Upgrading to a sports exhaust system is one of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s performance and sound.
Sports exhausts are designed to increase the flow of exhaust gases, reducing backpressure and allowing your engine to breathe more freely.
The result is a boost in horsepower, torque, and an new exhaust note that will turn heads.
Cat-back, GPF-back, Turbo-back: What Do They Mean?!
What Are Cats, GPFs, and DPFs?
First things first, let’s talk about those ever-important emissions devices. Catalytic converters (normally known as "cats"), Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs), and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are all part of your car’s standard exhaust system.
Exhaust gases pass through them and they filter out some of the nasty particles your engine creates during combustion.
Removing or tampering with these emissions systems can land you in trouble with the law.
So, what to do if you want to upgrade your exhaust without breaking the law?
Cat-back, GPF-back, and DPF-back Exhausts
This is where cat-back, GPF-back, and DPF-back exhaust systems come to the rescue. These upgrades keep all those emissions systems intact, ensuring that your car stays road legal and environmentally friendly.
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Cat-back Exhausts: These systems replace everything from behind the catalytic converter (cat) all the way back to the tailpipe. They improve airflow and can give your car a sportier sound without messing with the emissions control.
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GPF-back Exhausts: Similar concept here but specific to cars with Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs). These systems start after the GPF, ensuring that the filter remains in place and functional.
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DPF-back Exhausts: For diesel vehicles, DPF-back systems replace the exhaust from the DPF to the rear. This setup maintains your diesel’s particulate filter, again keeping the car completely road legal.
Resonated vs. non-resonated systems. What’s the deal with that?
Simply put, a resonated system includes an extra silencer (resonator) to tone down the noise.
Why Choose Resonated?
- Quieter: If you just want the performance boost but prefer not to announce your arrival from miles away, resonated is your best bet. It keeps the growl more subtle and refined.
- Comfort: Resonated systems are much less likely to suffer from 'exhaust drone' on them long motorway journeys.
- Neighbour-Friendly: You don't have to worry about them outragous cold starts whenever you leave early in the morning.
Why Choose Non-Resonated?
- Louder Sound: A more aggressive and sporty exhaust note.
- Pure Exhaust Note: Without the resonator, you get a raw and unfiltered exhaust sound.
Which One’s Right for You?
It really comes down to personal preference.
If you do make the wrong decision first time around and wanted to add or remove the silencer, then most exhaust manufacturers offer the individual resonated or non-resonated section on it's own so that can be swapped out without replacing the whole system.
But There Are So Many Brands to Choose From?!
Have no fear, Wayside Performance is here!
We’ve done the heavy lifting for you by curating only the finest exhaust systems from the world’s best manufacturers. When you shop with us, you can trust that you’re getting the absolute best quality, performance and support every time.
Cobra Sport, Milltek and Scorpion are some of the GOAT's of this game, all crafting exhausts that sound great and fit perfectly.
The likes of Wagner, Airtec, MMR and others also offer an impressive range of specialist exhaust components.
Ready to Upgrade?
Explore our range of exhausts and find the perfect match for your car.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle performance boost or an all-out roar, we’ve got you covered with the best names in the business.
