Catback Exhaust Systems


Just like installing a Cold Air Intake, upgrading the factory Nova stock oem exhaust with a catback exhaust is your next basic performance modification for your 1971 Chevrolet Nova. 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 1971 Chevrolet Nova 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 1971 Chevrolet Nova, 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 1971 Chevrolet Nova 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 1971 Chevrolet Nova 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 Nova performance exhaust system?

Sport Compact Warehouse is your premier source for catback exhaust systems for your 1971 Chevrolet Nova. 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.

Read More

Manufacturer 
Display
Per Page
  • «
  • 1
  • »
,
FLOWMASTER 817158
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

FLOWMASTER 817158 American Thunder Series HeaderBack System Dual Rear Exit Moderate/Aggressive Sound
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$926.84

Save: $120.89
Sale Price:

$805.95

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 1 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8
 
Exhaust System Kit
Dual
Dual Rear Exit
Incl. 2.5 in. Tubing/Super 44 Series(TM) Mufflers
409 Stainless Steel
Legal On Non-Emissions Controlled Vehicles Or For Race Use
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8 Exhaust System Kit
Dual
Dual Rear Exit
Incl. 2.5 in. Tubing/Super 44 Series(TM) Mufflers
409 Stainless Steel
Legal On Non-Emissions Controlled Vehicles Or For Race Use
,
MAGNAFLOW 15899
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

MAGNAFLOW 15899 Street Series Stainless Crossmember-Back Exhaust Dual Split Rear Exit
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$1,245.45

Save: $162.45
Sale Price:

$1,083.00

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 1 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8,
4.1L L6
 
Exhaust System Kit
Dual Split Rear Exit
3in. Tubing
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8,
4.1L L6 Exhaust System Kit
Dual Split Rear Exit
3in. Tubing
,
HOOKER 2451
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

Hooker 2451 Headers - Competition HeadersBuick Regal 265-400CH; Years 1978-1987Chevrolet / GMC Full Size Passenger Wagon 265-
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$330.04

Save: $43.05
Sale Price:

$286.99

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 3 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas,
5.0L V8 Gas
 
Black Finish
Coll. Length 8 in.
Coll. Size 2.5 in. OD
Emissions Code 3-Amber
Legal Only For Off-Highway/Racing Use
Not Legal For Sale Or Use In California
Port Shape Same As Port
Tube Size 1 5/8 in. OD x 30 in.
Will Not Fit Angle Plug Heads
Coupe 2-Door
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas,
5.0L V8 Gas Black Finish
Coll. Length 8 in.
Coll. Size 2.5 in. OD
Emissions Code 3-Amber
Legal Only For Off-Highway/Racing Use
Not Legal For Sale Or Use In California
Port Shape Same As Port
Tube Size 1 5/8 in. OD x 30 in.
Will Not Fit Angle Plug Heads
Coupe 2-Door
,
FLOWMASTER 17104
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

FLOWMASTER 17104 American Thunder Series HeaderBack System Dual Rear Exit Moderate Sound
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$931.44

Save: $121.49
Sale Price:

$809.95

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 4 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8,
4.1L L6
 
Exhaust System Kit
Single
Dual Rear Exit
Incl. 2.5 in. Tubing From Trans X
Member Back/H-Pipe/Hardware/80 Series(TM) Crossflow Muffler
Legal On Non-Emissions Controlled Vehicles Or For Race Use
Convertibles Require Aftermarket X-Brace Or 3/8 in. Shims For Clearance
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8,
4.1L L6 Exhaust System Kit
Single
Dual Rear Exit
Incl. 2.5 in. Tubing From Trans X
Member Back/H-Pipe/Hardware/80 Series(TM) Crossflow Muffler
Legal On Non-Emissions Controlled Vehicles Or For Race Use
Convertibles Require Aftermarket X-Brace Or 3/8 in. Shims For Clearance
,
FLOWTECH 99150
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

FLOWTECH 99150 Chevy Header Gaskets
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$97.49

Save: $12.72
Sale Price:

$84.77

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 4 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8 Gas OHV,
6.6L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas,
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
5.0L V8 Gas,
4.1L l6 Gas OHV,
4.1L l6 Gas
 
Coupe 2-Door
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8 Gas OHV,
6.6L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas,
5.0L V8 Gas OHV,
5.0L V8 Gas,
4.1L l6 Gas OHV,
4.1L l6 Gas Coupe 2-Door
,
MAGNAFLOW 15896
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

MAGNAFLOW 15896 Street Series Stainless Crossmember-Back Exhaust Dual Split Rear Exit
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$952.49

Save: $124.24
Sale Price:

$828.25

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 4 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8,
4.1L L6
 
Exhaust System Kit
Dual Split Rear Exit
2-1/2in. Tubing
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8,
5.7L V8,
5.0L V8,
4.1L L6 Exhaust System Kit
Dual Split Rear Exit
2-1/2in. Tubing
,
PATRIOT EXHAUST H8047-1
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

Patriot Exhaust H8047-1 1-3/4" Exhaust Header for Small Block Chevrolet 67-71
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$735.75

Save: $95.97
Sale Price:

$639.78

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 8 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.0L V8 Gas OHV
 
[Exhaust Header] Power Brakes
Collector: 3"
Port: OVL
Primary: 1 5/8"
Fits D-Port Cyl heads Incl ZZ4 crate Eng
Req. left side AC Brkt H7608
Removal/modification of locking Strg. col. Reqd
Fits most angle plug heads
Silver Ceramic Coating
with A/C
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.0L V8 Gas OHV [Exhaust Header] Power Brakes
Collector: 3"
Port: OVL
Primary: 1 5/8"
Fits D-Port Cyl heads Incl ZZ4 crate Eng
Req. left side AC Brkt H7608
Removal/modification of locking Strg. col. Reqd
Fits most angle plug heads
Silver Ceramic Coating
with A/C
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
,
FLOWTECH 10010
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

FLOWTECH 10010
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$92.68

Save: $12.09
Sale Price:

$80.59

Estimated Ship Date: Today

In Stock - 10 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas,
5.0L V8 Gas OHV
 
[Universal Block Hugger] Connects Block Huggers To Existing Exhaust System
16 Gauge Mandrel Bent Tubing
2.5 in. Collector
Incl. Flanges/Gaskets
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
5.7L V8 Gas OHV,
5.7L V8 Gas,
5.0L V8 Gas OHV [Universal Block Hugger] Connects Block Huggers To Existing Exhaust System
16 Gauge Mandrel Bent Tubing
2.5 in. Collector
Incl. Flanges/Gaskets
Quantity needed per vehicle: 1
,
PATRIOT EXHAUST H8012
Please Note:

Some images might not represent the actual product

PATRIOT EXHAUST H8012 Headers
for 1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL

$406.85

Save: $53.07
Sale Price:

$353.78

Estimated Ship Date: Today

Free DelieveryFree Ground Shipping
In Stock - 10 New In Stock
EngineFit NotesFitment Notes
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8
 
Drivetrain: RWD
Power Steering: Yes
Power Brakes (application): Yes
Air Conditioning: Yes
Standard Transmission Column Shift: No
Standard Transmission Floor Shift: Yes
Automatic Transmission Column Shift: No
Automatic Transmission Floor Shift: Yes
Footnotes: 5
Mid-Length design for maximum ground clearance. 52
Will not fit Saginaw close ratio with 825 power steering box. 53
Not recommended for generation six 502 c.i.d. engines with aluminum heads. 54
Fits manual and automatic transmission floor shifts only. 69
Big block frame stands and motor mounts must be used to ensure proper engine location and header fit.
 
1971 Chevrolet Nova ALL equipped with
7.4L V8,
6.6L V8 Drivetrain: RWD
Power Steering: Yes
Power Brakes (application): Yes
Air Conditioning: Yes
Standard Transmission Column Shift: No
Standard Transmission Floor Shift: Yes
Automatic Transmission Column Shift: No
Automatic Transmission Floor Shift: Yes
Footnotes: 5
Mid-Length design for maximum ground clearance. 52
Will not fit Saginaw close ratio with 825 power steering box. 53
Not recommended for generation six 502 c.i.d. engines with aluminum heads. 54
Fits manual and automatic transmission floor shifts only. 69
Big block frame stands and motor mounts must be used to ensure proper engine location and header fit.