The difference between a lackluster upgrade and a true performance transformation comes down to exhaust scavenging. You need a system that balances pulse pressure to help your engine breathe better while delivering that signature American muscle growl.
Finding the Best Exhausts for Camaro Ss is about matching your specific driving habits with the right flow diameter. Let's walk through the top options to ensure you find a setup that matches your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize stainless steel construction to prevent rust and ensure your exhaust holds up to years of road salt and high heat.
- Check if your selected system fits your specific coupe or convertible frame, as these chassis often have different clearance requirements.
- Consider whether you need a full cat-back system for maximum flow or just an axle-back component for a simple sound upgrade.
- Verify if the exhaust is compatible with factory ground effects packages, as many aftermarket tips will not fit alongside them.
- Choose a larger pipe diameter like three inches if you plan on adding forced induction or significant engine modifications later.
| Best Overall Performance |  |
JBA Stainless Shorty Exhaust Headers | Maintains factory emissions compliance | Improves overall exhaust flow | Durable stainless construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Upgrade |  |
Generic Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers | Solid stainless steel build | Reliable factory-fit flanges | Smooth tube bends | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Refined Daily Driver |  |
Borla Axle-Back Performance Exhaust | Drone-free cruising experience | Deep, muscular tone | High-quality stainless steel | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Aggressive Track Presence |  |
Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System | Highly aggressive sound profile | Large polished stainless tips | Durable T-304 construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Pure Sound Engineering |  |
Corsa Cat-Back And X-Pipe | Includes performance X-pipe | Signature drone-free technology | Clean, crisp sound output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Modern Street Fighter |  |
Mishimoto Dual Tip Race Exhaust | Striking black tip finish | Lightweight race design | Distinctive dual-tip look | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sophisticated Performance Tuning |  |
AWE Touring Edition Cat-Back | Sophisticated, non-drone tone | Beautiful diamond black tips | High-quality cat-back construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Unfiltered Raw Power |  |
MBRP Aluminized Axle-Back Muffler Delete | Maximum volume output | Lightweight muffler delete | Extremely simple installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Duty Quality |  |
Kooks 3-Inch Stainless Axle-Back | Large 3-inch piping | Premium stainless steel build | Iconic quad tip look | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Chrome Style |  |
BBK Tuned Length Shorty Headers | Tuned runner length | Sharp chrome finish | Reliable power gains | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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JBA Stainless Shorty Exhaust Headers
If you want to keep your factory emissions setup but need better exhaust flow, these shorty headers are your go-to. They replace restrictive manifolds to help your engine breathe more efficiently during those high-RPM pulls.
Keep in mind that while they offer a nice bump in throttle response, you won't see the same massive gains as you would with long-tube headers. They are ideal for the driver who wants a reliable boost without a complex installation process.
- Brand Name:JBA
- System Type:Shorty Headers
- Material Type:Stainless Steel
- Pipe Diameter:1-5/8 inches
- Model Year:2010-2011
- Additional Feature:Factory fit design
- Additional Feature:Improves throttle response
- Additional Feature:Complete hardware kit included
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Generic Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers
Sometimes you just need a straightforward solution that gets the job done without extra frills. These headers focus on solid stainless steel construction and clean bends to ensure your engine gases escape as quickly as possible.
These are best for the owner who values functional simplicity and wants a direct replacement for stock parts. Since they use factory-style flanges, you should find the installation to be a relatively straightforward task in your home garage.
- System Type:Exhaust Headers
- Material Type:Stainless Steel
- Model Year:2010-2015
- Additional Feature:Includes complete hardware
- Additional Feature:Direct bolt-on design
- Additional Feature:Improved gas scavenging
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Borla Axle-Back Performance Exhaust
Borla is famous for eliminating that annoying drone at highway speeds. This axle-back system provides a pleasant, deep tone that only gets aggressive when you actually put your foot into the pedal.
It is a great choice if you use your Camaro for daily commuting and don't want to regret your upgrade after an hour on the interstate. Just be careful to check your ground effects package status before ordering, as fitment depends on it.
- Brand Name:Borla
- System Type:Axle-Back
- Model Year:2010-2013
- Additional Feature:Direct bolt-on installation
- Additional Feature:Improved exhaust flow
- Additional Feature:Designed for V8 engines
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Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System
When you want your car to sound like it belongs on a racetrack, the ATAK system is the answer. It uses T-304 stainless steel to deliver a high-decibel, crisp sound that is significantly louder than your stock setup.
The large 4.5-inch polished tips provide a serious look that fills out your rear bumper perfectly. This system is for the driver who wants to be heard from three blocks away and doesn't mind a noticeably louder cabin.
- Brand Name:Borla
- System Type:Cat-Back
- Material Type:T-304 Stainless Steel
- Tip Style:4.5-inch Round Polished
- Model Year:2010-2013
- Additional Feature:Dual split rear exit
- Additional Feature:ATAK acoustic technology
- Additional Feature:Performance-oriented sound
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Corsa Cat-Back And X-Pipe
Corsa is in a league of its own when it comes to acoustic engineering. By including an X-pipe in this cat-back system, they smooth out the exhaust pulses, resulting in a clean, raspy roar that is free of high-pitched buzzing.
You get a refined sound that is quiet at idle but turns into a symphony when you accelerate. It is perfect if you want to highlight the natural character of your 6.2L V8 without any cheap, tinny noises.
- Brand Name:Corsa
- System Type:Cat-Back and X-Pipe
- Model Year:2010-2015
- Additional Feature:Better exhaust scavenging
- Additional Feature:Improved engine efficiency
- Additional Feature:High-quality metal finish
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Mishimoto Dual Tip Race Exhaust
If you have a newer Camaro, this axle-back kit offers a bold, black finish that looks fantastic against modern paint colors. It is designed to shed weight compared to the factory mufflers, giving your car a more nimble and aggressive feel.
This is a loud system, so be prepared for a race-inspired volume level every time you start the engine. It is an excellent way to modernize the look and sound of your vehicle with minimal effort.
- Brand Name:Mishimoto
- System Type:Axle-Back
- Model Year:2016-2018
- Additional Feature:Race-focused sound profile
- Additional Feature:Easy bolt-on installation
- Additional Feature:Durable construction
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AWE Touring Edition Cat-Back
The AWE Touring system is like a tailored suit for your exhaust. It delivers a sophisticated, deep tone that manages to sound expensive while remaining completely free of that dreaded highway drone.
The quad diamond black tips add a touch of class to the rear of the car. If you value build quality and refinement over raw, unrefined noise, this is the system that fits your personality best.
- Brand Name:AWE Tuning
- System Type:Cat-Back
- Tip Style:Quad Diamond Black
- Model Year:2016-2019
- Additional Feature:Non-resonated for better flow
- Additional Feature:Precision engineering
- Additional Feature:Improved aesthetic appeal
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MBRP Aluminized Axle-Back Muffler Delete
Sometimes you just want the loudest, cheapest way to hear your V8 roar. This muffler delete does exactly what the name implies, removing the restrictive mufflers entirely to let the engine sound reach its full, uncensored potential.
Since it is made from aluminized steel, it keeps the weight and cost down compared to stainless options. Just keep in mind that this is the loudest option on this list, so your neighbors might have a few opinions about your new hobby.
- Brand Name:MBRP
- System Type:Axle-Back
- Material Type:Aluminized Steel
- Pipe Diameter:3 inches
- Model Year:2010-2015
- Additional Feature:Cost-effective performance
- Additional Feature:Direct bolt-on design
- Additional Feature:Aggressive open-pipe sound
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Kooks 3-Inch Stainless Axle-Back
Kooks is legendary for high-end exhaust components, and this system is no exception. With 3-inch diameter piping, it provides a massive path for exhaust gases to exit, which is ideal if you have other engine modifications like a supercharger.
The quad stainless tips provide a wide, muscular stance at the back of the car. It is a premium choice for the driver who wants lasting durability and a sound that screams quality rather than just pure volume.
- Brand Name:Kooks
- System Type:Axle-Back
- Material Type:Stainless Steel
- Pipe Diameter:3 inches
- Tip Style:Quad Stainless
- Model Year:2016-2024
- Additional Feature:Superior flow capacity
- Additional Feature:High-performance design
- Additional Feature:Professional-grade fitment
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BBK Tuned Length Shorty Headers
If you love that classic under-the-hood shine, these chrome headers are a great aesthetic upgrade. They are tuned for performance, meaning the runner lengths are calculated to help your engine produce more power throughout the rev range.
These are a fantastic fit for stock or lightly modified engines that need a little more air moving through the system. The chrome finish looks sharp, though you will want to keep them clean to prevent any long-term dulling of the shine.
- Brand Name:BBK Performance
- System Type:Shorty Headers
- Pipe Diameter:1-3/4 inches
- Model Year:2010-2015
- Additional Feature:Performance-oriented tuning
- Additional Feature:Direct stock replacement
- Additional Feature:Enhanced engine bay aesthetics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a new exhaust void my factory warranty?
Generally, a cat back or axle back system will not void your entire warranty. However, a dealership could deny a claim if they determine your specific modification caused a mechanical failure. It is wise to keep your factory exhaust in storage just in case. You can always swap it back on if you need to visit the dealer for major engine work.
How much horsepower will I actually gain?
Do not expect a massive jump in power from an exhaust alone. You will likely see gains in the range of 5 to 15 horsepower depending on how restrictive the stock system was. The biggest benefit is the improved throttle response and the weight savings over the heavy factory mufflers. Think of it as a nice bonus rather than a total engine overhaul.
Can I install this at home?
If you have a basic set of hand tools, a floor jack, and some jack stands, you can handle most installations. The process involves unbolting the old sections and sliding the new parts into the factory hangers. If the system requires cutting the factory mid-pipe, you will need a sawzall or a pipe cutter. If that sounds like too much work, a local exhaust shop can usually finish the job in under two hours.
What is the difference between chambered and straight through mufflers?
A chambered muffler uses internal baffles to reflect sound waves and reduce volume. This usually results in a deeper, more aggressive tone that is classic for a V8 engine. A straight through muffler allows air to flow directly through a perforated core wrapped in sound-deadening material. These are typically louder and produce a more raw, race-inspired sound.
Will the exhaust get louder over time?
Yes, the packing material inside the mufflers will settle and degrade slightly after a few thousand miles. This process, often called burn in, usually results in a slightly deeper tone. Most high-quality systems stabilize after the first 500 to 1,000 miles. If it sounds perfect right out of the box, expect it to be just a hair more aggressive after a few months of daily driving.
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