Performance Exhaust Systems & Parts

Find everything you need to improve your vehicle’s power and driving experience, whether you’re building a tow-ready 4x4 or chasing more torque and sound from your street car.

Backed by trusted brands, including Manta, Pacemaker Headers, XForce, and Redbank, we supply full-performance exhaust systems, sports mufflers, specialised headers, mandrel bends, and exhaust components.

Get more from your vehicle – upgrade to a performance exhaust system 

Standard factory exhaust systems aren’t built for performance. They’re designed to meet strict production requirements, like noise regulations, emissions compliance, and manufacturing costs.

Upgrading to a performance exhaust system means you get more performance out of your vehicle. Fewer restrictions mean the engine can actually breathe, which is where the gains come from. 

Turbo diesel 4x4 performance 

If you’re looking to boost your towing power, a 4x4 exhaust system upgrade can improve low-end torque, reduce strain on the engine, and maintain power on hills and steeper inclines.

When towing, turbo diesel engines can build heat, so upgrading your exhaust system to allow gases to exit the engine faster reduces heat stress and improves reliability long-term, helping it maintain performance under heavy load conditions. 

Street car horsepower and sound

Factory exhaust systems are known to reduce throttle response. With a performance upgrade, the engine builds power faster and is a lot more responsive. An upgrade also strengthens your exhaust sound, whether you’re looking for an aggressive growl or a sportier tone.

With a more free-flowing exhaust system, you’ll experience smoother acceleration, improved throttle response, and potential gains in horsepower, depending on your setup. 

Whether you’re chasing more torque for your 4x4 or improved performance for your street car, our wide range of quality products can help you achieve the outcome you’re after.

The next step is choosing the right combination of exhaust types and materials from some of the best brands out there that suit your budget, vehicle, and needs.

With Perform-Ex, you’re spoiled for choice. We have more than 50 years of experience under our belts, and we supply an amazing range of products at prices that can’t be matched, without compromising on quality. 

Mandrel bent vs. Crush bent exhausts: Getting more out of your exhaust setup

The biggest difference between a mandrel-bent and crush-bent system is in how they’re manufactured. Here’s a comparison of the two most common exhaust systems.

Mandrel-bent exhaust 

A mandrel bent piping exhaust is made using a fixture inside the tubing that chases the contour as it is bent into shape, preventing the inner metal pipe from being crushed down. This means the diameter inside the exhaust doesn’t reduce, generating less heat, improving flow, and promoting more horsepower and torque.

Crush bent exhaust

A crush bent exhaust is made using a hydraulic ram, which presses the metal into shape. Because there’s no support inside the pipe, the inner wall compresses, decreasing the internal diameter of the pipe at each bend. This slows down exhaust gas velocity and generates more heat.

We work with trusted brands to supply premium mandrel bend pipes across an amazing range of pipe sizes, bend degrees, and materials built to improve your vehicle’s performance. 

Once you’ve got your exhaust system sorted, it’s time to choose your exhaust materials.

Stainless steel vs. aluminised steel exhaust systems

Most modern exhaust systems are made from either stainless steel or aluminised steel. Here’s a comparison of these different materials in exhaust systems.

Aluminised steel systems

Aluminised steel is carbon steel coated with an aluminium-silicon alloy. In exhaust systems, it offers a more affordable alternative to stainless steel.

Pros:

• Aluminium coating provides rust protection 

• Lower price point compared to stainless steel exhausts

• Good in dry environments

Cons:

• Not 100% rust-proof, so not ideal for coastal or humid environments 

• Not as long-lasting as stainless steel

• Protective coating can be damaged by scratches

Stainless steel systems  

Stainless steel systems are better suited for harsh Australian conditions, offering superior corrosion resistance and durability.

304 stainless steel is a premium aftermarket material with a higher nickel and chromium content, helping it retain its shine and strength. 409 stainless steel is a more economical alternative that offers great durability, but may develop light surface rust over time. Here are a few tips on how to keep your stainless steel exhaust tip clean.

Pros:

• Strong and robust material

• Long-lasting 

• Corrosion-resistant, making it better for salty environments and petrol vehicles

Cons:

• Harder to bend and weld

• Higher price point compared to aluminised steel

• Heavy-duty material may be unnecessary for short-term or budget builds

The next big question is how much of your factory exhaust system you want to replace.

Cat-back, turbo-back, or DPF-back: Choosing your best exhaust setup 

The best exhaust setup for your vehicle will depend on compatibility with your make and model, your performance goals, sound preferences, budget, and local emissions requirements. 

Here are the three most popular setups that consistently outperform stock exhaust systems.

Cat-back exhaust

What it is: A cat-back upgrade replaces the components of your exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tip, including the exhaust pipes and the muffler.

Benefits: Street-legal upgrade that improves exhaust notes and delivers moderate performance gains with a no-fuss, bolt-on setup.

Best for: Daily driving 

Turbo-back exhaust

What it is: A turbo-back exhaust system replaces the components of your exhaust system from the turbocharger to the exhaust tip, including the downpipe, catalytic converter, and muffler.

Benefits: Significant performance improvements with a more involved process that allows for greater customisation opportunities. 

Best for: Off-road driving

DPF-back exhaust

What it is: A DPF-back upgrade replaces the components of your exhaust system from the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to the exhaust tip, including exhaust pipes and muffler.

Benefits: While the DPF remains intact to ensure emissions compliance, this upgrade allows the engine to breathe freely, improving exhaust flow, fuel efficiency, and component longevity.

Best for: Modern 4WDs 

Performance exhaust brands trusted across Australia

We stock some of Australia’s best-known automotive brands suited to our country’s unique driving and climate conditions. Trusted brands we supply include:

Manta: Premium manufacturer of Australian-made exhaust systems, Manta Pro systems are engineered for 4x4 touring, towing, and deep exhaust notes. 

Pacemaker: Established Australian brand known for quality craftsmanship and manufacturing high-performance headers and extractors.

XForce: The go-to brand with global recognition, XForce is popular with street car enthusiasts for its balance of performance and value. 

Redback: Trusted manufacturer known for heavy-duty, Australian-made exhaust systems, built to withstand tough conditions.

Genie: Known across Australia for manufacturing high-quality performance headers and extractors designed to improve exhaust flow and engine efficiency.

Explore our complete range of performance exhaust parts and systems 

Whether you’re looking for a complete exhaust system upgrade or just want to replace a single component, we take pride in stocking everything you need to improve your vehicle’s performance. 

Complete exhaust systems

Complete exhaust systems offer an all-in-one upgrade to your existing setup. Options include cat-back, DPF-back, turbo-back, and engine-back systems across a wide range of vehicles.

Catalytic converters 

A catalytic converter transforms toxic engine gases into less harmful emissions. Upgrading a catalytic converter can reduce exhaust backpressure to help your engine breathe better, improving horsepower and torque. 

DPF filters

A DPF filter captures soot and ash from diesel engines to prevent them from leaving the vehicle. A DPF-back exhaust system replaces the piping after the filter for better airflow, while a DPF replacement can help to improve 4x4 towing or touring.

Headers and extractors

Headers and extractors are high-performance replacements for standard factory manifolds, helping gases from the exhaust exit the engine more efficiently to improve power and fuel economy. 

High-flow mufflers

Standard mufflers are built for noise suppression, which can create engine backpressure. A high-flow muffler is a performance-enhancing component that’s designed to improve airflow and exhaust tone.  

Exhaust pipes and mandrel bends

These components create smoother pathways for your exhaust flow, improving your vehicle’s performance. We stock exhaust bolts, gaskets, mandrel bends, exhaust tips and more for your custom fabrication project. 

Built on experience and backed by trusted brands

We’re Australia’s trusted source for performance automotive parts, with more than 50 years of experience sharing our expert advice across a range of quality products, including exhaust systems, components, and 4x4 performance upgrades.

We make finding quality parts easy with our vehicle-selector garage, which lets you shop by car brand. We’ve also got filters for you to search product pages by make, model, series, and year, so you’re guaranteed to find parts that fit your unique needs. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Price-match guarantee

• Fast nationwide shipping 

• Local stock from a centralised warehouse

• Friendly and dedicated expert support team

• Supplier of trusted brands, including Redback, Pacemaker, and Ultima

• Australian-owned 

Shop our extensive range of exhaust parts and systems. 

FAQs

Will installing a performance exhaust system void my new vehicle warranty in Australia?

In most cases, installing a performance exhaust system won’t automatically void your new vehicle warranty in Australia. That being said, a system needs to be installed correctly, be suitable for your specific vehicle, and not interfere with compliance requirements.

Do performance exhaust systems increase horsepower?

Yes, upgrading to a performance exhaust system can increase horsepower, but how much depends on your vehicle and the modification components you’re using.

Will a performance exhaust system make my vehicle louder or cause cabin drone?

An exhaust system upgrade will generally increase your exhaust volume, with high-flow mufflers producing a deeper, more aggressive note. Quality systems are designed to help reduce cabin drone.

Which exhaust system is best for towing?

The best exhaust systems for towing are designed to improve low-end torque and reduce heat. Look for turbo-back or DPF-back systems, and systems with stainless steel and mandrel bend components.