Gibson 04-10 Infiniti QX56 Base 5.6L 3in Cat-Back Single Exhaust - Stainless

The Gibson 612213 is a cat-back single exhaust system built specifically for the 2004–2011 Nissan Armada 5.6L V8 and 2004–2010 Infiniti QX56 5.6L V8. Engineered from 3-inch 409 stainless mandrel-bent tubing with a 3.50-inch polished T304 stainless round slash-cut clamp-on tip, the Gibson 612213 delivers a deep, aggressive tone while adding real, dyno-proven horsepower and torque right where the 5.6L Endurance V8 needs it most. Direct bolt-on installation with a flange connection to the converter no welding, no cutting. Made in the USA and backed by Gibson's lifetime limited warranty.

Why the Gibson 612213 Outperforms Stock

The factory exhaust on the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 is engineered for compliance and quiet operation not performance. The Gibson 612213 replaces that restrictive OEM system from the catalytic converter back with free-flowing 3-inch 409 stainless mandrel-bent tubing that holds consistent diameter through every bend. The result is reduced backpressure, improved exhaust scavenging, and measurable gains right in the 1,800–3,000 RPM range you use every day for acceleration, passing, and towing.

Dyno testing consistently shows the Gibson 612213 adds an average of 10–15 horsepower and 15–20 lb-ft of torque over the stock system. And because the Gibson Superflow muffler exits behind the rear tire, interior drone stays minimal aggressive sound outside, quiet enough inside for daily driving and long hauls.

Gibson Superflow Muffler

The heart of the Gibson 612213 is the Gibson Superflow muffler an 8-inch round baffled and chambered design with no internal packing material. No packing means no breakdown over time. Packing-based mufflers lose their tone as the material degrades; the Superflow's all-metal baffled chamber construction sounds great on day one and stays that way. The 24-inch body runs a 3.00-inch offset inlet and 3.00-inch offset outlet, sized to match the 3-inch tubing throughout the system for consistent flow velocity from converter to tip.

T304 Polished Stainless Tip

The 612213 ships with a 3.50-inch round slash-cut tip crafted from T304 polished stainless steel. T304 is a higher-grade alloy than the 409 stainless used for the tubing chosen for the tip specifically because it holds a mirror-quality polish and resists the heat discoloration that standard stainless develops over time. The clamp-on design lets you dial in the tip's depth and angle before final tightening, so it looks right from any angle behind the Armada or QX56.

Fitment 2004–2011 Nissan Armada & 2004–2010 Infiniti QX56

Gibson 612213 fits both the Nissan Armada and the Infiniti QX56 these two full-size SUVs share the same F-Alpha body-on-frame platform and 5.6L VK56DE V8, so the same system fits both nameplates. The 612213 connects via a flange connection to the converter. Confirm your engine size before ordering this part number covers the 5.6L V8 only.

Full Specifications

50-State Legal — Won't Void Your Factory Warranty

The Gibson 612213 is a cat-back exhaust system it installs downstream of the catalytic converter and does not affect your Armada's or QX56's emissions equipment. This system is street legal in all 50 states. It will not void your factory powertrain warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; a manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust unless they can prove the part caused the specific failure being claimed.

Compare: 612213 Stainless vs. 12213 Aluminized

Gibson offers this Armada and QX56 cat-back in two material options. The 612213 uses 409 stainless steel tubing and carries a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion the right long-term choice for any climate. The 12213 is the aluminized version same fitment, same Superflow muffler, same performance, but uses mild steel with an aluminized coating. The aluminized version carries a limited warranty but is not guaranteed for life against rust and corrosion. If you live where road salt, coastal humidity, or seasonal moisture is a factor, the 612213 stainless is the smarter investment.

Installation Overview

The Gibson 612213 installs with a flange connection directly to the factory catalytic converter outlet no welding, no cutting, no drilling required. The kit includes all hardware and factory-style rubber hangers so you're reusing your existing mounting points. Allow roughly 1–2 hours with a vehicle lift or jack stands.

• Tools needed: socket set (½", 9/16", 15mm), wrench, WD-40, jack stands or lift
• Disconnect at the factory flange behind the catalytic converter reuse factory bolts and gasket
• Reuse factory rubber grommet hangers use WD-40 for easier hanger removal
• Tip is clamp-on position to desired depth and angle before final tightening
• Maintain 1-inch minimum clearance from all brake lines, fuel lines, and rubber components
• Tighten all clamps and flanges from front to back; re-inspect fasteners after 25–50 miles

About Gibson Performance Exhaust

Gibson Performance Exhaust has been building American-made exhaust systems since 1969. Every system is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA not contracted overseas. Gibson's Superflow muffler technology, mandrel-bent tubing, and direct-fit engineering have made them one of the most trusted names in truck and SUV exhaust. The lifetime limited warranty backs every stainless system they produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Gibson 612213 fit all Nissan Armada trim levels?
Yes. The 612213 fits all Nissan Armada trim levels for 2004–2011 including LE, SE, SE Off-Road (2005–2006), Titanium, Platinum, SL, and SV trims as long as the vehicle has the 5.6L V8 engine. There is only one engine option for these years, so all Armadas in this range are covered.

Does the Gibson 612213 fit the Infiniti QX56?
Yes. The Infiniti QX56 (2004–2010) is built on the same Nissan F-Alpha platform as the Armada and shares the same 5.6L VK56DE V8 and exhaust routing. The Gibson 612213 is a confirmed direct fit for the QX56 through 2010. Note: the second-generation QX56 (2011+) switched to a unibody platform and is not covered by this part number.

What size tip does the Gibson 612213 include?
The 612213 ships with a 3.50-inch round slash-cut tip made from T304 polished stainless steel. It's a clamp-on design no welding required. The tip measures 3.00-inch inlet, 3.50-inch outlet, and 12 inches in length.

How does the Gibson 612213 connect to the catalytic converter?
The 612213 uses a flange connection to the factory converter outlet it bolts directly to the OEM flange using your stock hardware. No cutting the factory pipe is required.

Is the Gibson 612213 legal in California?
As a cat-back exhaust system, the 612213 installs behind the catalytic converter and does not affect any emissions control equipment. The system is street legal in all 50 states.

Will the Gibson 612213 void my Armada or QX56 warranty?
No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, an aftermarket part cannot void your factory warranty unless the manufacturer can prove the aftermarket part directly caused the specific failure being claimed. Installing the Gibson 612213 cat-back will not void your powertrain warranty.

How much horsepower does the Gibson 612213 add to the 5.6L V8?
Gibson's dyno testing shows average gains of 10–15 horsepower and 15–20 lb-ft of torque over the stock exhaust, with peak gains in the 1,800–3,000 RPM range. Actual results vary based on vehicle condition, tune, and other modifications.

How loud is the Gibson 612213 inside the cab?
The Gibson Superflow muffler uses a baffled and chambered design with no internal packing, and the system exits behind the rear tire. Gibson designs this system to be quieter inside the cab than comparable performance exhausts you get an aggressive tone outside without excessive drone on the highway or during towing.

What's the difference between the 612213 stainless and the 12213 aluminized?
Same fitment, same Superflow muffler, same performance. The 612213 uses 409 stainless steel tubing and carries a lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion. The 12213 uses aluminized steel lower upfront cost but not guaranteed for life against corrosion. For any truck driven in rain, coastal air, or road-salt conditions, the 612213 stainless is the better long-term value.

Does the Gibson 612213 require welding?
No. This is a complete bolt-on system. The converter connection uses a flange with stock hardware, all mid-pipe connections use band clamps, and the tip is clamp-on. No welding, cutting, or drilling is required.

What hardware is included with the Gibson 612213?
The 612213 ships as a complete kit including all band clamps, factory-style rubber hangers, and the polished slash-cut tip. No additional hardware purchases are required for a standard installation.