Can Am Spyder Exhaust: Essential Upgrade!

There are many benefits to upgrading your Can-Am Spyder exhaust. An aftermarket exhaust can improve sound, performance, and even the look of your Spyder. This guide will help you understand why upgrading and how to pick the right one.

Can-Am Spyder Exhaust: An Essential Performance Upgrade!

As a passionate rider, you love your Can-Am Spyder. It’s a unique ride that stands out from the crowd. But sometimes, even a great machine can feel like it’s missing something. For many Spyder owners, that “something” is the sound and feel of a better exhaust system. The stock exhaust can be quiet, and let’s be honest, a little uninspiring. Upgrading your Can-Am Spyder exhaust is a popular and rewarding modification. It’s not just about making your Spyder louder; it’s about unlocking its true potential. Don’t worry if you’re new to this; I’m here to guide you through it. We’ll explore why an aftermarket exhaust is so beneficial and how to choose the perfect one for your Spyder.

Why Upgrade Your Can-Am Spyder Exhaust?

So, why do so many Can-Am Spyder owners consider an exhaust upgrade an “essential” step? It boils down to a few key areas: sound, performance, weight, and aesthetics. Let’s break down why these factors make a difference.

The Sound of Freedom (and Performance)

One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of a new exhaust is the sound. The stock exhaust on most Can-Am Spyders is designed for quiet operation, which is great for some, but often leaves riders wanting more. An aftermarket exhaust can give your Spyder a deeper, more aggressive tone that truly complements its powerful presence on the road. This isn’t just about being loud; it’s about having a sound that matches the thrill of the ride. Imagine pulling up to a stoplight, or cruising down an open road, with a satisfying rumble that announces your arrival. It enhances the overall riding experience significantly.

Boosting Performance: More Than Just Noise

While the sound is a major draw, a new exhaust system can also contribute to better performance. When engines breathe easier, they perform better. An aftermarket exhaust is often designed with less restrictive baffling and a smoother internal path for exhaust gases to escape. This improved “exhaust flow” can lead to:

Increased horsepower and torque: By allowing the engine to expel spent gases more efficiently, it can take in fresh air and fuel more effectively, leading to a noticeable power boost.
Better throttle response: You might find that your Spyder reacts more eagerly when you twist the throttle.
Improved fuel efficiency: In some cases, a more efficient exhaust can contribute to slightly better fuel economy, although this is usually a secondary benefit.

Think of it like this: if you were trying to breathe through a narrow straw, it would be much harder than breathing through a wide-open pipe. The same principle applies to your Spyder’s engine.

Shedding Weight for Agility

Stock exhaust systems, especially on larger vehicles like the Spyder, can be surprisingly heavy. They are often built with robust materials to meet strict durability and noise regulations. Aftermarket manufacturers can use lighter, high-performance materials like stainless steel or even titanium. Replacing your heavy stock exhaust with a lighter aftermarket unit can:

Reduce overall vehicle weight: Every pound saved can contribute to better handling and acceleration
Improve the power-to-weight ratio: This essentially means your engine has less mass to move, leading to a more responsive feel.

While the weight savings might not be drastic enough to transform handling on their own, when combined with other performance upgrades, they can have a cumulative positive effect.

A Sharper Look: Styling Your Spyder

Let’s not forget about the aesthetics. The stock exhaust pipe can sometimes look a bit plain or out of place on an otherwise stylish machine like the Can-Am Spyder. Aftermarket exhaust systems come in a variety of designs, finishes, and tip styles. You can choose an option that:

Complements your Spyder’s existing lines: Many are designed to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s bodywork.
Adds a custom touch: From polished chrome to matte black finishes, and sleek, integrated tips to bold, outward-facing ones, you can personalize the look.
Elevates the overall appearance: A well-designed exhaust can be a focal point, giving your Spyder a more aggressive and refined look.

Types of Can-Am Spyder Exhaust Systems

When you start looking into aftermarket exhausts, you’ll encounter a few different types. Each has its own pros and cons, and understanding them will help you make the right choice for your needs and budget.

Slip-On Mufflers

The simplest and most common upgrade is a “slip-on” muffler. This system replaces your stock muffler with an aftermarket one. All the piping from the engine to the muffler remains stock.

Pros:
- Easiest to install.
- Usually the most affordable option.
- Significant improvement in sound and aesthetics is possible.
- Minimally impacts emissions or engine tuning requirements.
Cons:
- Performance gains are typically modest compared to full systems.
- May not offer the deepest or most aggressive sound.

Full Exhaust Systems

A full exhaust system replaces everything from the exhaust headers (closest to the engine) all the way back to the tip. This includes headers, the mid-pipe, and the muffler.

Pros:
- Offers the greatest potential for performance gains (horsepower and torque).
- Can provide the most aggressive and desirable exhaust note.
- Significant weight reduction is often achieved.
- Allows for complete customization of sound and appearance.
Cons:
- More complex and time-consuming to install.
- Typically the most expensive option.
- May require the engine’s fuel mapping to be adjusted (tuned) to ensure optimal performance and prevent running issues.
- Can be significantly louder, potentially exceeding local noise ordinances.

Exhaust Headers

Sometimes, riders opt to upgrade just the headers. These are the pipes that connect directly to the engine’s cylinders. Upgrading headers can improve exhaust flow away from the engine.

Pros:
- Can offer a noticeable performance improvement, especially in conjunction with a performance muffler.
- Often made from lighter, more durable materials.
Cons:
- Installation is more involved than a slip-on.
- May also require an ECU tune for best results.
- On their own, they usually don’t change the sound as dramatically as a new muffler.

What to Look for in a Can-Am Spyder Exhaust

When you’re ready to buy, consider these important factors to ensure you get the right upgrade for your Can-Am Spyder.

Material Matters: Durability and Sound

The material your exhaust is made from affects its durability, weight, and even the sound it produces. Common materials include:

Stainless Steel: This is the most popular choice for aftermarket exhausts. It’s highly resistant to corrosion and heat, durable, and offers a good balance of performance and cost. Different grades of stainless steel exist, with higher grades offering better corrosion resistance.
Titanium: Lighter and stronger than stainless steel, titanium is a premium material. It can also produce a different, often sharper, exhaust note. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point.
Carbon Fiber: Often used for exhaust tips or heat shields, carbon fiber is extremely lightweight and offers a high-tech look. It’s not typically used for the main exhaust body due to cost and heat limitations in some applications.

Sound Level and Tone: Finding Your Voice

This is highly personal! What one rider finds “perfect,” another might find too loud or too quiet. Most reputable exhaust manufacturers will offer sound clips or descriptions of the tone their systems produce.

Deep and Mellow: Often associated with larger displacement engines and lower frequencies.
Aggressive and Raspy: Can be found in higher-revving engines or those with specific exhaust designs.
Volume: Look for options that specify their dB levels or describe their loudness relative to stock. Some brands offer different packing levels for mufflers to adjust sound. Always check local noise regulations!

Performance Gains: What to Expect

While most upgrades offer some improvement, don’t expect massive horsepower leaps from just a slip-on muffler. Full systems will provide more significant gains. Manufacturers often publish dyno charts showing the increase in horsepower and torque. For a Can-Am Spyder, even a few horsepower can make a noticeable difference in acceleration and overall feel.

It’s also important to understand that for some full systems, or if you’re changing headers significantly, the engine control unit (ECU) may need remapping to optimize fuel delivery and ignition timing. This ensures the engine runs efficiently and safely with the new exhaust. Some aftermarket exhausts are designed to work with the stock ECU mapping, while others are optimized for a tuned ECU.

Installation Complexity: DIY or Professional?

Consider your comfort level with mechanical work. Slip-on mufflers are usually straightforward bolt-on replacements. Full systems, involving header removal and potential mid-pipe connections, are more involved and might be best left to a professional if you’re not experienced.

Aesthetics and Fitment: Does it Look Good and Fit Right?

The exhaust should not only sound great but also look the part and fit your specific Spyder model correctly. Manufacturers will list which models and years their exhausts are designed for. Pay attention to the finish (chrome, black, brushed), the shape of the muffler, and the design of the exhaust tip. It should integrate well with the overall styling of your Can-Am Spyder.

Legal Considerations: Staying Within the Law

This is crucial. Aftermarket exhausts can affect your vehicle’s emissions and noise levels. In many regions, there are laws governing exhaust systems concerning:

Emissions: Modifications that remove or bypass catalytic converters can make your vehicle illegal for road use. Most reputable aftermarket exhausts designed for road use will retain or have provisions for emissions compliance.
Noise Levels: Exceeding local noise ordinances can result in fines or having to revert to a stock exhaust.

Always check your local laws and regulations regarding vehicle exhaust modifications. Reputable manufacturers will often specify if their product is for “off-road use only” or “not street legal” in certain areas.

For more information on emissions standards in the United States, you can refer to resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Popular Can-Am Spyder Exhaust Brands

Several manufacturers specialize in high-quality exhaust systems for Can-Am Spyders. Here are a few well-regarded names in the industry:

Brand	Typical Offerings	Key Features
Two Brothers Racing (TBR)	Slip-on mufflers, full systems	Known for aggressive sound, performance gains, and high-quality stainless steel construction. Often feature unique designs.
Yoshimura	Slip-on mufflers, full systems	Renowned for precision engineering, distinctive sound, and premium materials. Often offer a sportier, more refined exhaust note.
SCT (Speed City Turbo)	Full exhaust systems, headers	Focus on performance and often offer systems designed to work optimally with ECU tuning for maximum power.
GPR (Grande Premio Racing)	Slip-on mufflers, full systems	Offer a wide range of styles and materials, often with a focus on European-inspired designs and performance.
Spark Exhaust Technology	Slip-on mufflers, full systems	Known for clean designs, deep tones, and good quality materials, often seen as a balance between performance and street-friendly sound.

When researching brands, look for customer reviews specific to your Spyder model to get a real-world sense of the product’s performance, sound, and build quality.

Installing Your New Can-Am Spyder Exhaust

Installing an exhaust system can range from a simple DIY job to something requiring professional help. Here’s a general overview of what’s typically involved for a slip-on muffler, the most common beginner upgrade.

Tools You Might Need

For a slip-on muffler replacement, you’ll likely need:

Socket wrench set (metric)
Torque wrench (crucial for proper tightening)
Basic screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40) for stubborn bolts
Gloves and eye protection (always safety first!)
New exhaust gasket (often recommended or included)
A cleaning rag

Step-by-Step: Replacing a Slip-On Muffler

Always refer to your specific aftermarket exhaust manufacturer’s instructions and your Can-Am Spyder’s service manual for the most accurate procedure.

Safety First: Ensure your Spyder is on a level surface and the engine is completely cool. If you need to lift the rear, use appropriate jack stands for security.
Locate the Stock Muffler: Identify the muffler, which is the largest part of the exhaust system located towards the rear of the vehicle.
Remove Heat Shields: Carefully remove any heat shields protecting surrounding components from the exhaust. Keep track of fasteners.
Loosen and Remove the Stock Muffler: There will typically be one or two bolts connecting the muffler to the exhaust header pipe or mid-pipe. You might also have mounting brackets securing the muffler to the Spyder’s frame. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are tight. Loosen and remove these fasteners.
Gently Remove the Stock Muffler: Once all bolts are removed, you should be able to slide the stock muffler off the header pipe. It might require a gentle twist or wiggle. If there’s a clamp, you might need to loosen that too. Some mufflers also have a spring connection that will need to be carefully unhooked.
Prepare for the New Muffler: Clean the connecting pipe or header outlet where the new muffler will attach. Install a new exhaust gasket if recommended by the manufacturer.
Install the New Muffler: Slide the new aftermarket muffler onto the connecting pipe. Align it so that the mounting bracket(s) line up with their mounting points on the frame.
Secure the New Muffler: Reinstall the mounting bracket bolts, but do not fully tighten them yet. This allows for minor adjustments to get the muffler perfectly aligned.
Tighten Everything Down: Once aligned, snug up the mounting bracket bolts. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer’s specified torque values. Over-tightening can strip threads or crack components, while under-tightening can lead to leaks or the exhaust becoming loose.
Reinstall Heat Shields: Put any removed heat shields back in place.
Final Check: Double-check all bolts and connections.
Start Up: Start the Spyder’s engine and listen for any exhaust leaks (a hissing sound often indicates a leak at a connection point). Let the engine run for a few minutes.
Test Ride: Take your Spyder for a short, gentle test ride. Listen for any unusual noises and check that everything feels secure.

For full systems or more complex installations, consult a professional mechanic or a specialized shop. Improper installation can lead to leaks, poor performance, or even damage to your vehicle.

Installing Your New Can-Am Spyder Exhaust

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Can-Am Spyder Exhausts

Here are some common questions beginner riders have about upgrading their Can-Am Spyder exhaust.

Q1: Is an aftermarket exhaust legal on my Can-Am Spyder?

A: It depends on your location and the specific exhaust. Many aftermarket exhausts are legal for road use, but some can be too loud or don’t meet emissions standards. Always check your local laws and the manufacturer’s description (e.g., “street legal” or “off-road use only”).

Q2: Will changing my exhaust affect my warranty?

A: Potentially. While some manufacturers allow aftermarket parts, others may void specific parts of your warranty if the modification is deemed to have caused a failure.