Exhaust · Buyer's Guide

Cat-Back Exhaust

A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converters back to the tips. It's the most popular exhaust mod because it's legal everywhere (the cats stay in place), changes the sound significantly, and adds some power. Different brands have very different sound profiles — from refined to aggressive.

Recommended Picks

A starting point for your build, sorted by budget.

Best ValueMost affordable in this category

Borla

Cat-Back Exhaust System

$1
Mid-Range PickBalanced price and performance

Borla

Cat-Back Exhaust System ATAK

$1,999.99
Premium PickTop-tier brand and performance

Corsa Performance

Xtreme Cat-Back Exhaust

$2,549.99

All Cat-Back Exhaust (24)

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2. EXHAUST SYSTEMS

System Types — Explained

Type What It Replaces HP Gain Cost Range Best For
Axle-Back Mufflers + tips only (behind rear axle) 1–5 HP $300–$800 Sound, budget buyers
Cat-Back Catalytic converter to tips (includes muffler, mid-section) 5–15 HP $700–$2,000 Best value performance+sound
Headers Exhaust manifolds at engine (upstream of cats) 15–40 HP $600–$1,500 Power-focused builds
Full Header-Back Headers + mid-pipe + cat-back — entire system 40–70 HP (w/tune) $2,500–$5,000+ Max power builds

Shorty vs. Long Tube Headers

  • Shorty headers (BBK, Flowmaster): Drop-in replacement for stock manifolds. Compatible with factory mid-pipe. +10–20 HP. Great street manners, pass smog in most states.
  • Long tube headers (American Racing Headers, Stainless Works): Require matching aftermarket mid-pipe — will NOT bolt to factory mid-pipe. +25–40 HP (up to +50 HP with tune). Significantly louder, may not pass emissions. Best for serious power builds.

Key Brands

  • Borla: ATAK (loudest), S-Type (moderate), Touring (subtle). Premium quality, lifetime warranty.
  • Corsa Performance: Patented reflective sound technology — sounds aggressive under throttle, quiet at cruise.
  • AWE Tuning: Touring and Track editions. Known for quality fit and finish.
  • Flowmaster: American Thunder line. Iconic American muscle sound. Budget-friendly.
  • MagnaFlow: Clean, deep tone. Good value.
  • American Racing Headers (ARH): Long tube specialist for HEMI platform.
  • BBK Performance: Strong shorty header option, powder-coated or ceramic.

Sound Character Guide

Brand/Line Sound Level Character
Borla ATAK Aggressive Loud, raspy, race-bred
Corsa Xtreme Moderate-Aggressive Tech-tuned, resonance-free
Flowmaster Outlaw Aggressive Classic American muscle rumble
AWE Track Aggressive European sport tone
Borla Touring Subtle Refined, barely louder than stock
AWE Touring Subtle Daily-driver friendly
MagnaFlow Street Moderate Deep, throaty

Critical Compatibility Rules

  • Long tube headers CANNOT use factory mid-pipe — always sold as a set.
  • Shorty headers work with factory OR aftermarket mid-pipes.
  • Catless mid-pipes give max flow but fail emissions — "off-road use only."
  • High-flow catted mid-pipes balance flow and street legality.

Site UX Recommendations

  • Sound clips are essential — exhaust is #1 bought for sound.
  • Sound Level rating badge (Quiet / Moderate / Aggressive / Extreme).
  • Headers must show "Compatible Mid-Pipe Required" warning for long tubes.
  • "Emissions Note" badge on catless components.