What Is A Cat-Back Exhaust?

Skip to main content

Spring Savings - Up to $300 Off! Shop Deals

Shop at a Dealer Near You

Contact

Order Status

What is a Cat-Back Exhaust?

Updated on Nov 11, 2025

Written by RealTruck Expert TeamEdited by Frank Bisciotti

Shopping for exhaust can be intimidating, from figuring out your end goal -- sound or power increase -- to determining the exhaust type you need to achieve it. In this article, we'll focus on cat-back exhaust and explain what it means, what's included, and why you'd want it for your truck.

CAT-BACK EXHAUST

Cat-back exhaust refers to what's in "back" of the "cat," or catalytic converter. It refers to the components that run from the rear outlet of the catalytic converter all the way back to the exhaust tip.

What's Included In Cat-Back Exhaust?

Cat-back exhaust systems will include any pipes that run from the catalytic converter to the muffler, the muffler itself, any pipes that may run from the muffler to the exhaust tips, and the exhaust tips themselves. Some cat-back exhaust systems have a muffler delete, which means no muffler is included. This is typically found on vehicles that function primarily for off-road use; it's not standard on daily driver vehicles and is even illegal in some states.

Why Go With Cat-Back Exhaust?

When you purchase an aftermarket exhaust system like a cat-back exhaust, you're in control of horsepower and sound output as pipe diameter and muffler type are in your hands.

Wider Pipes

Wider pipes help your vehicle to breathe better, though using anything larger than the recommended diameter will result in a loss of performance as gases can pile up and exit the system more slowly, causing torque, rpm, and horsepower loss. Fortunately, when inputting your year, make, and model on RealTruck.com, your choice of exhaust system will automatically provide you with pipe diameter options that are designed to maximize performance for your particular engine. 

Choice of Muffler

You'll also be in control of your muffler type. Cat-back systems usually have the option or glasspack or straight-through mufflers, which are designed to work with the other system components to reduce back pressure. Both of these muffler types have an impact on sound output. Straight-through, or flow-through, mufflers have perforated baffles and packing material that provides a conservative level of sound absorption while still keeping sound output moderately loud. Glasspack mufflers perform similar to resonators due to their design and lack of sound-absorbing packing material, so they tend to be louder and higher pitched. 

If you've got questions about cat-back exhaust systems, pipe diameters, muffler type, or anything else, talk with our product specialists. We're here to help. Just get in touch with our product experts.

Shop Now

RealTruck is your home for the best products to outfit your build for unforgettable adventures.

Drivetrain | Suspension | Lighting | Performance

See More Guide Articles Here...

View All Guides

GMC Canyon Vs. Toyota Tacoma

Find out which midsize truck comes out on top.

Review: The Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT Tire

An honest review of the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT tire.

How to Choose a Truck Bed Cover

RealTruck experts walk you through the process of choosing the best tonneau cover for your pickup.

Best Tonneau Covers of 2026

Our experts' favorite tonneau covers of the year.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• …
• 139
• Next

Join over 2 million RealTruck people

Get exclusive savings, insider information, and the latest RealTruck articles sent straight to your inbox.