304 Cat-Back Exhaust System

850 $

A 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System refers to an aftermarket automotive exhaust system made from 304 stainless steel, starting from the catalytic converter (“cat”) and extending to the rear of the vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of what it means:

Description

What Is a Cat-Back Exhaust System?

“Cat-Back“ = From the catalytic converter back
Replaces or upgrades parts from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tips
Typically includes:
- Mid-pipe or resonator
- Muffler(s)
- Tailpipes or exhaust tips

Why 304 Stainless Steel?

304 Stainless Steel is a high-quality, corrosion-resistant steel alloy. It’s widely used in performance exhaust systems because:

Resists rust and corrosion (great for all-weather driving)
Has high heat tolerance
Durable and long-lasting
Offers a clean, polished finish

Compared to 409 stainless steel, 304 is more corrosion-resistant but also more expensive.

Benefits of a 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System:

Performance gains (horsepower and torque) by improving exhaust flow
Enhanced exhaust sound – deeper, sportier tone
Better fuel efficiency (in some cases)
Aesthetic upgrade – polished tips, branded mufflers
Weight reduction over stock exhaust systems (varies by model)

Ideal For:

Car enthusiasts seeking performance and sound upgrades
Those in areas with wet or snowy climates (304 resists rust better)
Long-term vehicle owners who want durability

Detailed Overview of a 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System

1. System Components

A typical 304 stainless steel cat-back exhaust system includes:

Component	Description
Mid-Pipe/Resonator	Smooths exhaust flow and adjusts tone (some systems include a resonator delete for louder sound).
Muffler(s)	Reduces sound, can be chambered, straight-through, or turbo-style depending on desired tone.
Tailpipes	Extend to the rear of the vehicle; often come with polished or branded exhaust tips.
Exhaust Tips	Visible part of the system, may include dual or quad tips, burnt titanium look, etc.

2. Materials – Why 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System

304 stainless steel contains high levels of chromium (18%) and nickel (8%), which makes it:
- Extremely corrosion-resistant (ideal for road salt, moisture, chemicals)
- Non-magnetic
- Maintains a polished look longer than 409 stainless or aluminized steel
409 stainless, a lower-grade alternative, is cheaper but more prone to rust over time.

3. Performance Benefits

Upgrading to a 304 cat-back system can offer:

+5 to +20 HP (varies by engine and supporting mods)
Improved throttle response
Better torque at mid to high RPMs
Reduced backpressure = freer engine breathing
Tuned exhaust sound – deeper, more aggressive tone
Weight savings – some systems are lighter than factory setups

4. Sound Characteristics Of 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System

Exhaust tone depends on:

Muffler design (straight-through is louder, chambered is quieter)
Pipe diameter (larger = deeper sound)
Resonator inclusion or delete
Engine type (turbo 4-cylinder vs. NA V6 vs. V8)

You can choose a setup that’s:

Subtle (daily-driver friendly)
Aggressive (weekend warrior)
Track-ready (maximum volume)

5. Cost Range

Entry-Level 304 Cat-Back: $500 – $900
Mid-Range (Name Brands): $1,000 – $1,500
High-End / Custom Systems: $1,500 – $3,000+

Popular Brands:

Borla
MagnaFlow
AWE Tuning
Corsa Performance
Flowmaster (some models)
MBRP (Pro Series)

6. Installation

Most systems are bolt-on and require basic tools
May need jack stands or a lift for easier access
Installation time: 1–3 hours
Can be done DIY or at a muffler shop ($100–$300 if installed professionally)

7. Legal & Warranty Considerations 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System

Most cat-back systems are 50-state legal (because they don’t alter the catalytic converter or emissions equipment)
Still, check local noise ordinances
Some manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties (especially on 304 Cat-Back Exhaust System)

8. Ideal For…

Daily drivers looking for mild upgrades
Performance cars (Mustang, WRX, Camaro, GTI, etc.)
Trucks/SUVs (for towing, off-roading, or deeper sound)
Tuners and car modders building a full exhaust system