Turbo Back Exhaust Systems

Turbo Back Exhaust Systems

A turbo back exhaust replaces every exhaust component from the turbocharger outlet to the tailpipe tip, including the downpipe, mid-pipe, catalytic converter or test pipe, and cat-back section. This full-system replacement delivers the most significant exhaust flow improvement available and produces the largest power and sound gains of any exhaust upgrade.

Popular Turbo Back Exhaust Components

A complete turbo back exhaust system typically includes a high-flow downpipe with a 200 or 300 cell metallic catalytic converter or a test pipe for track-only use, a flex section to absorb drivetrain movement, a mid-pipe section, and a cat-back section with resonator and muffler. Popular brands offering complete turbo back systems include Invidia, Agency Power, Borla, Corsa, and Milltek Sport, with options for stock-replacement catalysts or high-flow alternatives depending on emissions requirements.

How much power does a turbo back exhaust add?

On a modestly tuned turbocharged vehicle, a complete turbo back exhaust with a high-flow downpipe and cat-back typically adds 20 to 40 horsepower depending on the platform, turbo size, and tune. The downpipe accounts for the majority of the gain due to its proximity to the turbocharger and its impact on exhaust backpressure immediately after the turbine outlet. Pairing a turbo back exhaust with an intake and ECU tune maximizes the gains from the reduced restriction.

Do turbo back exhausts require a tune?

A tune is not strictly required to install a turbo back exhaust, but the ECU will run a richer or leaner fuel map than optimal without recalibration. On many modern turbocharged platforms, the ECU will also trigger a check engine light from the catalytic converter efficiency monitor when a high-flow downpipe is installed. A proper ECU tune corrects fueling, adjusts boost targets, and clears emission-related fault codes for optimal performance and reliability.

Browse related categories in our exhaust systems, air intake systems, turbochargers and components collections.