Exhaust Systems and Parts

What Types of Exhaust Systems Can You Buy?

You can buy four main styles of exhaust systems, and each one replaces a different length of pipe. Pick a style based on how much of the factory system you want to keep and how much work you want to do.

• Cat-back systems replace everything behind the factory catalytic converters, including pipes, mufflers and tips.
• Axle-back systems replace only the over-axle pipes, mufflers and tips, and the rest stays stock.
• Header-back systems start at the headers and replace everything to the tailpipes.
• Crossmember-back systems start at the transmission crossmember and replace everything behind it.

JEGS also carries direct-fit replacement exhaust systems that follow factory routing, which helps when you're replacing a rusted or damaged system. Kits come in single and dual layouts, and some ship without mufflers so you can choose your own sound. Check which style your vehicle's listing shows before you compare brands.

How Does a Cat-Back Exhaust System Compare to an Axle-Back?

A cat-back exhaust system replaces more pipe than an axle-back, so it gives you more power gain. An axle-back exhaust swaps only the over-axle pipes, mufflers and tips, and it leaves the piping ahead of the rear axle stock. Both styles connect behind the factory converter, so your stock catalytic converter stays in place either way.

That makes an axle-back the simpler job when you mainly want new mufflers and tips. A cat-back makes more sense when you want better flow through the whole rear section of the system. Expect a cat-back to take longer to install, since it includes more tubing and more joints.

You can see both approaches from Corsa. The Corsa Sport cat-back fits the 2010-2013 Camaro SS, and the Corsa Sport axle-back fits the 2011-2014 Mustang GT. For a deeper breakdown, read our guide to cat-back vs. axle-back exhaust systems.

Which Exhaust Material and Layout Fit Your Build?

Choose stainless steel if you want stronger corrosion resistance and a longer-lasting finish. Aluminized steel usually costs less up front, but its coating can wear over time on wet or salted roads. Stainless steel is a smart pick for show cars and vehicles you plan to keep for years.

Next, pick a layout. A single exhaust routes everything through one pipe and keeps installation simple. A dual exhaust gives each cylinder bank of a V-engine its own pipe.

An X-pipe or H-pipe crossover links the two sides to balance exhaust pulses. Each crossover style also changes the exhaust note, so match it to the sound you're after.

For example, the Pypes Performance Exhaust stainless crossmember-back system is a dual exhaust with X-pipe for the 1966-1971 Fairlane. If your dual system doesn't include a crossover, you can add one from our H-pipe and X-pipe exhaust kits.

Which Performance Exhaust Brands Does JEGS Carry?

JEGS carries performance exhaust systems from Borla, Corsa, Flowmaster, MagnaFlow, Pypes and AWE Exhaust. Their kits cover classic muscle cars, modern performance cars, Jeeps and full-size trucks. Shop by brand when you already know the sound or fitment you want.

Borla offers the ATAK cat-back for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6.4L and an axle-back for the 1997-2004 C5 Corvette. Flowmaster's American Thunder header-back exhaust fits 1964-1967 GM A-Body V8s. You'll also find the MagnaFlow Street Series cat-back and the AWE 0FG cat-back for the RAM 1500 3.0TT.

Each brand builds its systems around its own muffler designs, so sound and feel vary between kits. If you're deciding between two well-known names, our Borla vs. Flowmaster exhaust comparison walks through the differences. Compare a few kits for your vehicle before you decide.

What Exhaust Parts Do You Need to Finish Your Build?

Many installs need a few supporting exhaust parts, so plan them with your system before you order. Start with what the kit includes, then fill the gaps. Check whether your kit includes clamps and tips or expects you to reuse factory hardware.

If your kit ships without mufflers, you'll need to pick your own mufflers to set the tone. Our guide to muffler types and exhaust sound explains how each design changes the note. Older or modified vehicles may also need new exhaust clamps to seal joints and stop leaks at slip-fit connections.

Add exhaust tips sized to your bumper openings and the look you want. For header-back builds, confirm that your headers match the kit's collector size and leave enough ground clearance. When your parts list is set, shop all headers and exhaust parts now to complete the system.