eager to know more basics ab-out exhaust system

[Ren]

hi guys, I am complete newbie on mechanic. I just purchased my s14. and I knew it didn't sound right, then i discovered the exhaust has cracks on it. it's the rear pipe(i dont know if the name for that certain part of the exhaust is right) . I 'd like to replace it. so.. here is the things i reallie want to know about..as i know, the exhaust has a header, a front pipe? a rear pipe and a muffler righth? can u guys give me a brief description of an exhaust system plz? like the structure of it. I did do a search. But i always saw you guys were talking about testpipe. downpipe. I have no idea what they are..

and, should i change the whole exhaust system to a performance one or just to replace the cracked part?

Thank you

[ILikeMy240sx]

on an OBDII car (96 and up)

header (exhaust manifold)-> pre cat ->cat ->pipe-> muffler

you can replace the header with an after market header to get more power

You can get rid of your pre-cat but check engine light will come on unless you move the second o2 sensor after the main cat. You usually have to remove the pre-cat if you are getting an aftermarket header.

You can replace your cat with something called test pipe. Its just a pipe. Of course this will do harm to our environment but it will free up your flow. Or a performance cat that wont harm the environment but still give you power. ITs pricier.

you can replace the pipe after your cat (Cat-back exhaust) this is your basic exhaust modification to free up the flow and more power. If you get a cat-back exhaust it usually comes with its own muffler.

You can change the muffler to either just sound nice or gain a little power.

If your pipe is leaking just get a cat-back exhaust. BRM is the way to go