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Exhaust system

An exhaust system is mostly a collection of pipes that serve to vent the burnt gases from an internal combustion engine. Put simplistically, the function of an exhaust system is to remove waste gases. Depending on the overall design of the engine the vented gases may flow through a turbocharger for added power, a catalytic converter for lower air pollution, and finally a muffler for noise reduction.

Header-back

This is the part of an exhaust system from the outlet of the header to the final opening. Such exhaust systems are mostly designed for cars that are not equipped with turbochargers.

Turbo-back

This is the part of an exhaust system from the output of the turbocharger to the final opening. Such exhaust systems are manufactured for cars that have a turbocharger. In some cases the turbo-back or header-back exhaust systems may replace catalytic converters. In a lesser number of cases the exhaust system might completely do away with a catalytic converter. Such systems are often referred to as "catless" or "no kitty". This is again a matter of whether such exhaust systems are permitted in a particular state or city, or they are not, and whether they are permitted but not in vehicles that are driven on public roads.

Cat-back

Cat-back is also known as axle back and is the part of the exhaust system beginning from the catalytic converter outlet to the final opening. This would typically include the pipe connecting the converter and the muffler, the muffler, and the last stretch of pipe leading to open air.

Cat back systems are popular aftermarket performance enhancers. These systems use a bigger pipe diameter when compared to stock exhaust systems. Mandrel-bent turns are used to permit exhaust gases to exit with minimal backpressure. The mufflers in such systems are glasspacks that further reduce backpressure.

The final length of the exhaust pip is often the only part visible when looking at a vehicle is usually an angled or straight cut though it may have some fancy design to make it look better. The tip of the exhaust pipe is usually chromed or coated with some substance that prevents problems like rusting.

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