Most track days start with the same feeling, excitement as you roll onto the circuit, the engine warming up and the anticipation of pushing your car to its limits. It’s the sound of tyres squealing, the rush of acceleration and the roar from the back end that really sets the scene. That roar comes from your exhaust, and for anyone chasing more power or a better note, a race exhaust is where it all begins. The right exhaust can change the way your car feels on the track, giving you more response, more growl and a real sense of connection.
Types of Exhaust Systems
Header-Back
The header-back exhaust is what replaces everything from the headers all the way to the tailpipe. This means you get a full system with the least amount of restriction and the most potential for performance gains. A header-back race exhaust is what you should consider if you’re after maximum airflow and the second biggest improvement in performance. These systems are usually found on dedicated track cars, where every bit of power counts.
Cat-Back
A cat-back system starts after the catalytic converter and replaces everything to the rear of the car. This is the most popular upgrade for those who want a better note and a bit more power without interfering with emissions or spending a fortune. Cat-back performance exhaust systems are easy to fit, don’t need special tuning and are quite common for both track and street cars. They’re a solid step up from stock exhausts but are not as restrictive, nor do they blunder the back of your car.
Turbo-Back
Turbo-back systems are usually made for turbocharged cars, but can be fitted to NA vehicles too. They start at the turbocharger and go all the way back, replacing every single component. By freeing up the whole exhaust path, a turbo-back performance exhaust lets the turbo spool faster and make more power. This is the go-to option for anyone who wants the full benefit of performance exhaust systems with the addition of forced induction and a more aggressive exhaust note, too.
What Matters in an Exhaust System
Diameter
First and foremost, you should take into consideration the diameter of the exhaust pipe. The larger the pipes, the more gas can flow all at once, which also helps improve the system's scavenging effect. But too big, and you lose low-end power. The trick is to match the diameter to your engine's output. meaning to have an inch of diameter for every 100HP your car makes.
Thickness
Talking about pipe thickness, thicker ones last longer and resist damage better, but they add more weight than thinner ones. Most aftermarket exhausts use just enough thickness to handle the heat and stress caused by high-performance figures without weighing the car down.
Bends
The bends in your exhaust matter more than you think. Mandrel bends keep the pipe round and smooth, so exhaust gases flow without getting slowed down, while crush bends pinch the pipe, causing restrictions. For the best results, look for a performance exhaust with mandrel bends from start to finish.
Midpipe
The midpipe is the section between the front and rear of the exhaust, which can be an X-pipe or H-pipe configuration. This section balances the flow of gases and changes the sound of the exhaust. An X-pipe is preferred for track cars and performance cars, while an H-pipe configuration is better for everyday driving.
Material
The material you pick will affect the weight, sound, and lifespan of your aftermarket exhaust. Most performance exhausts are made from stainless steel or titanium. Stainless steel is tough and resists rust, making it a good all-rounder. Titanium is lighter and even more resistant to corrosion, but it costs more, too.
Valve
Some aftermarket systems come with valves that let you change the loudness of the system at the press of a button. Open the valve for a loud, aggressive note on the track, or close it for a quieter drive home. It’s a clever way to get the best of both worlds from your performance exhaust.
Advantages of an Aftermarket Exhaust
Cost
There isn’t a more cost-effective way to get more performance and sound than with an aftermarket exhaust. Aftermarket systems are available at all price points, so you can easily find something that fits your budget.
Options
With so many options out there, you can pick exactly what you want from full header-back setups to simple cat-backs, there’s an exhaust for every type of car. You can also choose between different materials, finishes and even custom tips to get the look and sound you’re after.
Installation
Most aftermarket exhausts are designed to bolt straight on without much hassle. This means you don’t need to be a mechanic to fit one, and replacement parts are easy to find. If you want to swap out a section or upgrade later, you can do so.
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