Cat Back Exhaust System

This is the most popular option. Why? It generates all the sound. Cat-back exhaust systems typically feature a muffler, and sometimes not, and these will have piping that will route to your catalytic converter. The piping will have larger bends that are as straight as possible to provide an unobstructed exit path for the exhaust gases. This will improve the throttle response and acceleration in naturally-aspirated cars. The same reaction will be found in cars with forced induction with the addition of less turbo lag or supercharger response. Cat-Back exhaust systems are the most popular, coveted, and sought-after modification that enthusiasts will initially perform because of the main reason, and that is the sound. All of the brands we carry offer exhaust systems that are the result of decades of research and development. All are capable of delivering a race-inspired exhaust note along with more power and torque. And this is why cat-back exhaust systems are considered to be one of the best performance modifications that are rewarding in power and sound and are highly effective for all driving purposes. 

 

ALWAYS START FROM THE BACK THEN MOVE YOUR WAY FORWARD

Meaning, when modifying your exhaust, never start from the front of your turbocharged vehicle with a downpipe or with headers on your naturally-aspirated platform, you will create a bottleneck in the flow. By starting with a cat-back first, your exhaust gases will flow more freely if the rest of your system is stock. Noticeable gains will be noticed in the initial throttle response, with reduced turbo lag. 

 

IF THE REST OF THE EXHAUST IS STOCK ASIDE FROM A CAT-BACK, WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Now you can upgrade your downpipe or mid-pipe depending on your applications. Some cat-back systems will include a mid-pipe depending on your cat layout. Then, you will be ready for your downpipe. And when you want to make more power and take your vehicle to the next level, then you will be ready for an exhaust manifold. Let's take a deeper dive into the mentioned components. 

 

• DOWNPIPES AND Y-PIPES: Downpipes and Y-pipes are essential to unlocking substantial amounts of performance out of your turbocharged vehicle. Subaru WRX models throughout all generations, Mitsubishi Evolutions, the Mazdaspeed platform, and everything else in between with a turbo come from the factory with a highly restrictive downpipe. As a matter of fact, these are so restrictive that some of these platforms will require a tune to successfully employ a downpipe. You have a substantial amount of unlocked flow that will make your turbocharger react much faster which will generate more horsepower, more torque, and more speed. Downpipes are one of the main ingredients in terms of basic upgrades, just make sure you complement your downpipe with a proper intake to allow your turbo to properly inhale. Y-pipes or mid-pipes, the link between your downpipe and primary or secondary cat converter. Not all platforms have a mid-pipe or Y-pipe, however, there are powerful platforms such as the Nissan GTR or A9 Toyota Supra that can benefit from a proper mid-pipe or Y-pipe. 

 

• EXHAUST HEADERS AND MANIFOLDS: For those of you who desire more performance, and we all do, the next level of performance requires the upgrade of your factory exhaust manifolds. Also known as turbo header for turbocharged vehicles, or "headers" for those with naturally-aspirated cars, or simply exhaust manifold, a proper unit flows more exhaust gases faster when compared to your factory components. A proper exhaust manifold will also be required if you desire to make more power that surpasses the flow limits of your factory unit. If you want to maximize the performance out of your factory turbocharger, an upgraded manifold is the way to go. If you upgraded to a larger turbocharger and are running more boost in your purpose-built race car, you will need a proper manifold to support the flow. When compared to your factory heavy cast log-style manifold, aftermarket options have longer tubular runners that smoothly meet collectively at the mounting flange. No flow restrictions mean more power. A must-have for those of you who have substantial power goals in mind. 

 

 

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO MAINTAIN THE REST OF YOUR EXHAUST

This is the main path to completing your full exhaust upgrade. And when it's time to perform maintenance that required the removal of your exhaust system make sure that you use new gaskets if your existing gaskets have too much heat damage. And check out the rest of the exhaust options to fully protect and support your exhaust beyond your cat-back setup.

 

• EXHAUST GASKETS AND HARDWARE: Anytime you perform maintenance that requires you to remove any exhaust component that requires a gasket, it is always a good idea to replace that gasket, or at the very least thoroughly examine the existing gasket if you must re-use it. The reason is that exhaust gaskets will experience more heat than the rest of the components in the engine bay. And your gaskets could become brittle and come apart upon removal. Could you imagine if you upgraded the up-pipe in an 3 WRX and didn't switch out the gaskets only to hear a loud tractor-like noise upon startup? Always check or replace your gaskets. We carry every multi-layer steel option with fire rings that will provide an optimal seal. And if you have a warped manifold stud, please do yourself a favor and replace those units as well. 

 

• EXHAUST HANGERS: Your factory exhaust system is very heavy, and the OEM exhaust hangers are made from rubber that will weaken over time. We carry a great selection of urethane mounts that will keep your exhaust movement down to a minimum. Additionally, we have exhaust hangers available in different lengths to support any cat-back system you may install on your application.

 

• EXHAUST HEAT SHIELDS AND HEAT WRAP: Because the turbocharger is connected to the up-pipe on your Subaru, and directly to your exhaust manifold on other models, there can be a lot of heat generated under the hood during operation. We carry upgraded versions of exhaust heat shields that will not only contain the heat within the turbocharger but will also improve the overall engine bay aesthetics. You can choose from exhaust heat wrap to wrap your exhaust manifolds or downpipe to further reduce the heat. If you have a larger turbocharger that exceeds the installation method of your heat shield, you can choose a turbo blanket. Many safe options to protect your surrounding engine components from excessive heat, while reducing the chances of heat soak to your intercooler.