So you’ve decided to upgrade your exhaust – good choice! But now comes the big question: How do you choose the right custom exhaust for your specific car and needs? With so many options (material, design, brand, etc.), it can get overwhelming. Fear not – this guide will walk you through the key considerations when selecting a performance exhaust, ensuring you pick a system that delivers the sound, power, and quality you’re after. Whether you drive a track-focused Porsche GT3, a daily-driven BMW M3, a Nissan GT-R, or an American muscle icon like the Corvette, these tips will help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine Your Goals (Sound vs. Performance vs. Street Compliance)

Start by being clear on what you want from the exhaust. Is your top priority an aggressive sound? Maximum horsepower gains? Weight reduction? Or perhaps maintaining comfort and legality on the street? This will influence your choices:

• If you mainly want a better exhaust note, you might opt for a resonated cat-back that focuses on sound tuning.

• For pure performance gains, consider a full turbo-back (or headers + exhaust) and possibly larger diameter piping, accepting a louder volume. High-flow or cat-delete downpipes yield big power on turbo cars (like on a GT-R or Supra), but keep in mind they affect emissions and warranty.

• Street compliance: If you daily your car, a valved exhaust or a more moderate setup could be ideal so you can control noise. Also ensure any system retains catalytic converters or uses high-flow cats if your area requires it. (All CB Customs systems are designed with performance and practical use in mind, and we can advise on street-legal configurations for your region.)

By defining what matters most – be it waking up the sound of your Audi RS6 or squeezing every bit of power from your tuned Supra – you can narrow down the type of system you need.

2. Material Choice: Stainless Steel vs. Titanium

As discussed earlier in this series, the material of your exhaust affects weight, sound, durability, and cost. Stainless steel (T304 or T409) is the standard for most quality systems – it’s durable, resists rust, and is relatively affordable. Titanium is the premium option: ultra-lightweight and corrosion-proof, with a unique high-pitched sound and those beautiful blue-purple heat hues. If you’re building a top-tier track machine or simply want the best of the best, titanium is unbeatable (for example, a titanium system on a Lamborghini or GT3 RS is a popular choice to maximize performance). Just be prepared to invest more. On the other hand, stainless is excellent for most enthusiasts – it will last the life of the car and handle any abuse, while keeping more money in your pocket. Both materials are offered by CB Customs for many models – for instance, we have Audi RS7 Stainless Steel Exhaust and an Audi RS7 Titanium Exhaust to suit different goals. Consider your budget and desire for weight savings when making this choice.

3. Cat-Back vs. Axle-Back vs. Header-Back

Understanding the terminology will help ensure you get the parts you actually want:

• Axle-back: Replaces only the mufflers and tips (from the rear axle to the exhaust tip). This affects sound mostly, with minimal performance change. Good if you just want a nicer tone on something like a Chevy Camaro without much hassle.

• Cat-back: Replaces everything from the catalytic converters (or downpipes) to the tips. This is the most common upgrade (e.g., a CB Customs cat-back for a BMW M2 or Audi S4). It usually includes mid-pipes/resonators and mufflers. A cat-back yields sound improvements and some power gain due to better flow and less backpressure, while keeping your emissions equipment intact.

• Header-back or Turbo-back: This replaces the entire exhaust from the engine’s exhaust manifold or turbo outlet all the way to the tips. For naturally aspirated cars, this might include new headers; for turbo cars, this includes downpipes (often removing or high-flowing the catalytic converters). This yields the maximum performance gains – freeing up everything. It’s a must for big turbo builds or when chasing every bit of power. However, it’s also the most involved and can affect street legality (cat deletes, etc.). If you go this route, ensure you understand the implications (tuning may be required, and emissions compliance might be an issue unless you use high-flow cats). Many track cars or highly tuned Supras, GT-Rs, etc. run turbo-back setups for peak power.

Most enthusiasts start with a cat-back and later decide if they want to go further. A high-quality cat-back from CB Customs can always be complemented later with our downpipes or headers as separate upgrades, making your path modular.

4. Sizing It Right (Exhaust Diameter)

Bigger isn’t always better. The diameter of the exhaust piping influences airflow: too small and you restrict power; too large and you might lose low-end torque or get droning frequencies. The “right” size depends on your engine output and configuration. For instance, a lightly modified NA car (say a Honda S2000) might do best with ~2.5-inch piping, whereas a high-boost turbo car (like a Nissan GT-R or Audi RS3) can utilize 3-inch or even 4-inch diameter in some sections for optimal flow gocbcustoms.com. CB Customs designs each system for the specific vehicle – ensuring optimal diameter and flow. We take into account whether the car is turbocharged (needing less backpressure) or naturally aspirated, the engine displacement, and common power levels. If you plan to significantly increase power (big turbo upgrade, etc.), consider an exhaust that can support those goals (usually advertised by power range or diameter). Pro tip: Read product info or ask – we can guide you on whether, say, a 3.5” single exhaust or a dual 2.5” setup is better for your build. Generally, all our systems are tuned for performance, so you can’t go wrong with the recommended spec for your car.

5. Quality and Fitment

Always invest in a high-quality exhaust. Cheaper systems might use thin stainless that rusts, have poor welds that crack, or worst of all, fit poorly – leading to rattles or leaks. CB Customs prides itself on precision engineering and perfect fitment (our exhausts are often 3D-scanned on the car during development). Look for features like TIG welding, CNC machined flanges, and a good warranty (we provide a 1-Year Warranty and stand by our build quality). Also consider the reputation – reading reviews or testimonials can give insight. An exhaust isn’t much good if it bangs against your chassis or requires “custom” tweaks to install. With a high-end system, installation should be a straightforward bolt-on using factory mounting points gocbcustoms.com. For example, our exhaust for the Toyota Supra A90 bolts up cleanly and reuses OEM hangers, despite having larger diameter pipes – no cutting or fabrication needed. Quality also shows in the finish and aesthetics: nice polished or brushed tubing, beautifully welded seams, and well-designed tips that complement your bumper. Remember, your exhaust is visible and a part of your car’s appearance as well!

6. Sound Level and Tone – Listen Before You Buy

We can talk about sound descriptors all day, but nothing beats hearing it. We recommend checking out sound clips or videos of the exhausts you’re considering. Many manufacturers (including us) have YouTube or Instagram clips of various cars with their systems. This will give you an idea of cold start loudness, idle bass, and full-throttle scream. Keep in mind that sound is subjective; what’s too loud for one person is perfect for another. If possible, find fellow enthusiasts or local meets – hearing a setup in person is ideal. When listening, note the tone (is it raspy, deep, high-pitched?), the volume throughout the rev range, and any drone at cruise. Valved systems add complexity – try to hear both modes. Our CB Customs Instagram is full of clips (for instance, you can hear how a Ferrari 488 with our titanium exhaust sounds versus a BMW M5 with our stainless system – each distinct and awesome in their own way). Taking the time to research sound will ensure you’re happy with the result. One person’s “just right” might be another’s “too aggressive,” so know thyself and choose accordingly.

7. Installation and Support

Lastly, consider the installation process and support. Most cat-back systems are DIY-friendly or can be installed by any muffler shop in an hour or two. Ensure you have any necessary gaskets or hardware (reputable brands include these). Check if the system is a direct fit or if you’ll need to cut the old exhaust (some kits for certain cars require cutting OEM pipes if they’re one piece). CB Customs designs all systems to be bolt-on with basic tools – no welding required. We also provide customer support if you run into any hiccups during install. Additionally, think about future support: Are replacement parts or components available if needed (like if you damage a section hitting debris)? With a well-established company, you can usually buy components separately – another reason to avoid no-name eBay kits that might leave you stranded if something goes wrong.

In summary, choosing the right custom exhaust involves balancing your desires for sound and performance with practical considerations like material, legal requirements, and quality. By clarifying your goals and doing a bit of homework (like reading guides such as this and consulting product info), you’ll be able to select an exhaust that you’ll love for years to come. And remember, the team at CB Customs is here to help – we’re enthusiasts ourselves, eager to guide you to the perfect setup for your ride. Whether it’s a valved titanium cat-back for your Porsche, a roaring stainless steel exhaust for your Corvette, or anything in between, you’re investing in a mod that will make you smile every time you hit the start button. Happy motoring, and enjoy the new soundtrack of your drive!