A significant portion of your engine’s combustion cycle is dedicated to expelling the resulting waste gases. Although vehicles are equipped with factory-installed exhaust systems, these systems are often quite restrictive due to strict regulations.
This restrictive nature can hinder your vehicle’s overall performance. Fortunately, switching to performance exhaust systems can provide not only a modest improvement in power but also a much more appealing exhaust sound.
In this article, we’ll explore what performance exhaust systems offer and present a list of the top ten exhaust systems available for your vehicle.
1. MagnaFlow Exhaust System
Every MagnaFlow exhaust system is engineered to deliver top-tier performance and power. These systems frequently feature larger piping and are constructed from high-flow, durable T-409 stainless steel.
Upgrading to a MagnaFlow exhaust can lead to improved fuel efficiency, enhanced towing torque, and even increased base horsepower.
Depending on your specific vehicle, MagnaFlow offers three distinct series to choose from.
These include the premium-range MagnaFlow Series (featuring polished mufflers and double-welded tips), the mid-range XL Series (offering satin finish mufflers and single-walled tips), and the budget-friendly Pro Series (which includes stainless mufflers, with tips sold separately).
Warranty
All MagnaFlow exhaust systems come with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Best bang for your buck
- Great-sounding system
- High-quality systems
Cons
- Expensive upper limit
- Installation can be tricky
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2. Flowmaster Exhaust System
Flowmaster exhaust systems are among the most popular and widely favored options due to their solid construction and impressive performance.
These systems can provide a 5 to 10 percent increase in power, along with improved fuel economy.
Most Flowmaster components are made from aluminized steel, which offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. Some kits also come with stainless steel tips for enhanced longevity.
Flowmaster offers four exclusive exhaust series: the dBX Flowmaster (ideal for compact domestic and imported vehicles with 4- or 6-cylinder engines), the Flow FX Series (delivers a powerful, non-chambered tone), the American Thunder (combines great sound and high performance), and the Outlaw Series (produces an aggressive tone with top-tier performance).
Warranty
Flowmaster provides a limited lifetime warranty for all stainless steel exhaust systems and a limited 3-year warranty for aluminized steel systems.
Pros
- Delivers excellent sound
- Noticeably improves performance
- Easy to install
Cons
- Clamp quality can be improved
- Unclear instruction manual
3. Pacesetter Exhaust System
Pacesetter’s exhaust systems are known for their cutting-edge design and meticulous craftsmanship. They offer a wide selection of parts tailored for various exhaust needs, including cat-back systems, diesel applications, deep-tone variants, manifold configurations, and header-back units.
These components are constructed using either aluminized steel or high-quality T409 stainless steel.
Every exhaust system from Pacesetter comes equipped with all the necessary installation hardware, such as clamps, tubing, and hangers.
Customers have the option to go without a muffler or choose from different muffler types including glass-packed, turbo, or straight-through designs.
Additionally, a variety of exit styles and pipe diameters are available to suit different preferences and vehicle specifications.
Warranty
Heartthrob provides a 1-year warranty on all Pacesetter systems it manufactures.
Pros
- Looks good and sounds great
- Top-quality performance
- Great fit for most vehicles
Cons
- Complicated installation
- Vague instructions
4. Gibson Exhaust System
Gibson offers a range of exhaust systems made from either hot-dipped aluminized steel or 409-L stainless steel. These systems are built to enhance fuel efficiency by improving miles per gallon and can deliver an additional 10 to 20 horsepower.
This results in better overall vehicle performance and efficiency. Gibson’s exhausts also help to minimize back-pressure and reduce unnecessary turbulence, ensuring a smoother driving experience.
The lineup includes a variety of styles to suit different needs and preferences.
Options include split rear systems (which lower back-pressure and feature dual rear exits), dual extreme exhausts (which provide the most performance and produce a louder tone), dual sport Gibson exhausts (designed for optimal performance increases), Gibson swept side exhausts (built for better fuel economy with a single side exit), and super truck exhausts (engineered for maximum power and delivering the loudest output at 95 decibels).
Warranty
The cost of a Gibson exhaust system typically ranges between $200 and $1,700, depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle.
Pros
- Clear improvement in performance
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to install
Cons
- A little quieter than most other brands
- Noticeable drone at cruising speeds
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5. Banks Monster Exhaust System
Every Banks Monster exhaust system is equipped with all the essential components, including tubes, clamps, and hangers required for installation.
One of the standout benefits of these systems is that they can be conveniently mounted onto factory stock positions.
The tubing is engineered to reduce exhaust gas temperatures, while the mandrel-bent construction ensures optimal exhaust flow.
There is a wide range of kit options available, including turbo-back, DPF-back, downpipe-back, and cat-back configurations. For certain vehicle models, you can also choose between single and dual exit setups.
Select kits also feature the Banks Power Elbow range. Regardless of the variant you go for, all systems are built using 100% genuine stainless steel and include a polished stainless steel tip for added style.
Warranty
Banks Monster exhaust systems come with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Very clear installation instructions
- No drone inside the vehicle
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- May rattle at low rpm
- Hard to install the muffler
6. JBA Performance Exhaust System
JBA offers a comprehensive selection of exhaust configurations for cars, trucks, and SUVs, all designed with precision tuning and meticulous attention to detail.
These systems utilize large-diameter pipes where needed and are made from high-grade stainless steel. Their mandrel-bent construction enhances exhaust gas flow, and a chrome-polished stainless steel tip adds a visually appealing finish.
JBA’s systems are packed with features such as high-flow mufflers, fully-welded cases, and factory-style mounting brackets.
The exhaust note is a deep, powerful rumble that comes to life upon ignition and continues as you drive. In addition to performance and sound, JBA systems are designed to improve fuel efficiency while boosting both horsepower and torque.
Warranty
JBA Performance exhaust systems are supported by a 1-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Pros
- Premium quality construction
- Helpful and clear instruction
- Street-legal in all 50 states
Cons
- Clamps are a bit weak
- Installation can be tricky for newbies
7. Corsa Exhaust System
Corsa’s exhaust systems are engineered with all the elements that turn a basic setup into something exceptional. They are constructed entirely from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and feature mandrel-bent tubing designed to improve exhaust gas flow.
These systems deliver significant horsepower increases, enhanced fuel economy, and reduced back-pressure for a smoother, more efficient performance.
Corsa offers its performance exhaust systems in three main series. The Sport series is ideal for those who want an aggressive sound with minimal interior drone.
The Touring series provides a tone that’s slightly louder than stock, while the Xtreme series is built for race-focused drivers seeking the most intense sound and performance. Each system is tailored specifically to the make and model of your vehicle for a precise fit.
Warranty
Every Corsa exhaust system comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Street-legal in all 50 states
- Easy to install
- Clear and detailed instructions
Cons
- Can be quite expensive
- A bit of drone in the 2k rpm range
8. Hooker Exhaust System
Hooker’s line of exhaust systems is designed to help your vehicle overcome the limitations of stock setups by unlocking more horsepower and increasing fuel efficiency.
With various configurations available, each system is custom-built to suit the exact specifications of your vehicle, providing a perfect balance between performance and fit.
The systems are built using 304 stainless steel, offering excellent durability and strength for long-term use. Buyers can choose from different configurations including cat-back, header-back, or axle-back setups.
Additionally, some of the systems are equipped with reducer flex-tubes to allow for easier adaptation to existing components.
Warranty
All Hooker exhaust systems are supported by a 90-day limited warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Pros
- Improves performance
- Great-sounding systems
- Durable construction
Cons
- Short warranty period
- Not CARB-approved for Californian use
9. PaceSetter Monza Exhaust System
Manufactured in the USA, the PaceSetter Monza exhaust systems prove that powerful performance can be achieved with domestically made components. An added advantage is their affordable pricing.
These systems are constructed using 16-gauge aluminized steel and utilize a mandrel-bent design to allow for fast and seamless exhaust gas flow.
The components are finished in black to resist corrosion and rust, while the exit pipes come equipped with sleek chrome exhaust tips.
Each muffler is custom-designed to match the specific year, make, model, and type of your vehicle, ensuring an exact fit and reliable performance.
Warranty
Every PaceSetter Monza exhaust system is covered by a limited 3-year warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Pros
- Very affordably priced
- Attractive finish
- Sounds incredible
Cons
- Modifications needed to achieve the perfect fit
- Installing and assembling can be tricky
10. aFe Exhaust System
Each aFe exhaust system comes packed with functional features such as generously sized mandrel-bent tubes and low exhaust gas temperatures.
These well-crafted components fit together precisely and enhance the system’s efficiency. The tubing increases exhaust gas flow by more than 35%, leading to measurable gains in horsepower.
While most systems are made from aluminized steel, certain aFe models are constructed from 409 stainless steel, offering strong resistance against corrosion and rust.
The components are user-friendly when it comes to installation, and the inclusion of premium-grade clamps gives these systems an advantage over others in the market.
Warranty
aFe exhaust systems are backed by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Top quality fit and finish
- Easy installation
- No drone whatsoever
Cons
- Can get very expensive
- Adjustments or modifications may be needed