Catback Exhaust Systems


Just like installing a Cold Air Intake, upgrading the factory stock oem exhaust with a catback exhaust is your next basic performance modification for your vehicle . Upgrading your exhaust system can give you increased performance, and a great sound that is sure to make you smile.

So what is a catback exhaust system anyway? The term "catback exhaust" was coined because of the section of piping that is replaced on the factory exhaust. Generally speaking, the performance exhaust system would upgrade the piping from where your catalytic converter ends.

The new system would replace your exhaust piping, with the muffler, all the way to the tail pipe or rear bumper where the exhaust tips protrude. This upgraded exhaust is what they mean by the famous term, "catback exhaust".

Does a Catback exhaust add HP?

Factory exhaust systems restrict your vehicle exhaust flow. This hindering of performance is due to the smaller diameter piping and sometimes emissions restrictions. The factory oem exhaust main function is to keep your vehicle as quiet as possible while still maintaining enough usable power. Unfortunately they are also taking away from your engines maximum performance, limiting your peak horsepower and torque.

By upgrading to a performance cat back exhaust system for your vehicle , you can gain back that lost power with larger diameter exhaust piping. By increasing the pipe diameter you reduce the back pressure and restriction of the exhaust flow.

However, going too large in diameter piping will hinder the engines torque. Unfortunately the moto "bigger is better" does not apply here. Engines also need sufficient back pressure as well in order to create peak power, or torque.

Having the correct sized larger diameter exhaust piping in turn frees up valuable horsepower and torque that was lost by the oem system. This performance boost adds to your overall engines horsepower, or HP.

Does upgrading to a catback exhaust increase performance?

Just like the power increase you saw with upgrading your intake, you can expect an additional 3-5% HP gain from upgrading your exhaust.

On todays modern engines, 3-5% might not seem like much either, but, this can easily be a 15-25HP gain. On turbocharged vehicles, the gain is even higher. If your vehicle has a turbocharger, we highly recommend making a catback exhaust one of your first modifications.

With turbo engines, exhaust is everything. If you can get the exhaust out faster, the turbo will spool up faster, creating peak boost faster.

Having peak boost come on quicker allows for maximum torque to come in sooner. This also allows the engine to breath easier up top in the higher RPM range making higher peak horsepower.

Either way, with or without a turbo, we highly recommend upgrading your factory exhaust system with a performance catback exhaust.

What kind of piping should a catback exhaust have?

Most exhaust systems these days are built using either mild steel, or the higher end systems use t-304 stainless steel. We do not recommend using any mild steel exhaust systems near ocean water as the salt will cause the system to rust and possibly break over time.

If you do choose a mild exhaust system, we recommend making sure it is at least coated for protection against the elements. However, some manufacturers offer a "Million Mile Warranty" which would be great for a daily driven vehicle.

The other feature a cat back system might have is mandrel bent piping. Most manufacturers today all use mandrel bent piping, so this isn't too much of a concern. If you have ever gone to a local muffler shop, they will use a press bend that stretches and bends the piping to the desired curve.

This is horrible for performance, as some sections of the tubing/piping can vary from over an inch. In order to have maximum performance and exhaust flow, you want your exhaust system to have mandrel bent piping.

Is there a performance muffler?

Generally most aftermarket performance mufflers are not going to make much of a difference on performance. They usually are what determines the final exhaust note and sound your vehicle makes. All performance exhaust manufacturers have different style performance mufflers and styles, so be sure to checkout what you like personally.

We recommend finding some youtube videos and listening to sounds of each system before you purchase. This way you know what to expect with the muffler tone. Some systems can be very quiet, or some extremely loud.

What is the best performance catback exhaust system?

Top performance exhaust manufacturers like such as Magnaflow Exhaust, HKS Exhaust, AWE Exhaust, AFE Exhaust,Corsa Exhaust, Borla Exhaust and many other top manufacturers, will dyno test their systems for peak performance.

They will choose the right combination or muffler, pipe diameter, and material, to bring you a high quality exhaust system, that's going to perform and sound great.

Is a catback Illegal or Void your warranty

In most states, installing a cat back exhaust system should not be illegal. Since they are installed after the catalytic converter, you are not changing any of the emissions system components. However, we urge you to check with your local or state authorities for sound decibel limits, or any specific locality laws that might prevent you modifying your exhaust system.

In addition, installing an upgraded exhaust should NOT void your factory vehicle warranty. Since most kits are direct replacement, bolt on exhaust kits, you should not have any issues.

However, dealers are famous for denying warranty claims for faulty headlights, because you modified your exhaust. This is obviously a joke, as the components have no relation to each other. That being said, we always recommend checking with your local dealer to ensure you would not have any issues incase of a warranty claim should arise.

Where to buy a performance exhaust system?

Sport Compact Warehouse is your premier source for catback exhaust systems for your vehicle . We have a number of exhaust systems to suit everyone’s needs for performance and sound needs.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to one of our experienced representatives who will help you make a more informative decision. Just give us a call here   (866) 381-4618 and well be happy to help you find the right exhaust the first time.

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Akrapovic S-AU/TI/4H
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Akrapovic S-AU/TI/4H Exhaust Muffler Kit

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Akrapovic S-AU/TI/15H
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Akrapovic S-AU/TI/6H
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Akrapovic S-BM/T/1
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Akrapovic S-BM/T/2H
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Akrapovic ME-BM/T/8H
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Akrapovic S-PO/TI/9H
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Akrapovic S-PO/TI/17H
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Akrapovic ME-BM/T/2
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Akrapovic MTP-ME/T/2H/1
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Akrapovic MTP-ME/T/3H
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Akrapovic MTP-ME/T/5H
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Akrapovic S-AR/TI/1H
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Borla 140838CF
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KOOKS 21506300
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KOOKS 21506300 Axle Back Exhaust System 3 in. Incl. Polished Tips Will Not Connect To OEM Requires Kooks Full 3 in. X-Pipe

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Borla 140839CF
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Borla 140838BC
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Borla 140838
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Akrapovic S-VW/T/2
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MAGNAFLOW 19187
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MAGNAFLOW 19187 Sport Series Black Cat-Back Exhaust Quad Split Rear Exit Incl Valves for Dual Mode Exhaust

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Akrapovic DI-PO/CA/4/G
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MAGNAFLOW 19598
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MAGNAFLOW 19598 Exhaust System Kit

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Borla 140727CFBA
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MAGNAFLOW 19552
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Borla 140688CFBA
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Borla 140688CFBA ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System Carbon Fiber Tips/Black Anodized 3 in. Into Muffler 2.25 in. Out 4 in. Dual Rou

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