Should You Consider Cat-Back Exhaust System Upgrades?

Date Posted: 9 August 2024

Are you considering a cat-back exhaust system upgrade for your vehicle? Many people recommend this upgrade as a cost-effective solution for optimising exhaust flow and getting a more aggressive sound, but what are the specifics? Why is a cat-back exhaust upgrade better than other performance upgrades? Let’s discuss the details, starting with the basics.

What Is Encompassed by a Cat-Back Exhaust Upgrade?

A cat-back exhaust upgrade involves replacing the exhaust components from the catalytic converter to the rear of the vehicle, including the muffler and tailpipe. These systems feature pipes with a larger diameter than OEM pipes, and this improves vehicle efficiency by optimising the exhaust flow.

Essentially, by connecting the catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust tips, cat-back systems create a smoother and more direct path for exhaust gases to exit the vehicle. This improved exhaust flow allows the engine to cycle more quickly and efficiently, resulting in greater power output.

Cat-back systems are particularly popular because they provide noticeable improvements without costing a fortune or running afoul of emissions regulations, which are rather stringent in Australia and are set to become even more rigorous as of 2025, as the factory catalytic converters remain untouched.

However, before we dive deeper into the pros and cons of cat-back upgrades, we should also cover other popular types of exhaust upgrades.

Other Types of Performance Exhausts

Beyond cat-back upgrades, two popular options are axle-back and turbo-back exhaust systems.

Axle-back exhaust systems focus on replacing the components from the rear axle to the back of the vehicle, including the muffler. When comparing cat-back vs. axle-back exhaust systems, axle-back systems may not offer the same power gains as cat-back systems, but they are affordable and easy to install.

These systems also provide noticeable improvements in exhaust sound, allowing car owners to achieve a more aggressive tone without extensive modifications or high costs. Turbo-back exhaust systems, on the other hand, replace the entire exhaust system from the turbocharger outlet to the rear of the vehicle. This is a comprehensive upgrade that includes a downpipe, which connects the turbocharger to the exhaust system, a high-flow catalytic converter, and a performance-oriented muffler.

Turbo-back systems offer significant performance improvements over stock systems by maximising exhaust flow and reducing back pressure, similar to cat-back upgrades. This setup is ideal for those seeking substantial gains in power and efficiency, particularly in turbocharged vehicles.

Now, with that short digression done, let’s get back to the main topic - the benefits of cat-back exhaust upgrades.

5 Benefits of Upgrading Your Cat-Back Exhaust System

A modified Audi S4 in a parking lot.

Upgrading your exhaust system to a cat-back one has multiple advantages, 5 of which can be categorised as the most important ones, starting with:

1. More Horsepower

One of the most significant, and likely the most significant, benefits of a cat-back exhaust upgrade is the increase in horsepower. By replacing the restrictive factory OEM exhaust components with larger diameter pipes and high-flow mufflers, the exhaust gases can exit the engine more freely.

This reduction in back pressure allows the engine to breathe better and operate more efficiently, translating to a noticeable boost in power. Whether you're accelerating on the highway or navigating city streets, the extra horsepower can offer you a much more responsive ride and an overall more pleasant driving experience.

2. Better Fuel Economy

Improved fuel economy is another reason why it's worth considering a cat-back exhaust system. The enhanced exhaust flow reduces the engine's workload, allowing it to run more efficiently. As a result, the engine requires less fuel to produce the same amount of power. Over time, this can lead to significant savings at the pump, especially if you drive frequently or cover long distances. However, we should note that the exact improvement in fuel efficiency can vary depending on your vehicle and driving style, as these are still major factors in fuel consumption.

3. Sound Upgrades

Another advantage of a cat-back exhaust upgrade is a louder and deeper exhaust note. And for many car enthusiasts, the sound of their vehicle is just as important as its performance. If you fall into that category, a cat-back upgrade is likely a good choice for you, particularly because this enhanced sound quality is achieved without the need for extensive modifications.

4. Cost-Efficiency

Besides performance and sound benefits, it’s also important to consider other practical aspects when upgrading your exhaust system, such as the cost and ease of installation. And compared to other exhaust modifications, cat-back systems are relatively cost-effective. They offer a good balance between performance improvements and affordability.

While turbo-back systems can provide even greater performance gains, they are also more expensive and rather complex to install. On the other hand, axle-back systems are cheaper but do not offer the same level of performance enhancement. Cat-back systems hit the sweet spot, providing significant benefits without breaking the bank.

5. Ease of Installation

Finally, another advantage of cat-back exhaust systems is their ease of installation. Most cat-back kits are designed to be a direct fit for specific vehicle models, requiring minimal modifications. This means you can often install the system yourself with basic tools and mechanical knowledge, saving on labour costs.

Even if you choose to have a professional handle the installation, the process is usually straightforward and less time-consuming than more extensive exhaust upgrades. The simplicity of installation combined with the cost-effectiveness of the components themselves makes cat-back systems an accessible and appealing option for many people.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

An image of a 2-1-2 cat-back exhaust system.

Despite the clear advantages of upgrading your system to a cat-back one, there are some downsides, and we should touch on them. One of them is the initial cost. While cat-back exhaust systems are generally more cost-effective than other performance upgrades, they still require a significant initial investment.

The cost of high-quality components and professional installation can add up, potentially making this upgrade less appealing if you are working on a tight budget. Then, although many people would consider it an upgrade, the increased noise levels can be a downside for drivers who prefer a quieter ride (or maybe have neighbours sensitive to loud sounds).

Further, while the installation is straightforward, it is not extremely simple. While many cat-back systems are designed for easy installation, there can still be installation challenges, especially if you have limited mechanical experience. Improper installation can lead to exhaust leaks, poor performance, and potential damage to other vehicle components.

Finally, cat-backs offer limited performance gains for non-performance vehicles. The performance gains from a cat-back exhaust system are most noticeable in vehicles that are already performance-oriented. If you have a standard commuter car, the improvements in horsepower and fuel efficiency might be less significant. While you will still benefit from a better exhaust sound and some efficiency gains, the overall impact may not be as dramatic as it would be for a high-performance vehicle.

Where Can You Get an Affordable Cat-Back Upgrade?

If you have weighed the pros and cons and decided that you do want to upgrade your exhaust system, you will find everything you need at Perform-Ex Auto. We provide a wide range of high-quality yet affordable performance parts for many vehicle makes and models.

Our collection of exhaust parts includes everything from comprehensive performance exhaust system upgrades to individual aftermarket parts like catalytic converters and mufflers to exhaust accessories. All of our parts come with a genuine warranty - all you need to do is place your order online, and we will ship it anywhere in Australia.

You can also come pick up your parts personally at our warehouse in Orange, NSW. And don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need assistance with picking out parts that are the best fit for your vehicle; we will get back to you as soon as possible.