Installing a downpipe exhaust system might be a great idea if you want to gain more horsepower. Without a tune, you can expect to get 20 extra horsepower to your engine. If you also tune your car, the horsepower gain increases significantly. It happens because the exhaust flow in your vehicle is exponentially increased.
On turbocharged cars, the upgraded downpipes will greatly increase horsepower and torque. With the necessary software, they can provide exceptional performance and make a vehicle more engaging and responsive.
Here’s a list of the biggest manufacturers out there.
| Manufacturer | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Milltek Sport | Derbyshire, UK |
| Invidia | Osaka, Japan |
| Cobb Tuning | Austin, Texas, USA |
| HKS | Tokyo, Japan |
| Agency Power | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| GReddy | Osaka, Japan |
| AWE Tuning | Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Tial Sport | Pompano Beach, Florida, USA |
| Tomei | Yokohama, Japan |
| ETS | Haltom City, Texas, USA |
Downpipe vs. Catback
Catback is a collection that includes pipes, the resonator, and the muffler from the catalytic converter. It differs from the downpipe, which extends from the exhaust manifold to the front of the converter.
Depending on the manifold you already have, you can find single downpipes or dual ones. Experts in the automotive industry mutually agree that a dual system is always better than a single one.
The catback system will increase the horsepower in your vehicle while also reducing harmful emissions. It is a balanced choice that most people make due to its versatility.
Catted vs. catless
You might wonder which one is better, the catted or the catless downpipe. The answer is yours, where you decide which is most ideal for you. Take a look below, where we explore the differences between these parts.
| Catted | Catless | |
| Emission | Worse than stock | Will probably fail emissions tests |
| Catalytic converter | Comes with a catalytic converter that is less restrictive. | Does not have a catalytic converter. |
| HP | Improvement | Even more than catted |
| Sound | more aggressive than the stock option. | more aggressive than the stock option. |
Emission
A catted downpipe will always have worse emissions than the stock one, but it is superior to the catless one. You should always consider that this part of your area’s regulations requires fewer emissions.
But the catless downpipe is also worth considering if you have no limits. It has horrible emissions and will most likely fall all the emissions tests.
Catalytic converter
A catted downpipe comes with a catalytic converter included, which is less restrictive than the stock one. The flow is improved, and emissions are being controlled thanks to this additional part.
Catless downpipes do not feature this expensive part. While the maximum exhaust flow is ensured, the emissions are way beyond the usual limit for stock vehicles.
Performance
Suppose you want a significant upgrade while also keeping the environment clean. In that case, the catted downpipe can meet both requirements. You will notice a decent improvement in performance.
Catless downpipes provide more horsepower, which is a significant upgrade for the performance. Those who value performance the most always go with this option.
Sound improvement
Both of these parts will provide exceptional sound improvement. You can enjoy a more aggressive sound from your car regardless if the downpipe installed is catted or catless.
Installation cost
Separately, a downpipe can sell for as low as $80, but it can reach higher prices up to $600. The cost will be directly influenced by the materials used and the manufacturer that is selling them. The catless downpipes will sell for around $100, but you also have to consider the installation cost.
But if you value quality the most, you might want to filter the cheap ones and only look for downpipes that have been manufactured with good materials by a trusted producer. Those can sell for up to $500, but the value is exceptional.
Luxury cars will have better parts. For the installation of a downpipe exhaust, you will have to pay more than $500, especially if the brand is well known. However, the local auto repair shop might help you with a custom offer from $200 to $400.
Have you found out if you’re getting one from either of these companies?
- Invidia
- Cobb Tuning
- HKS
