An In-depth Guide to Exhaust Systems | AmericanMuscle (2024)

By Averi Melcher - January 4, 2020

The Jaguar F-PACE or Mustang Shelby GT350R fires its engine up and your knees melt. The vibrations rattle around in your chest, threatening to disrupt your heart’s natural rhythm. Guaranteed, it skipped a beat. If only your car sounded that good.

There’s a common phrase: “out of the overflow of the engine, the exhaust sings”. Or something like that. What we’re sayin’ is, your car can have all the power in the world and still sound like a puppy stuck in a blanket. Is that the message you want your vehicle to deliver when you mash on the gas pedal? Doubtful.

Performance Exhaust System or Cat-Back Exhaust?

What’s Included in a Performance Exhaust

What Does Catback Exhaust System Entail?

Which Is the Better Choice?

Magnaflow Exhaust System Options

MagnaFlow exhaust systems are proudly manufactured in Oceanside, California where every day is a car show. If you’re looking for that proud-Dad nod of approval, you’ll get it when you put this type of quality into your car’s upgrades. Founded in 1981, few companies have stood the test of time like MagnaFlow.

Flowmaster Exhaust Systems

Another exhaust manufacturer that’s been around for a coon’s age is Flowmaster. As part of the Driven Performance car parts group that includes Holley, Hurst, and others, you know you’re going to find good-quality aftermarket exhaust components if they have Flowmaster stamped on them.

Borla Exhaust Systems

Tim the Toolman Taylor had TV viewers thinking that Borla exhaust was a made-up name. It’s not. Borla exhaust is one of the most recognized names in performance exhaust systems and is the originator of the term ‘Cat Back’ long before it was cool.

Corsa Exhaust Systems

Sometimes, you want it to sound like you’re driving a muscle car on the outside while you enjoy the quiet interior of your compact coupe. Corsa exhaust systems are best known for their no-drone performance through Reflective Sound Cancellation, or RSC Technology.

The Takeaway

If you’re the type that needs their car to sound awesome, and you absolutely have to wring every drop of horsepower and torque from your powertrain, a performance exhaust system from AM should be on your short list. Whether you choose a Corsa cat-back exhaust, a Borla header-back performance exhaust system, a Flowmaster axle-back exhaust system, or any of the products from MagnaFlow, you’ll get the performance and sound you’re searching for. And wouldn’t you know it – it’s all available right here on AM.