Performance Cat-Back Exhaust and Turbo-Back Exhaust Systems

Learn More about Cat-Back & Turbo-Back Exhaust Systems

Exhaust systems provide an easy opportunity to upgrade both the horsepower and sound of your vehicle.  From mild to wild, the sound you seek can be found in a good aftermarket exhaust system.  With multiple manufacturers and styles to choose from, we have the sound and performance you want for your car. An exhaust system is a general term that is usually used to describe a cat-back exhaust system.

Performance Aftermarket Exhaust System Buyers Guide

With so many different styles and exhaust system manufacturers on the market, it can be confusing when you are looking to upgrade to a performance exhaust system for your car or truck. Below you will find answers to some of the question you might have when looking to make an aftermarket exhaust purchase. We have done all the leg work for you. Broken down are the types of materials, warranties, styles, sounds, and more so you can concentrate on getting the best setup for your vehicle. A custom aftermarket exhaust can improve the performance, sounds, and look of your car or truck so utilize this guide to pick one that works for you.

What are the aftermarket exhaust options out there?

There are generally three types of aftermarket performance exhaust systems to choose from: turbo-back, cat-back, and axle-back. Not all are available for every make of vehicle. Depending on your make and model, you may only have one or two of these types of applications available. The term -back refers to where the exhaust connection starts and goes 'back' from then on toward the rear of the car.  For example, a cat-back exhaust starts at the catalytic converter and travels back and out.

Turbo-Back Exhaust System
Usually found on Diesel Trucks, a Turbo-Back systems is everything the name implies, an exhaust system that includes all the components from the downpipe of the turbo back to the exhaust tip. This is usually the most expensive type of system and only available for vehicles that have a turbo system installed.

Cat-Back Exhaust System
A cat-back exhaust system contains all the necessary components required from the catalytic converter back to the exhaust tip. Cat back exhausts are the most common and have the largest range of availability by application fro popular manufacturers such as Borla, Corsa, and Magnflow. Often called a 'catback', people use this term to generalize a free-flowing, mandrel bent exhaust system.

Axle-Back Exhaust System
An axle-back exhaust system is very similar to a cat-back in the respect that it does include all the components necessary for a complete installation but only the components from the rear axle to exhaust tip. The axle-back exhaust is usually cheaper in price than a cat-back exhaust but still delivers similar look and sound improvements.

Performance exhaust system "exit" styles

Depending on manufacturer, there can be quite a few different exit styles of performance exhausts to choose from. Before making a decision, keep in mind the performance advantages of an aftermarket exhaust system: improving the scavenging effect of exhaust gases by removing any restriction, thus improving the thermodynamic efficiencies of your engine and causing an increase in total horsepower and torque output.

Single-Rear Exit     
Probably the most common type of exhaust exit style is the single-rear exit. A single-rear exit performance exhaust system has a single pipe and exhaust tip that ends at the rear of the vehicle, behind the axle, on either side (depending on application). A variation of this style includes a single pipe with dual tip custom exhaust addition.

Single Side Exit with Dual Tips     
Single-side exit exhaust systems are primarily found on trucks and sports cars. These types of exhaust systems tend to have exits right in front of the rear wheel well on either side. Some variations have multiple exhaust tips and may be referred to as "swept-side" exhaust. Sometimes, this type of performance exhaust is used on racing applications with exhaust cutouts or by eliminating the muffler altogether making them a truly custom racing exhaust.

True Dual-Rear Exit (w/Quad Tips)
Found mostly on higher-end sports cars and large trucks, a true dual exhaust systems contains two pipes that run from the engine's exhaust manifold or headers to the exhaust tip, each with their own muffler or resonator. These aftermarket exhaust systems can offer superior flow, sound, and look options for your vehicle. The advantage of the dual rear exist exhaust system is freer flowing exhaust gases with a high output engine, improved sound, and a very desirable look.

There are many additional configurations of high performance exhaust exit styles depending on your vehicle. For more information on what is offered by each manufacturer, check out each manufacturer's performance exhaust system page.

Aftermarket Exhaust Buying Options and Tips

Material
An aftermarket exhaust systems is only as good as the material it is made of. They come built from a variety of metals: stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, even titanium and other high end metals. The main difference is the corrosion resistance and weight. Stainless steel is the only one that resists corrosion completely. Mild steel and aluminum aren't as corrosion resistant, but typically cost less. If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, you should consider a stainless steel system. However, the ultimate in a custom high performance exhaust would be titanium for its ultra light weight.

Sound
Sound is always something to consider when selecting a full aftermarket exhaust system. It is important to decide how you use your car and where. Is it a track only race car or is it the SUV you use to take the kids to school? The differences between a basic standard aftermarket cat back exhaust and a full racing exhaust are huge. All exhaust systems will give your engine a more muscular sound, but they vary in the volume and comfort levels. Most manufacturers offer variations in their exhaust systems and some may not even be legal to use on public roads. There are "mild" or "touring" versions that won't dramatically increase the volume of your exhaust, and there are "sport" or "s-type" versions that are louder and less restrictive. Finally, racing exhaust systems will make note to state for off-road use only.

Installation
Most aftermarket exhaust systems available offer a simple bolt-on installation. However, there are some exceptions where welding, cutting, and/or custom hangars are required. If you're a competent do-it-yourselfer and plan on installing the system in your garage, you need to make sure you get an exhaust system you are capable of installing. Otherwise, these systems can be installed at your local muffler shop. Take careful note of inlet and outlet diameters if you are doing this at home. If those sizes dont exactly match your current pipe sizes, you will need specialty pipe expansion tools to install yourself.

Warranty
It is always important to understand the warranty of the product you're buying as they can vary greatly. Most exhaust system manufacturers carry warranties from one year to lifetime of the vehicle and everything in between. Many exhaust systems will come with a warranty card that you will need to fill out and send in to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers even have a form you can fill out and submit on their web site.