What is a Cat-Back Exhaust?

If you have a truck, Jeep, or SUV, extra performance isn't far from your mind. There are several ways to coax more power from your vehicle; some are better than others. One of the key elements in increasing horsepower is to remove the restriction of airflow to and from your engine.

Adding a cat-back exhaust to your rig can improve horsepower, fuel economy, and sound quality. A cat-back exhaust is installed behind the catalytic converter, thus the name, and connects it to other components. The result is more exhaust leaving the vehicle, improving performance and efficiency.

What To Know About a Cat-Back Exhaust

The cat-back exhaust gets its name from the fact that it's located behind the catalytic converter. It consists of a pipe connecting the catalytic converter to the muffler and it links the muffler to the exhaust tips.

The primary reason for getting a cat-back exhaust kit is to improve performance. The larger diameter pipes and connection to other components boost performance and efficiency. A cat-back exhaust system allows for more exhaust flow out of the vehicle, which lets the engine cycle faster and more efficiently.

A cat-back exhaust system tends to be louder than a regular system as well.

Comparing a Cat-Back Exhaust To a Straight Pipe System

Another method of getting extra horsepower through the exhaust is using a straight pipe system. However, these are not legal or feasible if you have to take your vehicle through emissions tests.

A straight pipe system doesn't have a catalytic converter or a muffler, which means it's even louder than a cat-back system. Since a catalytic converter is required for all street-driven vehicles in the United States, a straight pipe system is illegal if you drive on public roads.

Straight pipe system. Image source and copyright: Sound Performance, Bensenville Illinois

How a Cat-Back Exhaust Increases Horsepower

Adding a cat-back exhaust to your OEM system increases horsepower thanks to the wider piping and fewer sharp bends. This reduces back pressure, which allows your system to be more efficient. Backpressure opposes the smooth flow of exhaust gasses, hampering efficiency.

The more you're able to reduce back pressure, the more efficient your system will be.

How a Cat-Back Exhaust Increases Fuel Efficiency

The reason for the improved fuel efficiency is similar to the reason for the increased horsepower. It's all about streamlined airflow. When airflow is smoother and easier, your engine doesn't have to work as hard.

If your engine isn't working as hard, it's using less fuel, which translates to savings at the pump.

Better Sound

A more interesting exhaust note is also a benefit of a cat-back system. While this won't do anything for your vehicle's performance or efficiency, a more aggressive exhaust note is undeniably cool for those who enjoy the driving experience and admire combustion engines.

The improved exhaust note is also due to the wider pipes that let more sound escape.

Are Cat-Back Exhausts Easy to Install?

If you're keen on DIY mechanic jobs, then a cat-back exhaust is relatively easy to install. The system comes with everything you need to install it and you simply remove the corresponding stock exhaust parts and add the cat-back parts. If DIY mechanic jobs aren't your thing, you can get one installed at any H&H location.

Top Brands of Cat-Back Exhausts at H&H

Let's take a look at some top brands of cat-back exhaust systems that you can purchase at H&H and get professional installation if you need it.

AFE Cat-Back Exhaust Kits

AFE makes several different series for cat-back exhausts. The best way to find what you need is to enter your vehicle info to get results that fit. MACHForce, Atlas, and Rebel are three popular series made by AFE.

The Rebel Series is a great choice if you have a Jeep Wrangler JK with the V6 engine. It includes dual center exit tips for an aggressive look and a high-flow stainless steel muffler for ultimate efficiency.

Borla Cat-Back Exhaust Kits

Borla also makes a wide range of cat-back exhaust kits, including ones for older generations of the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee. You can find a Borla kit for almost any vehicle.

Borla stands behind all its systems with a million-mile warranty, touting superior performance and durability. CNC manufacturing ensures a precision fit when you find the exact kit for your vehicle.

MagnaFlow Exhaust Products

MagnaFlow is one of the top names in the exhaust business and they make a wide range of exhaust products, including cat-back exhausts. Recognized as a performance brand, MagnaFlow exhaust products tend to be on the higher end of the price range compared to some other brands.

MagnaFlow uses CNC precision robotic manufacturing for an accurate fit and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Flowmaster Cat-Back Exhaust Kits

Flowmaster also has plenty of name recognition in the exhaust category. The brand comes in a wide variety of styles and fits many different vehicles. Flowmaster designs are chambered compared to the straight-through, perforated core of MagnaFlow products.

Compared to MagnaFlow, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust kits tend to be less expensive and have a more tuned sound.

Rely on H&H Truck Accessories for all your exhaust system needs. In addition to cat-back exhaust kits, we also have a wide range of other exhaust products like exhaust tips and EGR coolers. You can also get professional installation at any of our locations.