For those looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance and soundtrack, installing a Flowmaster cat-back exhaust system is one of the most popular and effective mods available. As an automotive enthusiast, I decided it was time to bolt on one of these iconic exhaust kits to my own ride. In this blog, I’ll share my first-hand experience and research to run through everything you need to know about Flowmaster cat-back exhausts.
What is a Cat-Back Exhaust System and How Does it Work?
The term “cat-back” refers to the portion of the exhaust system that runs from the outlet of your vehicle’s catalytic converter(s) to the rear exhaust tips. This includes the mid pipe, muffler(s), resonator, and the tailpipes.
A cat-back system replaces your stock exhaust components with larger diameter mandrel bent tubing, high-flow mufflers, and tuned resonators. This optimizes the exhaust scavenging effect for improved horsepower and torque output. Larger piping reduces backpressure compared to restrictive stock exhausts. Meanwhile, the acoustic chambers and turned internals are designed to enhance the engine’s natural exhaust note.
Why Choose a Flowmaster Cat-Back Exhaust?
Flowmaster is undoubtedly the most recognized brand in aftermarket performance exhausts. For over 30 years, they’ve engineered cat-back kits that strike the perfect balance between power gains and bold exhaust tone. Their reputation for quality, fitment, and sound is second to none.
Flowmaster offers direct-fit cat-back exhausts engineered specifically for your make and model. Their R&D process is extensive, using powerful dynamometers to dial in each system. Flowmaster cat-backs deliver excellent fitment while making full use of your engine’s performance potential.
The Benefits of Adding a Flowmaster Exhaust
Installing a cat-back system from Flowmaster provides a long list of rewarding benefits:
- Increased horsepower and torque – By improving exhaust scavenging, you can expect dyno-proven gains up to 30 HP.
- Better throttle response – Reduced backpressure makes the engine more freely rev and spool up turbochargers faster.
- Weight savings – Flowmaster exhausts are constructed from aluminized steel or lightweight stainless steel to shed pounds.
- Improved fuel economy – The engine doesn’t have to work as hard thanks to improved efficiency.
- Aggressive sound – Flowmaster’s tuned chambers produce the deepest, most authoritative exhaust tones that turn heads.
- Easy installation – Bolts directly into factory mounts. No cutting or welding required.
- Made in the USA – Proudly engineered and constructed in Flowmaster’s California and Indiana facilities.
It’s easy to see why these exhaust systems continue to be top sellers in the aftermarket industry. The power, sound, and quality offered by Flowmaster simply can’t be matched.
Which Vehicles are Compatible with Flowmaster Cat-Backs?
Flowmaster exhausts are available for a wide variety of makes and models, from everyday cars and trucks to American muscle. They currently offer cat-back systems for:
- Trucks – Everything from light-duty Tacomas and Rangers to heavy-duty Rams and Super Duty pickups.
- SUVs – Rugged exhausts available for Jeep Wranglers, Toyota 4Runners, Ford Explorers, and numerous other popular SUVs.
- Muscle Cars – Kits made for Camaros, Mustangs, Challengers, Chargers, Corvettes, and more!
- Sports Compacts – Tuned exhausts for Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Evo, Honda Civic, Mazda Miata, Nissan 370Z, and other imports.
Chances are Flowmaster makes a direct-fit cat-back system for your specific vehicle. Be sure to use their website’s “Find My Exhaust” tool to verify fitment for your year, make and model. Custom fabrication can also be arranged for unique applications.
Step-by-Step DIY Installation Guide
Installing a cat-back exhaust system from Flowmaster is straightforward enough for your average driveway mechanic to tackle. With basic hand tools and a few hours of time, you can transform your vehicle’s sound and power.
Here is an overview of the installation process:
- Remove stock exhaust – Loosen clamps at front of cat-back section and unbolt hangers beginning from the rear. Remove old exhaust from the vehicle.
- Install new mid pipe – Bolt the front of the mid pipe to your existing front exhaust with a clamp. Leave loose for adjustments.
- Install muffler and tailpipes – Hang each component into factory rubber mounts. Use clamps at joints and leave loose for now.
- Adjust piping – Adjust tips centered in bumper. Push exhaust forward to take up slack. Tighten all clamps and bolts to spec.
- Start the engine! – Fire up your vehicle and check for leaks. Then go enjoy your new Flowmaster exhaust!
The necessary hand tools include ratchets, socket extensions, pry bar, PB blaster, and an assortment of metric sockets. Always wait for the exhaust to fully cool before attempting installation. Remember to re-use stock gaskets or install new exhaust system gaskets included in the kit.
Professional Installation Options
While installing a cat-back exhaust is doable for many, you may prefer leaving it to the professionals. Flowmaster has dealerships around the country with certified installers on staff. They can handle the exhaust swap with precision. Expect to pay $150-$300+ for professional installation.
To find authorized Flowmaster installers in your local area, use the dealer locator on their website. Consider calling ahead to ask shops if they offer installation specials on Flowmaster exhausts. They may be willing to cut you a deal!
The Different Models of Flowmaster Cat-Backs
Flowmaster is passionate about building exhaust systems that are distinctly louder than stock. But not everyone wants their car to sound like a professional drift car. That’s why Flowmaster offers different models ranging from mild to wild in sound output:
- American Thunder – Deeper tone while eliminating “rasp”
- Force II – Best balance of sound and performance
- Delta Force – Maximum interior resonance for intense sound
- American Thunder Black Series – Their loudest line of cat-backs
They also produce FlowFX exhaust kits if you want over-the-top rice rocket sound with “fart can” tips and center exits. FlowFX is all about attention-grabbing flash.
There are also Flowmaster Super 10 and Super 40 mufflers you can use replace just your existing mufflers as a less expensive option. But full cat-back systems make the most power gains.
Does a Flowmaster Exhaust Hurt Fuel Economy?
A common myth is that loud exhausts hurt your gas mileage. In reality, the opposite is true when installing a Flowmaster system. By reducing backpressure, fuel efficiency is actually improved.
Now, excessive low speed driving while lugging the engine in a lower gear just to hear the Flowmaster rumble can burn more fuel. As can enthusiastic acceleration habits. But during normal commuting and highway cruising, you’ll likely notice slightly improved fuel economy readings.
Customizing Your Flowmaster Exhaust Sound & Tips
An appealing aspect of Flowmaster cat-backs is you still have flexibility to customize the sound if the pre-engineered tone isn’t perfect for you. Here are some tips on adjusting your exhaust note:
- Muffler Swaps – Install one of Flowmaster’s many different mufflers for variation in tone & volume.
- X-Pipe vs H-Pipe – An X-pipe mid pipe focuses the sound while an H-pipe widens the tone.
- Resonator Delete – Removing the resonator pushes sound volume up to antisocial levels.
- Exhaust Tip Length & Diameter – Bigger tips project louder external volume.
You can also upgrade your Flowmaster exhaust’s tailpipes and exhaust tips. Custom bent pipes terminated with eye-catching exhaust tips (like black powdercoated, stainless steel, etc) can really personalize the look of your ride.
Customer Reviews Praise Peak Performance & Sound
Flowmaster exhausts are a popular choice amongst customers looking to up their vehicle’s aggression and street presence:
“I installed the Flowmaster on my Crown Victoria interceptor & I noticed a huge difference in power delivery immediately. Always loved the Flowmaster sound too.”
“The quality for the price can’t be beat in my opinion. Installed it myself in a few hours and the Mustang sounds beastly now.”
“Picked up 3 MPG in my Silverado with the Flowmaster installed. You can really hear that V8 beast under the hood come alive now!”
Out of 1,570+ reviews for one Flowmaster cat-back, 73% were 5-star ratings. Their exhausts receive praise for adding noticeable horsepower and torque, excellent fitment, easy installation, and best-in-class sound quality. Reviews mention how the sound strikes a perfect balance – not too loud, but a serious tone.
Helpful Installation & Sound Demo Videos
In addition to written DIY instructions, Flowmaster offers helpful installation and product demo videos on their YouTube channel.
These videos allow you to see and hear the exact exhaust system you’re looking to install on your specific vehicle:
The videos show step-by-step installation guidance along with before/after sound clips. This gives you a preview of the potential transformation your ride will undergo!
Quick & Affordable Nationwide Shipping
One last benefit of Flowmaster exhausts is quick and affordable direct-to-your-door shipping. They offer FedEx Ground shipping which routes your exhaust system directly through their warehouse. This results in fast transit times and low nationwide flat rates:
- Ground Shipping = $15 flat rate
- 2-Day Express = $31 flat rate
They also ship to APO/FPO and PO Box addresses. No dealing with secondary retailers and mystery shipping costs.
Of course, purchasing your Flowmaster locally from an authorized dealer has its perks as well. But for online orders, Flowmaster has your back with speedy delivery.
Make Your Vehicle As Loud As Legally Possible
Staying street legal with an aftermarket exhaust does depend somewhat on your local state laws. Noise limits, dB readings, exhaust system modifications, etc vary across the country.
Generally speaking, cat-back systems without removing catalytic converters or pre-cat components stay emissions compliant. Flowmaster designs their exhausts to unleash max performance while likely staying just under noise thresholds. But a few modifications (like no mufflers, long tubes, etc) could exceed limits.
It’s wise to research your local vehicle code compliance laws beforehand. Stay on the right side of regulations. But rest assured Flowmaster works to provide the absolute loudest sound output possible while staying legal on public roads. Just another reason they stand out as the exhaust leader.
Flowmaster Sets the Gold Standard for Sound, Performance & Value
When researching which aftermarket exhaust brand to go with, the options seem limitless. But Flowmaster stands in a class of their own when you consider the proven benefits:
- Top-tier engineering for maximized performance
- Trademark aggressive exhaust tone
- Extensive vehicle fitment list
- Proprietary mandrel-bent tubing
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Enthusiast-approved quality
- Excellent pricing and value
For your next exhaust system upgrade, choose the experts that lead the pack. Go Flowmaster! Their iconic sound, performance gains, and quality construction is beyond compare. I can personally attest to their outstanding exhaust systems that totally transformed my own ride.
Have you joined the Flowmaster exhaust revolution? Let me know your experience in the comments!
