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Best Exhaust For Horsepower Gain (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to boost your vehicle's performance without breaking the bank, then an exhaust for horsepower gain might be just what you need. Upgrading your vehicle's exhaust system is a popular choice among car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle's power and sound.

Before making any purchase, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to ensure that the exhaust system you choose is compatible with your vehicle's make and model. Secondly, you should take into account the type of driving you do, as well as your budget. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the material of the exhaust system, as some materials perform better than others.

Are you tired of your vehicle feeling sluggish on the road? Are you looking for an affordable way to increase your car's horsepower? How much of a difference can a new exhaust system really make to your vehicle's performance? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.

10 Best Exhaust For Horsepower Gain

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound and performance of a vehicle's exhaust system.
2
Ideal for enhancing the performance and sound of a Subaru BR-Z or Scion FR-S.
3
The product is ideal for enhancing the performance and sound of a Subaru WRX/STI.
4
The product is ideal for improving the sound and performance of a vehicle's exhaust system.
5
This product is designed for improving exhaust sound and performance on a specific model of car.
6
The Borla Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System is ideal for improving the performance and sound of a RAM 1500 5.7L V8 RWD 4DR CC SB.
7
This product is ideal for improving the performance and sound of your vehicle's exhaust system.
8
Ideal for increasing air flow to improve engine performance in LS1, LS2, and LS6 engines.
9
The product is ideal for increasing acceleration, engine sound and horsepower in BMW 5-Series models from 2011-2016.
10
The product is ideal for improving the performance and sound of a Jeep Wrangler JK offroad vehicle.
The product is ideal for enhancing the sound and performance of a vehicle's exhaust system.
Ideal for enhancing the performance and sound of a Subaru BR-Z or Scion FR-S.
The product is ideal for enhancing the performance and sound of a Subaru WRX/STI.
The product is ideal for improving the sound and performance of a vehicle's exhaust system.
This product is designed for improving exhaust sound and performance on a specific model of car.
The Borla Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System is ideal for improving the performance and sound of a RAM 1500 5.7L V8 RWD 4DR CC SB.
This product is ideal for improving the performance and sound of your vehicle's exhaust system.
Ideal for increasing air flow to improve engine performance in LS1, LS2, and LS6 engines.
The product is ideal for increasing acceleration, engine sound and horsepower in BMW 5-Series models from 2011-2016.
The product is ideal for improving the performance and sound of a Jeep Wrangler JK offroad vehicle.

1. Borla 140039 Cat-Back "s-Type" System Exhaust

This product is made of high quality, corrosion resistant stainless steel that is commonly used in aircraft manufacturing. The material used enables the product to withstand high performance usage without incurring fatigue on the parts.

The stainless steel used in this product is known for its durability and long-lasting performance. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for use in different environments and weather conditions.

The high-quality material used in this product ensures that it can withstand tough conditions and high performance uses without breaking or experiencing wear and tear easily. This makes it a reliable and durable option for different applications.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel
  • Can withstand high performance usage without incurring fatigue on the parts
  • Resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for use in different environments and weather conditions
  • Durable and long-lasting performance

2. Invidia (Hs12sstgtp) N1 Cat-Back Exhaust System With Stainless Steel Tip For Subaru Br-Z/scion Fr-S

This exhaust system has a piping diameter of 60 millimeters and a tip size of 101 millimeters. It is made in Taiwan, Province of China and has a package dimension of 149.86 L x 28.447 H x 49.022 W in centimeters. The exhaust system is designed to enhance the performance of your vehicle while also giving it a more aggressive sound.

Constructed from high-quality materials, this exhaust system is durable and long-lasting. It is designed to fit perfectly on your vehicle and is easy to install. The exhaust system is also designed to reduce back pressure, which can improve the overall performance of your engine. With its sleek design and high-performance capabilities, this exhaust system is a great investment for any car enthusiast.

Pros

  • Made from high-quality materials for durability and longevity
  • Designed to fit perfectly on your vehicle
  • Easy to install
  • Reduces back pressure to improve engine performance
  • Sleek design enhances the appearance of your vehicle
  • Aggressive sound adds to the overall driving experience

Cons

  • – May not be street legal in all areas
  • – May be louder than some drivers prefer

3. Invidia (Hs15stig3t) Q300 Rolled Titanium Quad Tip Cat-Back Exhaust System For Subaru Wrx/sti

Upgrade your 2015-Up Subaru WRX/STI 4 Door with this high-performance exhaust system. Built to last, it is made with high-quality SUS304 stainless steel and features CNC-machined flanges, robot TIG welding, and double wall tips. The exhaust pipe size is 76mm (3") and the tip size is 110mm (4.3").

The flat-bottomed muffler design enhances high-speed aerodynamic performance, resulting in greater horsepower and torque gains. It also delivers a rich, deep, sporty sound that will turn heads. The rolled, titanium quad tips add a touch of style to your ride, making it look as good as it sounds. This exhaust system is a must-have upgrade for any Subaru WRX/STI enthusiast who wants to improve their vehicle's performance and sound.

Pros

  • High-quality SUS304 stainless steel construction
  • CNC-machined flanges and robot TIG welding for durability and precision
  • Flat-bottomed muffler design enhances high-speed aerodynamic performance
  • Delivers a rich, deep, sporty sound that will turn heads
  • Rolled, titanium quad tips add a touch of style to your ride

4. Flowmaster 817664 American Thunder 409s Dual Rear/side Exit Cat-Back System With Aggressive Sound

Upgrade your vehicle's exhaust system with the Stainless Steel Construction Exhaust Kit that offers multiple exit styles to choose from. The kit is designed to provide an aggressive sound performance tone that enhances your driving experience. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable addition to your vehicle.

The kit comes with multiple exit styles that allow you to customize your vehicle's look and sound. You can choose from a single side, dual side, or dual rear exit to suit your preferences. The aggressive sound performance tone adds a sporty feel to your vehicle and makes it stand out on the road.

The Stainless Steel Construction Exhaust Kit comes with a lifetime limited warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that you are investing in a high-quality product that will last for years to come. Upgrade your vehicle's exhaust system today and enjoy a more powerful and aggressive driving experience.

Pros

  • Stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity
  • Multiple exit styles provided in the kit for customization
  • Aggressive sound performance tone adds a sporty feel to your vehicle
  • Comes with a lifetime limited warranty

5. Invidia Hs14lrf3th Q300 Cat-Back Exhaust (Mid-Pipe) For Lexus Rc-F

Upgrade the look and performance of your 2014-Up Lexus RC-F with this Rolled Titanium Burnt Quad Tip. The quad tip design adds a sporty and aggressive appearance to your vehicle, while the burnt titanium finish gives it a sleek and modern touch.

Made from high-quality materials, this exhaust system is designed to last. The 70mm piping diameter ensures optimal airflow and increased horsepower. The quad tip design also helps to improve exhaust flow, resulting in a deeper and more satisfying exhaust note.

Installation is easy and straightforward, with no modifications required. This exhaust system is a direct replacement for the factory system, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum performance.

Overall, this Rolled Titanium Burnt Quad Tip is a great investment for any 2014-Up Lexus RC-F owner looking to improve the look and performance of their vehicle.

Pros

  • Sporty and aggressive appearance
  • Durable and long-lasting materials
  • Improved airflow and horsepower
  • Deeper and more satisfying exhaust note
  • Easy and straightforward installation

6. Afe Power 49-46309 Mach Force-Xp Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System

Upgrade your BMW 325i/ci / 330i/ci (E46) 01-06 L6-2.5/3.0L (M54) with this high-performance muffler from a trusted brand. With a bolt-on installation, you can easily replace your old muffler with this one without any cutting or welding required. This muffler is designed to provide maximum gains of +13 HP and +15 lbs. x ft. torque.

The high-flowing muffler not only enhances your car's performance but also delivers a powerful sound that will turn heads. The muffler comes with two OEM BMW gaskets that ensure a flawless seal. You can trust this muffler to provide you with the best performance and sound quality for your BMW.

Pros

  • Easy bolt-on installation without any cutting or welding required
  • Provides maximum gains of +13 HP and +15 lbs. x ft. torque
  • High-flowing muffler enhances performance and delivers a powerful sound
  • Comes with two OEM BMW gaskets for a flawless seal

7. Fast Lsxr 102mm Intake Manifold For Ls1, Ls2, And Ls6 (146302b), Black

Upgrade your LS engine's performance with this high-quality intake manifold. With longer runners and a larger air inlet than the stock manifold, this product delivers added horsepower while maintaining low-RPM torque. The sleek black finish adds stunning good looks to your engine. Plus, the modular, removable runner design makes disassembly and porting simple.

The advanced polymer material used in the construction of this intake manifold makes it lighter than aluminum and allows it to run much cooler. This product is C.A.R.B.-approved with no. D-279-8, so you can trust that it meets rigorous emissions standards. Fit type: Vehicle Specific

Pros

  • Longer runners and larger air inlet deliver added horsepower while maintaining low-RPM torque
  • Sleek black finish adds stunning good looks to any LS engine
  • Modular, removable runner design allows for easy disassembly and porting
  • Advanced polymer material makes intake lighter than aluminum and run much cooler
  • C.A.R.B.-approved with no. D-279-8, meeting rigorous emissions standards
  • Vehicle specific fit ensures easy installation

8. Boostpower Cold Intake: Guaranteed 14hp Increase

The K&N cold air intake system is designed to provide a less restrictive path for airflow, allowing increased volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine. This results in an estimated increase of up to 14 horsepower and up to 13 ft.lbs. of torque, giving your vehicle a significant boost in performance.

The intake system is designed to allow your engine to breathe properly, resulting in a growling sound during acceleration and a quieter engine when at speed. K&N's air intake horsepower/torque testing is performed on wheel-based dynamometers, and the reports are included with each intake system, so you can trust the results.

Featuring K&N's signature, reusable air filter, the system combines 4 layers of pleated, breathable cotton with K&N's red filter oil to absorb dirt and dust particles. This allows clean air to continue flowing into your engine, and the filter needs cleaning every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions. The roto-molded intake tube is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which helps increase the volume of airflow to your engine. The custom heat shield protects the intake air from the high temperature of your engine bay.

K&N air intake system will not void the manufacturer vehicle warranty, and it comes with a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty that protects your vehicle for life. The air intake system is easy to install with detailed, step-by-step instructions and all necessary parts. The entire installation process can typically be completed in less than 60 minutes with basic hand tools. Made in the USA, the K&N air intake system is a reliable and high-quality product backed by US-based customer support.

Pros

  • Guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque
  • Durable roto-molded intake tube and custom heat shield
  • Features K&N's signature, reusable air filter
  • Easy to install with detailed, step-by-step instructions
  • No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty protects for the life of your vehicle

Cons

  • – May not fit all vehicle models
  • – More expensive than some other air intake systems on the market

9. Tactik Dual Exhaust For Jeep Wrangler Jk

Experience the ultimate off-road sound with TACTIK's low profile axle-back exhaust muffler system. Designed to deliver that smooth deep tone that Wrangler enthusiasts love, this exhaust system is optimized for Wrangler JK. The straight-through perforated stainless-steel core with stainless mesh wrap and acoustical fiber fill makes performance gains in horsepower and torque. The lap-joint welded mandrel bent design is constructed with 409 stainless steel that is coated in a hi-temp black powder-coated finish, ensuring long-lasting durability even in the most extreme conditions and terrains.

The TACTIK dual outlet axle-back exhaust system is engineered to be an upgrade to your Wrangler unlimited exhaust system. The 4" satin black exhaust tips not only provide a cool look, but the split exhaust gives better performance as the exhaust gases exit each manifold through two 2.5" diameter pipes increasing engine efficiency for better gas mileage. The system is custom designed for Wrangler JK, tucking the exhaust up higher than other standard and stock models to avoid contact with trail obstacles on the offroad.

Installation is a breeze with the TACTIK dual outlet axle-back exhaust system. It easily mounts to the stock location with no cutting, drilling, or modifications needed. Upgrade your Wrangler JK with TACTIK's low profile axle-back exhaust muffler system today.

Pros

  • Provides a deep diesel exhaust sound
  • Made from 409 stainless steel and coated in hi-temp black powder-coated finish for long-lasting durability
  • Increases performance in horsepower and torque
  • Custom-designed for Wrangler JK, tucks the exhaust up higher to avoid contact with trail obstacles
  • Dual outlet system with 4" satin black exhaust tips for better engine efficiency and improved gas mileage
  • Easy to install with no cutting, drilling, or modifications required

Best Exhaust For Horsepower Gain FAQs

Can a high-performance exhaust system increase horsepower without tuning the engine?

The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. High-performance exhaust systems can indeed increase horsepower, but the extent of the increase depends on various factors. Firstly, it depends on the type of vehicle. Some vehicles have exhaust systems that are already designed to maximize performance, while others have more restrictive systems. Upgrading to a high-performance exhaust system on a vehicle with a restrictive stock exhaust can lead to an increase in horsepower.

However, upgrading the exhaust system alone will not result in significant horsepower gains. The engine's tuning also plays a crucial role in determining the increase in horsepower. If the engine is not tuned to work with the new exhaust system, there may not be any noticeable increase in horsepower. In some cases, an improperly tuned engine can even result in a loss of horsepower.

Therefore, to achieve the maximum increase in horsepower, a high-performance exhaust system should be paired with the appropriate engine tuning. This will ensure that the engine is optimized to work with the new exhaust system, resulting in a noticeable increase in performance.

How does upgrading the exhaust system improve horsepower output?

Upgrading the exhaust system of a vehicle can have a significant impact on its horsepower output. The exhaust system of a vehicle plays a vital role in the overall engine performance by controlling the flow of exhaust gases out of the engine. A high-performance exhaust system helps in improving the engine's efficiency by increasing the flow of exhaust gases, which reduces backpressure and allows the engine to breathe better.

A larger diameter exhaust system with less restriction allows for improved airflow, which leads to better engine performance. The larger exhaust system also allows more air and fuel to enter the engine, which in turn results in an increase in horsepower output. Additionally, a performance exhaust system usually has a different design than the stock exhaust system, with larger headers and an optimized exhaust manifold, which can also contribute to an increase in horsepower output.

Furthermore, upgrading the exhaust system can also lead to improved sound and aesthetics of the vehicle. However, it is essential to ensure that the upgrade is compatible with the vehicle's engine and does not violate any local laws or regulations. Overall, upgrading the exhaust system can be an effective way to improve the horsepower output of a vehicle and enhance its performance.

How much horsepower gain can be expected from upgrading the exhaust system alone?

Upgrading the exhaust system alone can provide some noticeable horsepower gains, but the actual amount can vary depending on the vehicle and the specific exhaust system being installed. Generally speaking, a new exhaust system can provide anywhere from 5 to 20 horsepower gains, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

The primary benefit of upgrading the exhaust system is that it helps the engine to breathe more easily, allowing for better performance and efficiency. The system can also reduce backpressure, which can improve the overall horsepower output. However, it's important to note that other factors can impact the overall performance gains, such as the engine's condition, the quality of the new exhaust system, and any other modifications that have been made to the vehicle.

Overall, upgrading the exhaust system can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve their vehicle's performance, but it's important to do plenty of research and consult with a professional mechanic or installer to ensure that the right system is chosen and installed properly.

What are the key components of an exhaust system that affect horsepower gain?

The exhaust system is a crucial component of any vehicle, and it plays a significant role in determining its overall performance. When it comes to increasing horsepower, there are a few key components of the exhaust system that are worth noting.

Firstly, the headers or exhaust manifolds are responsible for collecting the exhaust gases from each cylinder and channeling them into the exhaust system. Upgrading to high-performance headers can help to improve exhaust flow, which in turn can lead to horsepower gains.

Secondly, the catalytic converter is another important component of the exhaust system. While it is required for emissions purposes, it can also create backpressure that can impede exhaust flow and reduce horsepower. Replacing the catalytic converter with a high-flow version can help to mitigate this issue.

Finally, the muffler and exhaust pipes also play a role in exhaust flow and can impact horsepower. Upgrading to a less restrictive muffler or larger diameter exhaust pipes can help to improve exhaust flow and increase horsepower.

In summary, the key components of an exhaust system that can affect horsepower gain include headers/exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and exhaust pipes. Upgrading these components can help to improve exhaust flow and increase horsepower.

What is the difference between a cat-back exhaust and a header-back exhaust for horsepower gains?

The difference between a cat-back exhaust and a header-back exhaust lies in the parts of the exhaust system that they replace. A cat-back exhaust replaces the exhaust components from the catalytic converter back to the muffler. A header-back exhaust, on the other hand, replaces the entire exhaust system from the headers (or exhaust manifold) all the way back to the muffler.

In terms of horsepower gains, both types of exhaust systems can improve engine performance. A cat-back exhaust typically provides a moderate increase in horsepower by reducing exhaust restriction and increasing airflow. This improvement is mostly felt in the mid to high RPM range.

A header-back exhaust, on the other hand, provides a more significant increase in horsepower. By replacing the entire exhaust system, it allows for greater exhaust flow and improved scavenging. This results in improved low-end torque and overall engine performance.

It's important to note that both types of exhaust systems can also affect the sound of your vehicle. A cat-back exhaust generally produces a more mellow tone, while a header-back exhaust can produce a more aggressive exhaust note.

Ultimately, the choice between a cat-back exhaust and a header-back exhaust will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a moderate improvement in horsepower and sound, a cat-back exhaust may be sufficient. If you're looking for maximum performance gains and a more aggressive exhaust note, a header-back exhaust may be the way to go.

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