubing and high-flow mufflers that allow for better breathing.

This reduction in airflow restriction enables more exhaust gases to be evacuated from the engine. In turn, the engine can draw in more air and fuel for improved combustion. More air and fuel in the combustion chamber increases horsepower and torque output.

In addition to more power, an aftermarket exhaust system also provides faster throttle response. The engine has less resistance allowing it to spool up quicker when accelerating. This leads to a more responsive, exciting driving experience.

Enhanced Exhaust Note

One of the most noticeable benefits of upgrading your Slingshot exhaust is the improved sound. The stock system is fairly muted, especially for a three-wheeled roadster. Aftermarket exhausts use less restrictive mufflers that allow more interior exhaust noise.

This provides an aggressive, throaty exhaust tone that turns heads when driving. The sound also enhances the thrill of accelerating in an open-air Slingshot. Most upgraded exhausts include a muffler so you can adjust the volume of the exhaust.

Customized Styling

Aftermarket Slingshot exhaust systems also give you an opportunity to customize the look of your ride. They are available in different finishes like black, stainless steel and even chrome. Exhaust tips can be round, oval, or slash cut to further change up the styling.

Being a three-wheeled vehicle, the Slingshot exhaust is prominently displayed. An upgraded exhaust with polished pipes and shiny tips will really capture attention on the road. The system can be color matched to your Slingshot's paint for a coherent look.

Popular Slingshot Exhaust Brands

There are a few leading manufacturers of Slingshot exhaust systems to choose from. Each offers different sound levels, design options and price points. Popular brands include:

Arrow

Arrow is one of the biggest names in the exhaust industry. For the Slingshot, they offer a full cat-back system featuring stainless steel construction. It comes with a removable baffle to adjust the volume. Arrow claims up to 10 horsepower gains along with an aggressive exhaust note.

MBRP

MBRP is another reputable exhaust brand that makes a Slingshot-specific system. Their exhaust has a single muffler and 4.5” tips for plenty of volume. The company advertises gains of up to 8 HP along with a dreamy exhaust tone. MBRP exhausts come with a polished stainless or black ceramic coating.

Speed By Design

Speed By Design specializes in exhast systems for Polaris vehicles. Their Slingshot exhaust is made from T-304 stainless steel with either round or oval tips. It comes with or without a muffler for sound adjustment. Expect deep tone and 5-8 HP gains with this system.

Diamond Eye

For a more budget-friendly option, Diamond Eye offers a full cat-back exhaust for the Slingshot. It's made using aluminized steel with a single muffler. Diamond Eye claims up to 10 HP increase along with an aggressive exhaust sound. It's one of the more affordable systems available.

Exhaust System Materials

Aftermarket Slingshot exhausts are commonly made using either stainless steel or aluminized steel. Here's a look at the properties of each material:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is more expensive but provides the best corrosion resistance - an important factor for any exhaust system. Types 304 and 409 are common grades used. Stainless steel exhuasts have a shiny, chrome-like appearence when polished.

Aluminized Steel

Aluminized or coated steel is typically used on more budget-friendly exhausts. It is carbon steel that has been coated with aluminum to protect against corrosion. This material is more prone to rusting but can hold up fairly well on the Slingshot.

Installing a Slingshot Exhaust System

Installing an aftermarket Slingshot exhaust system is similar to any other vehicle. Here are some tips for removing the stock exhaust and installing your new system:

Gather Tools

You'll need a few basic hand tools - socket set, pry bar, wrenches, jack stands, etc. Many exhaust components are held on with flange bolts that require basic sockets or wrenches to remove.

Lift Up Vehicle

Using a floor jack, carefully lift up the Slingshot and place jack stands securely under the frame. This allows access to the underside where the exhaust system is located.

Remove Stock Exhaust

Starting at the rear, carefully disconnect the exhaust pipes from the flanges. Spray with penetrating oil if bolts are stuck. Remove any rubber grommets from the pipes. Unbolt the muffler and catalytic converter if equipped.

Install Upgraded Exhaust

Bolt on the new muffler, mid pipe, and catalytic converter using the new gaskets supplied. Some adjustment or trimming may be required for proper fitment. Connect all flanges from the engine to the tailpipes using included hardware.

Lower Vehicle

With the new exhaust fully secured, lower vehicle off the jack stands. Start up the engine to check for any leaks at connection points. Retighten any loose flanges. Enjoy your new exhaust note!

Exhaust Modification Laws

While updating your Slingshot exhaust system is a fairly simple bolt-on mod, there are some legal considerations to keep in mind:

Emissions Laws

Removing or altering the catalytic converter may be prohibited by emissions laws in your state. Most aftermarket systems retain the cat for this reason. Check local regulations before modifying or removing it.

Noise Ordinances

Some upgraded Slingshot exhausts may produce sound levels exceeding local noise ordinances, especially with the baffles removed. Keep volumes reasonable to avoid nuisance violations.

Racing Prohibitions

In some areas, exhaust systems designed for "racing" are not permitted for street use. If changing exhaust, choose a street-legal system to avoid potential citations.

Enhance Your Slingshot's Sound & Performance

Installing an aftermarket exhaust system is one of the best ways to extract more horsepower from your Polaris Slingshot. With options from top brands, you can also customize the look and enjoy an upgraded exhaust note. Just be sure to abide by any local regulations when modifying your exhaust system.

FAQs

Does an aftermarket exhaust void the Slingshot warranty?

Installing an aftermarket exhaust will not automatically void the factory warranty. However, any engine or emissions related issues that result from the exhaust may not be covered.

What gains can I expect from a Slingshot exhaust upgrade?

Most manufacturers claim HP gains of 5-10 when installing their exhaust system on the Slingshot. Increased throttle response is also common.

What is the easiest exhaust upgrade for the Slingshot?

A cat-back system is the simplest exhaust upgrade requiring only bolt-on installation. No custom fabrication or tuning is needed.

Should I remove the baffles from my aftermarket Slingshot exhaust?

You can experiment with baffle removal to increase exhaust volume. But be aware this may exceed local noise regulations if too loud.

Will an aftermarket exhaust system reduce interior cabin noise?

No, most aftermarket systems will increase interior noise levels in the Slingshot cockpit. Sound dampening material can help reduce unwanted drone if too loud.