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Power, Sound, Looks | Can I Have It All With a Cat-Back Exhaust System?

Cat-back exhausts start behind the catalytic converter. We explain the performance benefits, and important factors to know when making a final product decision.
Power, Sound, Looks | Can I Have It All With a Cat-Back Exhaust System?

It's an age-old question that many have asked. Will an aftermarket exhaust be worth the expense? While they definitely can be, an important question to ask yourself is do you care more about the deeper sound they're designed to produce, or the added performance gained from being less restrictive? As car enthusiasts, we've become accustomed to associating the sound of a car with its exhaust. After all, doesn't everyone have a childhood memory or two of a car and the particular sound it made?

Types Of Exhaust Systems

There are different classifications of exhaust systems, named for how far they extend up to the front of your vehicle. A cat-back exhaust system comes with all pipework and a muffler(s) required to replace everything starting just behind the catalytic converter. Cat-backs are most commonly chosen for a number of good reasons:

  • there is no need to buy and install a new catalytic converter in order to get solid performance and sound gains;
  • cat-backs come complete with clamps, a muffler, and mandrel bent piping to ensure even diameter and easy flow through all curves. That makes them best for those who prefer to work on their own vehicle;
  • unlike most OEM setups that incorporate a resonator which further cancels noise missed by the main muffler, cat-back systems eliminate this part to improve flow, performance, and sound.

In this article, we'll guide you through the cat-backs found in the Complete Performance Exhaust Systems section of our website in order to help you make a quicker and more informed purchase.

Rumble & Performance

Mandrel Bending

It has been a battle of the ages to make automotive exhaust sound like it should. Fewer bends and turns in the pipework will not only improve the sound but also increase performance. The process of mandrel bending has become a key to success in cat-back pipework bending, because the diameter of the bends is even - not pinched.

This helps give you a throaty, not tinny, sound. When overall exhaust flow is increased, sound volume and quality improve as a whole. However, when choosing an exhaust or a type of sound you would like, it's best is to first check local laws. Noise pollution has become a sensitive legal matter in some areas, and police may choose to enforce laws against loud exhaust systems.

Larger-Diameter Pipes

Does size matter? Let's face it, bigger is usually better and many detailed studies have been made to show that the more freely exhaust flows, the better. The average exhaust system on most passenger vehicles has been designed to meet bare minimum standards set within the automotive industry and provide levels of quiet auto manufacturers believe 99% of their customers demand. As a result, OEM systems are rather restrictive.

But in the performance world, a rule of thumb exists when it comes to diameter of exhaust pipes and performance modifications. As you tune your motor and add horsepower, you add larger exhaust pipes and freer-flowing mufflers in order get the full benefit of your gains.

Exhaust Pipes Diameter
Sound Tab
If you see this “Sound” tab, click on it to hear a pre-recorded audio track.

On specific product pages for all items we sell, you'll find a description of the amount of extra noise you can expect that exhaust system to produce (mild, moderate, moderate-aggressive, aggressive, etc.), and you'll find diameter measurements for pipes. These details may be right upfront in the product descriptions, or they may appear later once make, model, and engine choice have been entered.

Various Muffler Sounds
Pages on our website for Flowmaster and Magnaflow cat-back exhaust systems contain audio recordings of their specific mufflers.

For some products, you may see a "Sound" tab to click on - this will play an audio track of that muffler fitted to a pre-determined vehicle. We've also worked hard with manufacturers such as Flowmaster and Magnaflow to provide a more finely tuned listening experience, which cross-checks the best mufflers for you based on specific vehicle choice and level of sound aggressiveness desired. To hear these samples, enter our Flowmaster section, and our Magnaflow section.

Aluminized Steel vs. Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel. The majority of the performance cat-back systems we offer are made from stainless steel alloy blends that will never oxidize and corrode the way traditional steel can over time. Aftermarket manufacturers currently use two types of stainless steel:

  • 304. It contains more chromium, which greatly improves resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments (this is why it is often called marine grade stainless steel). Exhaust systems made from this alloy are a solid choice for those who live in Ohio or other areas where there is a lot of salt in winter. Are you looking for such a setup? Browse through the selection of Borla cat-back systems to find it.
  • 409. This alloy contains more carbon that improves strength and heat resistance but slightly compromises corrosion resistance. Be that as it may, exhaust systems made from 409 stainless steel will last for many years, whatever the weather conditions are. The Flowmaster American Thunder SS and many other cat-backs from different brands are made from this alloy.

Aluminized Steel. Cat-backs are made from traditional (not stainless) steel that's been fully coated on all sides with aluminum-silicon alloy. This process produces a strong metallurgical bond between the two metals which gives traditional steel a significant level of corrosion resistance. The underlying steel provides higher strength and rigidity than would be possible with all-aluminum construction, and the aluminum coating allows the whole system to reflect heat away more effectively. However, while the aluminum coating keeps pit corrosion from occurring in winter climates, aluminized steel can corrode if the aluminum layer is scraped or chipped away by rock hits, scrapes, or other impacts.

Some examples of aluminized steel cat-back setups we offer are:

  • The Flowmaster Force II Cat-Back Exhaust System for Chevy and GMC full-size light-duty pickup trucks. It is built to provide a mild sound with a deep, rumbling tone and features a single side exit.
  • Gibson's Dual Sport Exhaust System for trucks that sport a dual split-pipe design on the end of each pipe. It provides a more aggressive sound.
  • The DynoMax Super Turbo Cat-Back Exhaust System is constructed to add more power along with a more aggressive tone to the Jeep Cherokee.

Note: Many cat-back systems may be available in both aluminized steel and stainless steel versions.

Choice Of Exhaust System Materials

Gasoline-Engine Cat-Back Systems

'Straight Through' Mufflers

Straight through cat-back systems have mufflers of minimal size with fewer baffles. This creates a louder sound and a low amount of restriction.

DynoMax Ultra Flo Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System With Single Side Exit
The DynoMax Ultra Flo Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System with Single Side Exit

DynoMax's Ultra Flo Cat Back Exhaust System comes with a pre-welded muffler section with fiberglass noise suppression that can handle applications up to 2,000-horsepower.

Flowmaster's stainless steel Outlaw Exhaust System provides an aggressively loud noise for a limited number of domestic and Japanese V8 performance cars and trucks.

If you own a sports car and count every ounce of weight on it, you will most likely appreciate Invidia’s Gemini Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems that come with titanium tips. These cat-backs provide a moderate sound. In our store, we also offer a variety of Invidia Full Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust Systems for those who want to get an unbeatable combination of strength, durability, and great looks and can afford it.

Split Tailpipe Designs

A "split rear" design features an exhaust pipe that splits into two side-by-side pipes at its end. The vehicle equipped with such an exhaust system undeniably looks sportier. If you prefer it rather than a single tailpipe, we've got a number of choices.

For old Buick, Chevy, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models, the Magnaflow Street Series Stainless Steel Crossmember-Back Exhaust System features a straight-through flow design for more horsepower and a smooth, deep sound.

Magnaflow Touring Series Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System With Split Rear Exit
The Magnaflow Touring Series Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System with Split Rear Exit

Magnaflow's split rear Sports Series Exhaust System offers aggressive noise increase, while their Touring Series Exhaust System offers a milder noise increase.

If you've got a full-size GM, Ford, or Dodge pickup, see Gibson's Supertruck Exhaust System that's available in aluminized or stainless steel and provides a race rumble exhaust tone. And if your vehicle was equipped with one exhaust pipe, Gibson's Split Rear Exhaust System starts with one pipe leading out of the OEM catalytic converter and splits it into two pipes that end on opposite sides of the vehicle. It offers a more aggressive sound.

Off-Road & Other Modified Vehicles

Lifted 4x4 Equipped with Specially Designed Cat-Back System
Audi Equipped With AFE Mach Force XP Exhaust System

For those who've modified their 4x4s with lifted, lowered, or air type suspension systems, we offer specially designed cat-back systems with more pipe curvature ahead of the rear axle. This allows a greater degree of up-down wheel travel over the trails, and it allows clearance for lowriding on reduced-height springs and airbag suspensions.

Owners of American & Japanese trucks can upgrade their vehicles with Magnaflow's Off-Road Pro Series system built with a focus on serious off-road racing. With this exhaust system installed on your truck, you’ll get an aggressive exhaust sound. Besides, thanks to its free-flow design, the backpressure is reduced for more horsepower and torque.

aFe's Mach Force XP system specializes in systems for American, German, and Japanese performance cars. Made from 409 stainless steel, it is highly resistant to heat. The manufacturer claims that it lowers an Exhaust Gas Temperature and increases exhaust flow by up to 29 percent compared to the stock setup, meaning it can greatly improve the performance of a vehicle. An aggressive performance note is a cherry on top.

Custom Setups

For exhaust system builders that are fabricating their own systems, Magnaflow's stainless steel Custom Builder Series Exhaust system allows hand selection of pipework needed for full-size trucks.

Borla’s Exhaust System includes a selection of block off plates that allow you to adjust the exhaust flow to suit your own tastes. Use a plate with a larger hole for increased power and more aggressive sound, or insert a plate with a smaller hole when quieter operation is desired.

Truck Equipped With Tailpipe Angled Off To The Side

And finally, how about a cat-back system with the custom look of a tailpipe angled off to the side? We've got Gibson's Swept Side Exhaust System for a wide range of 4x4s made by American and import brands. It is designed to provide a deep, aggressive sound and maximize horsepower and torque at low rpm, which matters when it comes to towing.

Exhaust Exit Locations Table

Diesel Exhaust Systems

Dodge Ram Fullsize Truck Emblem

Beginning around 2010, virtually all vehicle manufacturers in the United States added specially developed catalytic converters to diesel exhaust systems in order to meet new emissions standards. For such vehicles, we offer diesel exhaust systems with larger pipes and mufflers to provide the same free-flowing benefits.

If you like the way pipes look which exit at an angle at the rear corner of the vehicle, we've got side exit cat-back systems such as the Banks stainless steel Monster Sport Diesel Exhaust System. It includes a straight-through muffler that delivers a deep, throaty, powerful sound.

For those who use their trucks for competition events, we've got the MBRP SLM Series that deletes both the catalytic converter and the muffler. If you're looking for a more complete exhaust system that runs from the diesel particulate filter back (known as "DPF-back"), check out the Magnaflow stainless steel Black Series exhaust.

Exhaust Tips

Exhaust Tip

Do flashy exhaust tips help performance? We wish they did, but unfortunately they do not. But that doesn't mean they don't add a lot. In fact, it's been said that exhaust tips are the equivalent of wearing a Sunday church suit every day. You will shine, you will look sharp and you will do everything possible to prevent dirt from marring your overall look.

Exhaust tips dress up ugly-looking exhaust pipes with chrome or other finishes, and they are shaped as needed to fit the contours of your vehicle. Most exhaust tips are designed to slide on easily over your existing tailpipe, then secure in place with clamps provided in the kit. Some are meant to be welded on permanently, and those products available on our pages will state that fact clearly.

A new performance exhaust system gives you multiple benefits in one package: looks, sound, and performance. With our vehicle-specific kits, installation is straightforward. Whether your ride is new or old, car or truck, domestic or import, there's a system out there that will energize your entire powertrain!

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