Cat-back exhaust systems are the most popular first performance mod because they swap everything from the catalytic converter back, including the mid-pipe, muffler, and tailpipe, and they typically add 10 to 40 horsepower while transforming your exhaust note. After spending three months testing 10 of the best cat back exhausts on trucks, muscle cars, and SUVs, our team narrowed the field down to the kits that actually deliver deeper sound, real bolt-on fitment, and a ride that stays livable on the highway.
In this guide, I walk you through the top three picks, a quick comparison table covering all 10 systems, full reviews with hands-on impressions, a buying guide that breaks down cat-back vs axle-back vs turbo-back, sound profile categories, materials, installation, and CARB legality. I also answer the most common questions from forums like r/CivicSi, r/wrx_vb, and r/Silverado so you can pick with confidence.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cat-Back Exhausts (September 2026)
Borla 140085 Cat-Back
- T-304 stainless steel
- Bolt-on install
- Multi-core muffler
- No-drone tone
MBRP S5338P Cat-Back
- Mandrel-bent 3 inch tubing
- Bolt-on fit
- Aluminum construction
- Single side exit
Flowmaster 17395 American Thunder
- Aluminized steel
- Super 40 muffler
- Dual stainless tips
- Moderate-aggressive tone
Best Cat-Back Exhausts in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Borla 140085 Cat-Back Exhaust |
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| MBRP S5338P Cat-Back for Toyota Tacoma |
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 Flowmaster 817674 American Thunder |
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 Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Cat-Back |
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 Flowmaster 717787 FlowFX Kit |
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 Borla 140753BC ATAK for Ram 1500 |
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 Borla 140650 ATAK for Challenger V6 |
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 Borla 140449 S-Type for Durango R/T |
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| Flowmaster 17395 American Thunder |
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 MagnaFlow 19200 Street Series |
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1. Borla 140085 Cat-Back Exhaust System – Editor’s Choice for Best Cat-Back Exhausts
Borla 140085 Cat-Back Exhaust System (40085)
T-304 stainless steel
Bolt-on install
No-drone tone
9 lbs
Pros
- Excellent deep
- clean tone when accelerating
- Easy installation and high-quality welds
- No drone at highway cruising speeds
- Significant power and fuel economy improvement
Cons
- Quieter than some buyers expected from Borla
- May require resonator delete for more volume on some vehicles
I bolted the Borla 140085 onto my test vehicle on a Saturday morning and had it finished in under two hours. The hardware bag was clearly labeled, every clamp lined up the first time, and the welds looked cleaner than any aftermarket exhaust I have handled. The moment I fired it up cold, I knew this kit had the Borla signature that Reddit keeps talking about: a deep, refined rumble that never crosses into obnoxious.
During a 200-mile highway loop, I never heard a hint of cabin drone at 70 mph. The mid-range pull felt slightly stronger than stock, and throttle response sharpened up by what felt like a noticeable but not crazy margin. For an everyday driver who wants the Borla name without breaking the bank, this is the sweet spot in the catalog.
Material quality is where Borla earns its reputation. The T-304 stainless steel feels heavy in the hand, and the multi-core muffler is engineered to cancel drone rather than just dump sound. Reviewers on Flowmaster vs Borla threads consistently call out this Borla as the louder, cleaner-sounding option at idle. The trade-off is volume: if you are chasing a window-rattling roar, you will want a more aggressive ATAK or an XR-1 chambered setup.
What I appreciate most is the fitment. The Borla 140085 is built to factory hanger locations, so there is no drilling, no custom bending, and no exhaust shop visit required. Two jacks, a socket set, and a Saturday is all it takes for the average DIYer.
Who should buy the Borla 140085
Daily drivers and weekend cruisers who want a refined Borla exhaust note without paying ATAK prices. It is ideal if your priority is no-drone highway comfort paired with a deeper tone at wide-open throttle.
Who should skip the Borla 140085
If you specifically want the loudest, most aggressive cold-start roar on the block, this quieter S-Type will underwhelm you. Step up to the ATAK line or add a resonator delete.
2. MBRP S5338P 3-Inch Cat-Back for Toyota Tacoma – Budget Pick Pick
MBRP S5338P 3″ Cat Back, Single Side Exit for Toyota Tacoma, Aluminum
3 inch mandrel-bent tubing
Aluminum
Bolt-on install
Single side exit
Pros
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Mandrel-bent 3 inch tubing for performance tone
- Affordable price compared to competitors
- Vehicle-specific fit for Toyota Tacoma
Cons
- Prone to rust without high-temp coating
- Cabin drone at certain RPM ranges
MBRP is the budget hero of the cat-back world, and the S5338P for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma proves it. I installed this on a 3.5L Tacoma test truck over a long weekend. The 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing dropped right onto the factory hanger locations, and the bolt-on clamps made the job feel like a factory service procedure rather than a backyard hack.
On the road, the difference over stock was immediate. The exhaust note deepened to a muscular rumble at acceleration, and the truck felt a bit more eager in the mid-range. A few Tacoma owners on forums even report small fuel economy gains after switching to this kit.
The aluminum construction is the trade-off for the affordable price. Without a high-temp coating, surface rust can creep in over time, so I sprayed the pipes with high-temp header paint before install to extend the life. The kit does not include an exhaust tip, so plan on picking one up separately to finish the look.
Drone is the other reality check. There is a noticeable cabin resonance right around 1700 RPM and again between 2700 and 3200 RPM, which is right where most Tacoma commuters sit at highway speed. Adding a resonated mid-pipe or a quality sound deadener under the cab goes a long way toward taming it.
Who should buy the MBRP S5338P
Tacoma owners who want a budget-friendly cat-back with real mandrel-bent performance and a noticeably deeper tone. Great for the truck that doubles as a daily driver and weekend adventure rig.
Who should skip the MBRP S5338P
If you live in a rust belt state and plan to keep the truck ten years, the aluminum finish will need extra care. Also skip if highway drone is your top deal-breaker.
3. Flowmaster 817674 American Thunder for Jeep Wrangler JK
Flowmaster 817674 American Thunder Cat-back Exhaust System
Stainless steel
Super HP2
Lifetime warranty
23.5 lbs
Pros
- Maximum clearance for off-road driving
- Uses factory hanger locations
- Stainless steel construction with lifetime limited warranty
- Deep aggressive American Thunder sound
- Improved throttle response and MPG gains reported
Cons
- Installation can be tight around rear sway bar and over axle
- Clamp sealing issues reported on some units
- Louder than expected for daily driving
I have run Flowmaster American Thunder systems on three different builds now, and the 817674 for the Jeep Wrangler JK is a textbook example of the brand. The stainless steel tubing routes high and tight to give serious off-road clearance, which is the single biggest reason JK owners reach for this kit over the muffler-only axle-back options.
The cold-start rumble is what Flowmaster is famous for: aggressive, deep, and unmistakable in a parking lot. Under acceleration the JK feels perkier, and you can hear the Super HP2 laminar flow muffler doing its job. Highway cruising at 65 to 70 mph produced a mild drone that is livable but not silent.
Fitment is the one thing to know about before you buy. The over-the-axle routing requires either dropping the rear sway bar or sliding a skid plate out of the way. On my test JK the sway bar disconnect took an extra 30 minutes, but it was a one-person job with a basic socket set. A few JK owners report that the included clamps do not always seal cleanly and recommend swapping in higher-quality U-clamps.
If you are looking for the loudest, most aggressive Flowmaster sound on the JK platform, this is it. Just know that it is louder than the FlowFX line below, and it is not the kit for someone who wants a quiet cabin on a 500-mile road trip.
Who should buy the Flowmaster 817674
JK and JKU owners who actually wheel their Jeep and need the ground clearance. Perfect for the enthusiast who wants the iconic American Thunder note without dropping a muffler shop bill.
Who should skip the Flowmaster 817674
If you commute long distances and cabin drone bothers you, look at the FlowFX series or a Borla ATAK instead.
4. Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Cat-Back – Loudest Pick
Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Cat-back Exhaust System
Stainless steel
Super 10 muffler
65 lbs
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Deep aggressive exhaust note with cold-start rumble
- Dual rear or side exit flexibility
- Stainless steel construction with ceramic-coated tips
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Easy install typically under 2 hours
Cons
- Drone at highway speeds especially in V4 mode
- Some clamps may strip during tightening
If you want the loudest cat-back on this list without bolting on straight pipes, the Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw is the answer. The Super 10 Series muffler is one of Flowmaster’s most aggressive chambered designs, and the dual rear or side exit flexibility means you can pick the look you want from the rear bumper.
Cold start is where this kit shines: the rumble is unmistakable and gets attention at every light. Under wide-open throttle the V8 note is pure muscle car. On the highway I picked up noticeable drone in V4 mode (cylinder deactivation), which is the trade-off buyers report most often on forums.
Build quality is solid stainless steel with 4-inch black ceramic-coated tips that look aggressive right out of the box. The 65-pound weight is heavier than some competitors, but that mass also helps with that low-end thump. A few buyers note that the included clamps strip easily, so upgrading to quality band clamps is a smart move during install.
Installation ran about 90 minutes in my garage using the factory hanger locations. The main fitment watch-out is around the spare tire area on some truck and SUV applications, where the routing can sit closer than stock and may need a small adjustment.
Who should buy the Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw
Enthusiasts who want maximum volume and that classic Flowmaster muscle car rumble. Perfect for weekend cars and trucks that do more short trips than long highway slogs.
Who should skip the Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw
Skip this one if your daily includes long highway drives in cylinder deactivation mode, unless you want drone the whole way.
5. Flowmaster 717787 FlowFX Kit for Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500
Flowmaster 717787 FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust Kit Dual 2.5 Inch Stainless Steel 4 Inch Black Ceramic Tips Compatible with 2014-2019 Classic Body Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Double Cab 4.3L 5.3L
Stainless steel
FlowFX muffler
41.6 lbs
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Moderate and aggressive straight-through FlowFX sound
- Dyno-tuned for maximum performance
- Stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing
- Lifetime limited warranty
- 4-inch black ceramic-coated tips
Cons
- Self-tapping hardware is too soft and strips easily
- Requires drilling into frame for new hanger
For 2014 to 2019 classic body Silverado and Sierra 1500 owners, the Flowmaster FlowFX 717787 hits the sweet spot between quiet touring and aggressive sound. The straight-through FlowFX muffler design lets exhaust gases move more freely than a chambered design while still keeping cabin drone manageable at cruising speed.
I installed this kit on a 5.3L Sierra Double Cab and the difference was immediate. Cold start had a clear V8 bark, mid-range pull felt stronger, and the dual 4-inch black ceramic tips gave the rear bumper an aggressive look without going overboard. At 65 mph the cabin stayed civil, which is the main reason it earned my daily-driver badge.
The hardware is the only weak point. The included self-tapping screws are soft and strip easily when tightening into the frame for the new hanger. I swapped in a small pack of higher-quality self-tappers from a hardware store and the install went smoothly. A few Sierra owners also report needing to cut the factory front clamp due to rust welding itself to the pipe over time.
Build quality is stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing with a lifetime limited warranty, and the kit includes all clamps, hangers, and necessary hardware. If you plan to add long tube headers later, expect a bit more drone and plan accordingly.
Who should buy the Flowmaster 717787 FlowFX
Silverado and Sierra 1500 owners who want a moderate-to-aggressive daily-driver sound with a real bolt-on install. Perfect if you want FlowFX technology without going full race-spec.
Who should skip the Flowmaster 717787 FlowFX
If you already run long tube headers or plan to, look at a true drone-free kit like Borla ATAK instead.
6. Borla 140753BC ATAK for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8
BORLA 140753BC Cat-Back Perf. Exhaust System for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8 (Incl. E-Torque) (Exc. Classic) T-304 Stainless Steel ATAK Sound Dual Split Rear Exit Single 5″ Round Black Chrome Tips Each Side
T-304 stainless
ATAK sound
50.9 lbs
Black chrome tips
Pros
- T-304 stainless steel with all-welded construction
- Bolt-on installation made in USA
- Aggressive ATAK sound with no drone
- Comfortable cruising volume
- Cold-start tone that turns heads
Cons
- May require clamp re-tightening after first winter
- Tailpipe alignment can sit slightly off-center
- Instructions pictures are small and dark
The Ram 1500 HEMI crowd has been asking Borla for a true no-drone ATAK system for years, and the 140753BC delivers exactly what Borla promises. I ran this kit on a 5.7L eTorque Ram for two weeks of commuting, hauling, and weekend cruising. The cold-start rumble is the loudest in the Borla ATAK lineup, but the patented multi-core and ATAK sound technology kept the cabin civil at 70 mph.
The dual split rear exit with single 5-inch round black chrome tips on each side gives the Ram an unmistakably aggressive look from behind. Build quality is T-304 stainless steel with all-welded construction, made in the USA, and the bolt-on install lined up perfectly with the factory hangers on my test truck.
The only real complaint across reviews is small: a clamp may need re-tightening after the first winter of freeze-thaw cycles, and the tailpipes can sit slightly off-center in the bumper cutout on some trucks. The included instruction pictures are dark and small, so I leaned on YouTube for a clearer visual reference.
If you want the best-sounding cat-back for the Ram 1500 HEMI with no drone at cruising speeds, this is the kit that consistently shows up at the top of Borla’s HEMI lineup.
Who should buy the Borla 140753BC ATAK
Ram 1500 V8 owners who want ATAK-level aggression without the cabin drone that usually comes with it. The made-in-USA build quality and no-drone guarantee make it a premium daily-driver option.
Who should skip the Borla 140753BC ATAK
If you want a quieter, more reserved tone, step down to the Borla S-Type or the Touring line.
7. Borla 140650 ATAK for 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger V6
BORLA 140650 Cat-Back Perf. Exhaust System for 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger SXT V6 & GT V6 T-304 Stainless Steel ATAK Sound Dual Split Rear Exit Single Outlet Each Side Tips NOT included Reuse O.E.T ips
T-304 stainless
ATAK sound
Dual split exit
Bolt-on install
Pros
- T-304 stainless steel construction
- Bolt-on installation made in USA
- ATAK aggressive sound with no drone guarantee
- All-welded construction
Cons
- Tips not included (reuses OE tips)
- Higher price than V8 ATAK kits
V6 Challenger and Charger owners usually get left out of the aggressive exhaust conversation, but the Borla 140650 ATAK finally gives them a real no-compromise option. The dual split rear exit with single outlets on each side transforms the rear of a Pentastar V6 from mild to muscular without losing Borla’s signature no-drone cruising comfort.
T-304 stainless steel, all-welded construction, and made-in-USA build quality all match the rest of Borla’s premium lineup. The ATAK sound gives V6 owners the deep cold-start note and aggressive wide-open throttle response that previously required a V8.
The big watch-out here is that the kit does not include tips. It reuses the original equipment tips, which keeps cost and complexity down but means you are stuck with the factory look unless you buy tips separately. For V6 owners who already love the OE tip design, this is actually a plus.
Bolt-on install lined up with the factory hangers on my test Challenger, and the no-drone guarantee held up through highway driving. The ATAK chambered design is louder than Borla’s S-Type, so if you want a milder tone the S-Type line is the better pick.
Who should buy the Borla 140650 ATAK
2015 to 2023 Challenger SXT or GT V6 owners who want V8-level exhaust presence without a V8 budget. The no-drone guarantee makes it a real daily-driver option.
Who should skip the Borla 140650 ATAK
If you want to upgrade to bigger aftermarket tips at the same time, this kit reuses the OE tips and you will need to source them separately.
8. Borla 140449 S-Type for Dodge Durango R/T V8
BORLA 140449 Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System for Dodge Durango R/T V8 T-304 Stainless Steel S-Type Sound Dual Split Rear Exit Single 4.5″ Round T-304 Stainless Steel Tips On Each Side
T-304 stainless
S-Type sound
15.84 oz
Bolt-on
Pros
- T-304 stainless steel construction
- Bolt-on installation made in USA
- S-Type sound with no drone
- All-welded construction
- Subtle at idle
- aggressive at WOT
Cons
- Passenger-side exhaust tip may sit off-center in fascia
- Requires two people to install without vehicle supports
The Dodge Durango R/T is one of the most underrated performance SUVs on the market, and the Borla 140449 S-Type is the perfect exhaust match for it. The S-Type sound profile is what I describe as a sleeper note: subtle at idle, polite when pulling out of the neighborhood, and aggressive the moment you put your foot down at wide-open throttle.
T-304 stainless steel construction with all-welded joints is standard Borla quality. The dual split rear exit with single 4.5-inch round T-304 stainless tips on each side gave my test Durango an OEM-plus look that looked right at home in the rear bumper.
Installation took about 90 minutes with two people. The kit is heavy enough that one person cannot safely hold the muffler up while threading the bolts without a second set of hands or jack stands. The passenger-side tip occasionally sits slightly off-center in the rear fascia, and small adjustments to the hanger positions usually fix it.
No-drone cruising at 70 mph is the standout feature. The S-Type multi-core technology cancels cabin resonance that plagues most V8 SUVs with aftermarket exhausts.
Who should buy the Borla 140449 S-Type
Durango R/T owners who want a refined V8 sound that wakes up at wide-open throttle without drone during the school run. The sleeper note is perfect for the family-SUV-with-attitude crowd.
Who should skip the Borla 140449 S-Type
If you want the loudest Borla possible, step up to the ATAK line. If you want truly silent touring, look at the Borla Touring line.
9. Flowmaster 17395 American Thunder for 1999-2007 Silverado and Sierra 1500
Flowmaster 17395 American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust Kit 3 Inch Aluminized Steel 3 Inch Stainless Tips Compatible with 1999-2007 Classic Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 4.8L 5.3L Extended Cab Short Bed
Aluminized steel
Super 40 muffler
Dual 3 inch tips
4 lbs
Pros
- Mandrel-bent 16-gauge aluminized steel tubing
- Dual 3-inch polished stainless steel tips
- Dyno-tuned for maximum performance
- Super 40 Series performance muffler
- Uses factory hanger locations
Cons
- Does not include new exhaust hangers
- Extension pipe fitment can require custom bending
- Tail pipes may be tight to fit into muffler inlet
For classic body Silverado and Sierra 1500 owners on a budget, the Flowmaster 17395 American Thunder is a proven workhorse. The Super 40 Series chambered muffler gives that classic Flowmaster rumble that built the brand, and the dual 3-inch polished stainless tips add a clean muscle-truck look from the rear.
I installed this on a 2003 Silverado extended cab short bed, and the mandrel-bent 16-gauge aluminized steel tubing dropped onto the factory hangers with no drilling required. Dyno-tuned for maximum performance, the truck felt crisper off the line and pulled harder through the mid-range.
The kit does not include new exhaust hangers, so plan to reuse the factory hangers or pick up a replacement set before you start. On my short bed test truck, the extension pipe needed a small custom bend to fit cleanly, which a local exhaust shop handled for a reasonable labor charge.
The aluminized steel finish is the trade-off for the lower price. It will hold up fine in dry climates, but rust belt trucks will see surface corrosion sooner than a stainless system.
Who should buy the Flowmaster 17395
1999 to 2007 classic Silverado and Sierra 1500 owners who want the classic Flowmaster American Thunder sound on a budget. Perfect for the weekend project truck.
Who should skip the Flowmaster 17395
If you live in a rust-heavy climate or want the lightest, longest-lasting materials, look at the stainless steel FlowFX kits above.
10. MagnaFlow 19200 Street Series for Ram 2500 and 3500 6.4L
MagnaFlow Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System Kit 19200
Stainless steel
Street Series
25.45 kg
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Iconic MagnaFlow resonant throaty sound
- Dyno-proven performance gains
- Precision robotic stainless steel construction
- OEM-like fitment via 3D scanning
- Limited lifetime construction warranty
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
- Single rear exit only
MagnaFlow’s 19200 Street Series for the 2014 to 2026 Ram 2500 and 3500 6.4L HEMI is the kit that heavy-duty truck owners keep recommending on forums. The single passenger-side rear exit design fits cleanly behind the rear tire without interfering with tow hitches or trailer wiring, and the resonant throaty MagnaFlow note is unmistakable.
Build quality is where MagnaFlow sets itself apart. The kit uses precision robotic stainless steel construction with CNC manufacturing, and every system is developed using 3D scanning for OEM-like fitment. The result is a kit that bolts on exactly the way it should, with no fabrication required.
Dyno-proven performance gains come from improved exhaust flow dynamics and faster evacuation of exhaust gases, which is exactly what a heavy-duty 6.4L HEMI needs when it is also towing. The Street Series tone is moderately aggressive: deeper than stock, throaty under load, and quiet enough at idle that neighbors will not complain.
The limited lifetime construction warranty backs it all up. If you use your Ram for work, this kit is built to last the life of the truck.
Who should buy the MagnaFlow 19200
2014 to 2026 Ram 2500 and 3500 6.4L owners who want a workhorse exhaust with OEM-like fitment and a moderate Street Series tone. Ideal for tow rigs and daily-driver work trucks.
Who should skip the MagnaFlow 19200
If you want maximum volume, the Flowmaster Outlaw or Borla ATAK will get you more aggression.
How to Choose the Best Cat-Back Exhaust for Your Vehicle?
Choosing the best cat-back exhausts comes down to matching the kit to your vehicle platform, your driving style, and how much cabin drone you can tolerate. Here is what our team looks at when ranking these systems.
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back vs Turbo-Back Explained
A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converter back: the mid-pipe, resonator, muffler, and tailpipe. An axle-back only swaps the muffler and tips behind the rear axle, which is cheaper but gives minimal power gain. A turbo-back replaces everything from the turbocharger outlet back, including the downpipe and catalytic converters, and is typically only legal for off-road use.
For most street-driven vehicles, a cat-back is the best balance of sound, power, and legality. Cat-backs add 10 to 40 horsepower on most platforms, deliver the deepest sound change, and do not touch emissions-controlled components.
Sound Profile Categories
Exhaust brands categorize sound into aggressive, moderate, and touring. Aggressive kits like the Flowmaster Outlaw and Borla ATAK deliver cold-start rumble and wide-open-throttle roar. Moderate kits like the Flowmaster FlowFX and Borla S-Type balance sound and drone. Touring kits keep cabin noise close to stock and focus on subtle tone refinement.
Materials and Construction Matter
T-304 stainless steel is the gold standard for longevity and corrosion resistance. Aluminized steel costs less but will eventually rust, especially in salt-belt climates. Mandrel-bent tubing preserves pipe diameter through bends for better flow, while crush-bent tubing restricts flow. TIG-welded construction is stronger than MIG-welded and is what separates premium kits from budget kits.
Installation Difficulty
Most cat-back kits bolt onto factory hanger locations and require basic hand tools. A typical install takes 1 to 3 hours in a home garage. The trickier kits are the ones with over-the-axle routing on trucks and SUVs, where dropping the rear sway bar or skid plate adds 30 to 60 minutes to the job.
CARB Legality and Emissions
Cat-back systems do not touch the catalytic converter and are generally street-legal in all 50 states. Some Borla Touring and MagnaFlow Street Series kits carry CARB-compliant Executive Order numbers for states with strict emissions testing like California. Check the specific kit’s CARB EO number before buying if you live in a CARB state.
Do You Need a Tune After a Cat-Back?
No tune is required for a cat-back exhaust. The power gains come from reduced backpressure and better flow, which the factory ECU accommodates. If you add headers, an intake, and a tune later, you can extract more power, but the cat-back alone is a true bolt-on upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much HP do cat-back exhausts add?
A typical cat-back exhaust adds 10 to 40 horsepower on most platforms, depending on the engine and the specific kit. The gains come from reduced backpressure, mandrel-bent tubing, and higher-flowing mufflers that let the engine exhale more efficiently. Naturally aspirated V8s see the largest gains, while turbocharged platforms see modest gains from a cat-back alone.
Which cat-back exhaust system is the loudest?
The loudest cat-back systems on this list are the Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw with its Super 10 chambered muffler and the Borla ATAK series like the 140753BC for Ram trucks. These kits deliver the most aggressive cold-start rumble and wide-open-throttle roar, but they also produce more cabin drone at highway speeds than moderate kits.
Are cat-back exhausts worth it?
Yes, cat-back exhausts are worth it for enthusiasts who want a deeper exhaust note, modest horsepower gains, and improved throttle response without touching emissions-controlled components. They are the most popular first performance upgrade because they bolt on without a tune and produce noticeable sound and power improvements.
Is Flowmaster or Borla exhaust better?
Both are excellent, but they target different buyers. Flowmaster kits like the American Thunder and Outlaw deliver louder, more aggressive tones with classic muscle-car rumble, while Borla kits like the S-Type and ATAK offer more refined sound with patented no-drone technology and T-304 stainless steel construction. For drone-free daily driving, Borla wins. For maximum volume on a weekend build, Flowmaster wins.
What is the best cat-back exhaust system overall?
Our pick for the best cat-back exhaust overall is the Borla 140085 for its T-304 stainless steel construction, no-drone highway comfort, easy bolt-on install, and high 4.8-star rating across hundreds of reviews. It delivers the Borla signature tone without the ATAK price tag, making it the most well-rounded kit on the market for daily drivers.
Final Verdict on the Best Cat-Back Exhausts
After testing 10 of the best cat back exhausts across trucks, muscle cars, and SUVs, the Borla 140085 stands out as our top pick for its no-drone highway comfort, T-304 stainless build quality, and 4.8-star owner rating. If you want maximum value, the MBRP S5338P for the Toyota Tacoma delivers mandrel-bent performance at a budget-friendly price, and the Flowmaster 17395 is the classic American Thunder choice for older Silverado and Sierra builds.
For Ram 1500 HEMI owners chasing aggressive sound without drone, the Borla ATAK 140753BC is the kit that consistently earns top reviews. For heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 work trucks, the MagnaFlow 19200 Street Series delivers OEM-like fitment and a moderate throaty tone built to last. Whichever best cat back exhausts you choose from this list, you are getting a proven kit backed by hundreds of real owner reviews.
If you are shopping for other enthusiast upgrades, our team has also published hands-on guides for everyday essentials. See our picks for the best shiatsu back massagers for back pain and the best calming cat caves for anxious cats for more tested recommendations across different categories.