For many car enthusiasts, an aftermarket exhaust system is one of the first upgrades they consider. It promises better sound, improved airflow, and maybe even a bit more power. But is it really worth the cost?
In a recent YouTube video titled “Are Aftermarket Exhausts Even Worth It?”, the host takes a deep dive into the world of performance exhaust systems, installing a $600 MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust on a 1994 Mazda Miata. Along the way, he breaks down the pros, cons, and common misconceptions about upgrading your exhaust.
So, is an aftermarket exhaust a must-have upgrade or just a waste of money? Let’s break it down.
Why Do People Upgrade Their Exhausts?
The exhaust system of a car is more than just pipes—it’s the vocal cords of your engine. It determines how your car sounds, how it breathes, and even how it performs.
Car enthusiasts often upgrade their exhausts for a few key reasons:
✅ Better Sound – A deeper, more aggressive exhaust note.
✅ Increased Performance – Less restriction means better airflow.
✅ Improved Looks – A shiny stainless-steel system looks way better than a rusty stock pipe.
✅ Longevity – Aftermarket exhausts are often made from stainless steel or aluminized steel, making them more durable.
But does upgrading actually boost horsepower? Well, that’s where things get a bit more complicated.
Do Aftermarket Exhausts Actually Increase Horsepower?
In theory, yes—but the difference is usually minimal unless you have other performance upgrades.
Here’s how it works:
- A stock exhaust is designed to be quiet and emissions-friendly, but that often means restrictive bends and small-diameter piping.
- An aftermarket exhaust (especially a cat-back or turbo-back system) removes restrictions, allowing exhaust gases to flow out more efficiently.
- This can improve throttle response and high-end power, but on naturally aspirated cars, the difference might be only a few horsepower.
For example, on the 100-horsepower Miata in the video, the new exhaust didn’t really increase power—but it set the stage for future upgrades, like a turbocharger. If you’re planning serious modifications, an upgraded exhaust is a smart first step.
The Role of Sound: The Exhaust as a “Mating Call”
One of the biggest selling points of an aftermarket exhaust? The sound.
As the host of the video puts it, an exhaust note is like a car’s mating call—it gives it personality. From the raspy scream of a Nissan RB25 to the deep growl of a 2JZ, the sound of a car can make or break the driving experience.
Aftermarket exhausts typically provide:
🔊 Deeper, throatier sound compared to stock.
🔊 More aggressive tone under acceleration.
🔊 Less restriction = more volume (but also more cabin drone).
💡 Pro Tip: Before buying an exhaust, search YouTube for sound clips of your car with different systems. Some sound amazing, while others might be too loud or droney for daily driving.
Pros & Cons of Aftermarket Exhausts
Still wondering if an aftermarket exhaust is worth it? Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks.
✅ Pros:
✔ Improved sound – Gives your car a sportier, more exciting tone.
✔ Better exhaust flow – Reducing restrictions can improve performance, especially on turbocharged cars.
✔ Potential horsepower gains – Usually minor on naturally aspirated engines, but more noticeable with other mods.
✔ Durability – Stainless steel systems often last longer than stock exhausts.
✔ Better aesthetics – Aftermarket exhaust tips often look sportier than factory ones.
❌ Cons:
✖ Expensive – A good exhaust system isn’t cheap (the one in the video cost $600).
✖ Not always big power gains – Without other modifications, the performance improvement may be negligible.
✖ More noise – Some exhausts can be too loud or produce annoying drone at highway speeds.
✖ Installation hassle – While many bolt-on exhausts are easy to install, older cars may have rusted bolts that make removal a pain.
Exhaust Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
There’s a common myth in the car world: “Bigger pipes mean more power.”
In reality, exhaust diameter needs to match your engine’s needs. Here’s why:
- A small-diameter exhaust increases exhaust velocity, helping low-end torque.
- A large-diameter exhaust reduces back pressure but can slow down gas flow, hurting low-RPM performance.
It’s all about balance. That’s why V8s use larger pipes than small four-cylinders. If you’re unsure, there are exhaust diameter calculators online to help you choose the right size.
The Myth of “Back Pressure”
Another long-standing myth is that engines need back pressure to run properly. That’s not exactly true.
🔹 Back pressure = bad. It’s just restriction in the exhaust flow.
🔹 What you actually need is exhaust scavenging—where pulses of exhaust gas create vacuum pockets that help pull out the next pulse.
🔹 The key is balancing exhaust velocity and flow, which is why exhaust tuning is so important.
So, no—you don’t want back pressure, but you do want a properly designed system that maintains good exhaust gas velocity.
Types of Aftermarket Exhausts: Which One is Right for You?
Not all exhaust upgrades are the same. Here are the common types:
1️⃣ Axle-Back Exhaust – Replaces only the muffler and tailpipes. Improves sound but minimal performance gains.
2️⃣ Cat-Back Exhaust – Replaces everything from the catalytic converter back. Best balance of sound, performance, and cost.
3️⃣ Header-Back Exhaust – Replaces the entire exhaust system, including headers. More expensive but offers the best performance gains.
4️⃣ Turbo-Back Exhaust – For turbocharged cars, replaces everything from the turbo outlet back. Can significantly increase horsepower.
If you’re just after sound, an axle-back or cat-back exhaust is often the best option. But if you’re chasing performance, a full system with high-flow headers may be worth considering.
Final Verdict: Are Aftermarket Exhausts Worth It?
So, should you upgrade your exhaust?
💡 Yes, if…
✅ You want better sound.
✅ You’re planning future performance mods.
✅ You want a high-quality, long-lasting system.
⚠️ No, if…
❌ You expect massive horsepower gains on a stock car.
❌ You dislike loud exhausts or cabin drone.
❌ You’re on a tight budget—there are cheaper mods that give better bang for your buck.
At the end of the day, an aftermarket exhaust is about more than just power—it’s about personality. If you love the sound and style of a well-tuned exhaust, then yes, it’s worth every dollar. But if you’re only looking for pure performance, there might be better upgrades to consider first.
So, what do you think—are aftermarket exhausts worth it? Let us know in the comments! 🚗💨🔥
