The Complete Exhaust Buyer’s Guide. What Exhaust System Is Right for You?

Thinking about upgrading your exhaust system? Whether you drive a truck, car, SUV, ATV, or snowmobile, an aftermarket exhaust is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? With this comprehensive exhaust buyer’s guide, our exhaust product expert will teach you everything you need to make the right decision.

This guide will walk you through the different types of aftermarket exhaust systems, the benefits they offer, and how to pick the perfect setup for your driving style and goals. And when you're ready to upgrade, MBRP has a system built specifically for your vehicle and lifestyle.

Why Upgrade Your Exhaust?

Before diving into types and configurations, let’s look at why aftermarket exhaust systems are worth it:

• ✅ Better Sound – From subtle rumble to race-inspired roar
• ✅ More Power – Improve horsepower and torque with better airflow
• ✅ Improved Fuel Economy – Reduced backpressure helps your engine run more efficiently
• ✅ Custom Style – Choose your exhaust tip and exit style to match your build
• ✅ Durability – High-grade materials like stainless steel outperform factory setups
• ✅ Weight Reduction – Shed pounds with lighter materials and simplified designs

Whether you’re after performance, personality–or both–an aftermarket exhaust transforms how your vehicle drives, sounds, and feels!

Types of Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

The right system for you depends on how much of your factory exhaust you want to replace, and what your goals are.

1. Axle-Back Exhaust

Best For: Drivers who want improved sound and style
Replaces: Mufflers, tailpipes, exhaust tips
Ideal For: Easy DIY upgrades with a noticeable tone boost

Axle-back systems are the go-to for those who want more volume and a cleaner look without diving into a full exhaust replacement. They’re budget-friendly and great for weekend installs.

2. Cat-Back Exhaust

Best For: Performance, sound, and efficiency
Replaces: Everything from the catalytic converter back
Ideal For: Everyday drivers, enthusiasts, and light towing/off-road use

Cat-back systems offer a perfect balance between power gains, fuel economy improvements, and aggressive sound. MBRP’s cat-backs are mandrel-bent for optimal flow and come in multiple sound profiles.

3. DPF-Back & Turbo-Back Exhaust

Best For: Diesel trucks looking for power and sound
DPF-Back: Replaces system from Diesel Particulate Filter to the tip
Turbo-Back: Replaces everything from the turbo to the tip (race/off-road use only)

MBRP’s DPF-back and turbo-back systems unlock diesel performance, improving towing, lowering EGTs, and enhancing fuel economy.

4. Muffler-Delete/Resonator-Delete

Best For: Easy-to-get volume
Replaces: Just the muffler or resonator with straight pipe
Ideal For: When you want all the sound without all the work

MBRP muffler-delete and resonator-delete kits deliver pure, unfiltered sound. They're not for everyone!But for those who crave volume, they're hard to beat.

Choosing the Right Sound Profile

Exhaust isn’t just about performance. It’s about how your vehicle feels when you drive it! MBRP offers a range of Sound Profiles to match every personality:

• 🔇 Tour Profile – Deep and mellow. Perfect for highway driving and daily use
• 🔊 Street Profile – A balanced growl with a sporty edge and minimal drone
• 🔥 Race Profile – Loud, aggressive, and attention-grabbing. Built for the bold!
• 🎚 Active Profile – Electronically adjustable systems let you control sound levels on demand

Ask yourself: Do I want a subtle tone or all-out roar? With MBRP, you can tailor your exhaust to your comfort level and driving environment.

Choosing the Right Exit Style

How your exhaust exits your vehicle matters. Your exhaust system affects the look, clearance, and sound projection of your vehicle. MBRP offers:

• Single Rear Exit: Clean and simple
• Dual Rear Exit: Classic performance look
• Quad Rear Exit: Aggressive and modern
• Single Side Exit: Functional and sporty
• Dual Side Exit: Symmetrical and bold
• Turndown Exit: Compact and high clearance
• Dual Pre-Axle Exit: Retro and race-inspired

Your choice comes down to visual appeal, clearance needs, and personal preference. With MBRP, you get to be the one to choose!

Materials Matter: Steel Grades Explained

When investing in an exhaust system, material quality determines how long it lasts:

• T304 Stainless Steel: Top-tier corrosion resistance. Great for harsh climates and long-term durability
• T409 Stainless Steel: Affordable, tough, and perfect for daily drivers
• Aluminized Steel: Budget-friendly option for dry, mild climates

MBRP offers options in all three, so you can choose based on budget and longevity needs.

What Kind of Driver Are You?

Still not sure what exhaust is right for you? Here’s a quick guide based on your driving style:

Why Choose MBRP?

For over 25 years, MBRP has been a leader in performance exhaust systems. We built our reputation on innovation, sound quality, and real-world performance. When you choose MBRP, you get:

• ✅ Vehicle-specific engineering for perfect fitment
• ✅ Premium sound tuning across multiple profiles
• ✅ Proven horsepower and torque gains
• ✅ Durable materials and long-lasting finishes
• ✅ Easy bolt-on installation—no cutting required in most applications

No matter what you drive, or how you drive it, MBRP has an exhaust system that’s engineered to perform and built to last.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your exhaust system is about more than just making noise. It's about unlocking your vehicle’s full personality and best performance. Whether you're chasing horsepower, refining your sound–or just looking to stand out–there’s an MBRP exhaust system built for you.

Explore MBRP’s catalog to find the perfect system that matches your vehicle, driving style, and sound preferences.