Best Automotive Performance Cat-Back Exhaust Systems in 2022

Last update: December 20, 2022

Do cat back exhaust increase gas mileage?

No, cat back exhaust systems do not increase gas mileage. In fact, they can actually decrease gas mileage because they can cause the engine to run less efficiently.

Do cat-back exhaust systems add horsepower?

A cat-back exhaust system is an aftermarket exhaust system that replaces the factory exhaust system from the catalytic converter back. These systems are often advertised as providing increased power, but do they really add horsepower? The answer is maybe. Some cat-back exhaust systems are designed with larger diameter piping and a more free-flowing design than the factory system. This can lead to a small increase in power, but it is usually not enough to be noticeable. In some cases, a cat-back system can actually decrease power due to a poor design. If you are

Do cat-back exhaust systems improve performance?

A cat-back exhaust system is an aftermarket upgrade that replaces the section of exhaust piping from the catalytic converter back to the muffler. Cat-back exhaust systems are often advertised as a performance upgrade, but the reality is that they offer very little in terms of power gains. In fact, the only significant performance benefit of a cat-back exhaust system is a slight weight reduction.

Do high flow cats increase hp?

High flow cats help increase power by allowing the engine to breathe better. By allowing exhaust gases to flow more freely, high flow cats improve performance and can add horsepower.


MBRP S5200P 3" Aluminized Single Side Exit Cat Back Exhaust System Review:


This took me about two hours to install on my 2004 Ford F150 XLT 44 Scab, including the removal of a seriously jammed Flowmaster super 44 exhaust. I don't often write reviews, but this is one of a very small number that really pleased me from start to finish. I felt obliged to share my ideas with other 04-08 F150 owners who were debating buying one. I am not a technician, but I am quite familiar with my truck, so I installed this by myself using a battery-powered impact driver and sockets on a creeper. With access to a lift, it would have taken less than an hour to remove the old exhaust, which was mostly the converter pipe that had not been changed previously. Everything fits together perfectly and is well conceived (the hanger brackets that are welded on the pipes and reuse the factory hangers are a tremendous help). Although the amount of shredded cardboard and the fact that nothing had broken through the hefty box was moderately frustrating, it was arrived in 3 days and was really neatly wrapped. Spray penetrating fluid on all of your nuts the day before installation, and silicone fluid on the rubber hangers (it really helps to get the brackets in and out of the hangers). Check the measurements in the instructions before ordering; after reading them, I was shocked to find that my main extension pipe was already the precise length stated and that a spacer pipe (for a crew cab long bed) was included that I did not want. I had ordered it for a super cab long bed. Beyond that, it's basically just a case of slip, check, and tighten again. The tone is quite comparable to the super 44 I took off and is more flowmaster than magna-flow; it sounds wonderful both indoors and outside. I tried to highlight the key points. The tip, which is an MBRP 304 stainless tip that I purchased separately for a great price, was not part of my system. I might even upgrade to the 409 version if I had to buy it again tomorrow.



Borla 140067 Cat-Back "S-Type" System Exhaust Review:


extremely easy to install High-quality exhaust that was very carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and protective foam around the chrome tips. At idle, the exhaust is relatively quiet, but when you press the gas, it becomes active. Definitely a head turner. When it comes to installation, a muffler shop is not necessary if you have a jack and jack stands. Only basic equipment are needed. The most challenging step was having to cut the rusty flange bolts in order to remove the old exhaust. Cutting back half of the existing exhaust requires a reciprocating saw; nevertheless, the process is otherwise rather simple. Another piece of advice is to jack up the front of the car, put it on stands or ramps, and then jack up the back, going at least 2 feet off the ground to provide for clearance to install new exhaust around the rear axle. Be careful and support the weight of the car with stands.



Borla 140379 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System Review:


This NEARLY fits. I had to carefully bend the back of the exhaust tip down since when it was placed, it lay lightly on the plastic bumper. doesn't seem awful, but considering how much you paid for the goods, it's BS. To make sure this model would fit, I visited their website and discussion boards. Aside from that, it sounds fantastic! Its tone is beginning to get a little bit deeper after several months. Unless you get on it, it's silent and hardly noticeable. It has a little more power than I expected for a family vehicle, but it also keeps the kids asleep.



Flowmaster 17436 Cat-back System - Dual Rear/Side Exit - American Thunder - Moderate Sound Review:


roughly two years ago, I bought this system. I loved it and had it professionally installed. When traveling at 70 mph on a highway, there will be a slight drone, but nothing too bad. Otherwise, there is virtually no drone within the cab.The 50 series muffler that came with this kit was recently removed and replaced with a 40 series by the same shop. I was looking for something to give my truck a more truck-like sound.If you want a modest sound, this package is good... If you're trying to find that "truck" sound, no.



MagnaFlow 16507 Large Stainless Steel Performance Exhaust System Kit Review:


On my 2013 Genesis 3.8, this exhaust system looks and sounds fantastic, however installation calls for some patience and little tweaking. The packaging was awful! Everything was still present despite the box being completely open and having numerous large holes with pipes protruding out of them. Many of the non-chrome pipes had dent ends, but a tailpipe expander quickly made them straight. The resonator will collide with the driveshaft when the system is installed. I ultimately had to shimm the rear exhaust hangers down with spacers and longer bolts (not supplied with the kit). Additionally, it is difficult to position all the pipes so that the driveshaft is kept away from the resonator and the 4" exhaust tips fit evenly in the apertures. At first, I didn't have them exactly centered, and as I accelerated quickly, I discovered that they impacted the body. I had to make another adjustment. Right now, everything is ideal. Great sound, and it looks like the volume has increased since I installed them approximately 300 miles ago.



MagnaFlow 18982 Large Aluminized Performance Exhaust System Kit (Non-CARB Compliant) Review:


I did it myself today, and generally I'm quite happy with the system. It sounds fantastic. Each step went smoothly. It may have been because I didn't line up the pipes perfectly on certain occasions, but it was enough for a clamp to be applied. The directions it came with are terrible when it comes to figuring out what to cut for what kind of cab or box you have and how to assemble parts of the pipes. In addition, I had some shipping dings in the pipes, which made some of the pipes more difficult to assemble.



MBRP S5230AL 3" Aluminized Steel Single Side Exit Cat-Back Exhaust System Review:


It has a really great sound. It produces quiet sound when desired and booming sound when floored. However, the audio quality is good. It deserves five stars, however I have one complaint. There is a tiny drone on it. But oddly, ONLY in the driver's seat. Given that it doesn't drone in any other seat, you'd think they could build a solution to the problem. From the driver's seat, the sound is just a tad bassy, but it's neither awful or inconvenient. I do reside in a region with numerous mountains and hills. Therefore, when accelerating up a slope, there is more stress on the engine, which causes it to sound a little bassier. simply from the driver's seat, once more. It's been on since November 2016 and is comfortable. After around 500 miles, I did go back and tighten it to make sure everything was in order. The tip appears beautiful, but it doesn't remain polished and nice-looking. Given that it is directly behind the rear tire, what might you anticipate? I frequently receive praises on the sound. If you coast down any declines, it will make a lovely burbling sound. I adore the sound my mustang made when it did it.



Flowmaster 17385 Cat-back System - Single Side Exit - Force II - Mild Sound Review:


With the EDGE Evolution tuner and the Volant CAI kit already installed, I bought this as the last bolt-on performance component for my 1998 XLT 5.4 adventure. I had been keeping an eye on this cat-back kit for quite some time. I figured what the heck because Amazon had considerably reduced the price and I knew my muffler was about to go. The stock exhaust system can be difficult to remove; it took me and a friend about an hour to remove the rusted muffler alone (the rest was fairly simple). Be sure to have a die-grinder with a small cut-off wheel, or you might get lucky and only need some good ole' MAPP gas (I wasn't lucky, so the die grinder was essential for removal). After the previous system has been removed, the installation should only take 20 to 30 minutes and be quite simple. After everything has warmed up, make sure to check all of your clamps, and everything will be good. Regarding the sound, this kit is perfect you if you prefer a subdued sound with NO DRONE in the cabin. At normal takeoff and at WOT, it has a wonderful low-hitting sound, but after you reach cruising speed, it sounds as stock as it possibly can. Even her wife gave her the thumbs up. Let's face it, you won't get much more performance out of a first-generation Triton 5.4 with bolt-ons, but I was going for the aesthetic and beefier sound nevertheless. You can't go wrong with this setup if you're wanting to finish your set of three performance bolt-ons, just want a nicer (subtle) cat-back system, or need to replace your old/failing exhaust. highly suggestable



MBRP S5322AL Aluminized Turn Down Single Side Cat Back Exhaust System Review:


Only because I had to cut the pipe to 32" for my Tacoma Dbl cab short bed did it take me about an hour to install. Without that, I would have spent more time taking out my standard exhaust than installing the MBRP. My V6 adds a wonderful rumble to the good sound. It won't ever sound like a V8, but it makes my V6 growl throatily. It does have a very faint import tuner sound when you give it enough gas (like when you get on the highway). If you're anything like me and enjoy "mashing the gas," the foreign tuner sound is replaced by a sound that resembles a ferocious beast on the prowl for some concrete. Yes, just thinking about it makes me tingly. I'm at a loss for words, but the sound of a muffler is what sells it, therefore I wanted to write a review. There are a few video clips of this muffler on You Tube, but they don't do it justice.



MBRP S5206AL 4" Aluminized Single Side Exit Cat Back Exhaust System Review:


This is what I bought for my 5.4-liter 2001 F-250. Before purchasing this, I took the cat off, installed jba shorty headers, and attached the spd y pipe. These three modifications were helpful, but I didn't like how the exhaust sounded. I therefore purchased this mbrp system. The system is well-made, and installation was quite simple. My truck sounds obnoxious with this system installed. At idle and cruising speed, it rumbles, but not excessively. My truck makes a fantastic sound when accelerating. It did drone a fair amount between 1700 and 1800 rpm. A 3 inch stainless braided flex coupling, however, was put in place between the y pipe and the new exhaust. The drone was entirely put to rest. I'm not sure if it has improved my mpg yet, but it has definitely improved the feel of driving by the seat of your trousers, and passing cars is much simpler. Purchase this exhaust because it boosts performance and generates a deep V8 rumbling.


Do you need a tune for a cold air intake and exhaust?

A cold air intake and exhaust will improve the performance of your car. However, you do not need a tune for either of these parts.

Does a cat back exhaust need a tune?

A cat-back exhaust system generally does not require a tune, although there are a few exceptions. In general, a cat-back exhaust will not affect engine performance or fuel economy, although it may slightly increase engine noise. If you are considering installing a cat-back exhaust system on your vehicle, be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if a tune is required.

How much HP can an exhaust system add?

How much hp does a Borla cat Back exhaust add?

How much hp does a MagnaFlow cat back exhaust add?

Adding a MagnaFlow cat back exhaust to your car can add up to 5hp. This can vary depending on the car and how it is tuned.

How much HP does a performance cat-back exhaust add?

If you're looking for more horsepower from your car, a performance cat-back exhaust is a great place to start. These exhaust systems can add anywhere from 5 to 20 horsepower to your car, depending on the make and model. Not only will you see an increase in power, but you'll also get a nice boost in torque and fuel economy.