Best Exhaust for Camaro SS (2016–2023)
Top cat-back exhaust systems for the 6.2L LT1 Camaro SS — ranked by power gains, sound character, drone levels, and real-world value.
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Before You Buy a Camaro SS Exhaust
What does an aftermarket exhaust actually do?
The stock exhaust on the Gen 6 Camaro SS LT1 is tuned for NVH compliance and emissions, not peak performance. It restricts exhaust flow, muffles the LT1's natural V8 character, and leaves meaningful power on the table. An aftermarket cat-back replaces everything from the factory mid-pipe back — larger-diameter tubing, higher-flow mufflers, and better tip design. The result is improved exhaust scavenging, real horsepower gains, and the V8 soundtrack the LT1 deserves.
Who is this mod for?
This is the most popular first mod for Camaro SS owners — and for good reason. If you want to wake up the LT1's sound, add real bolt-on horsepower, and do it without a tune or a lift in your driveway in an afternoon, a cat-back exhaust is the right place to start.
Realistic performance expectations
A quality cat-back exhaust adds +10–20 HP and +8–15 ft-lbs on a stock Camaro SS. Sound transformation is immediate and dramatic — the LT1 V8 becomes genuinely aggressive. The biggest gains come when you stack exhaust with a cold air intake and a custom ECU tune, which regularly produces +40–55 WHP combined over stock.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a straight-through system for a daily commuter without testing for drone first
- Ignoring the mid-pipe — a mismatched diameter between headers and cat-back kills gains
- Assuming a cat-back alone gets max power — headers + tune are where the real numbers come from
When NOT to buy this exhaust setup
If you live in a noise-ordinance area or your Camaro SS is strictly a highway commuter, hold off on the most aggressive options (Borla ATAK, Corsa Xtreme). The CORSA Sport or Borla S-Type are purpose-built for that balance. Also, if your primary goal is power and not sound, skip the cat-back and go straight to long-tube headers plus a full custom tune — the power delta is significant.
Top 3 Camaro SS Exhausts
Ranked by dyno-verified HP gains, sound character, and real-world livability for the Gen 6 Camaro SS.
Borla ATAK Cat-Back
Max Aggression — Track & Street
ATAK stands for Aggressive Tone Amplification Kit, and it delivers exactly that. Borla's signature roar is present from cold start to redline — this is the exhaust choice for drivers who want to announce their presence and make real power doing it.
- +15–20 HP with intake and tune
- 304 stainless steel T-304 construction
- Available with black chrome or polished tips
- No drone cancellation — loud all the time
- Million Mile Warranty included
Flowmaster Outlaw Cat-Back
Aggressive Sound at Best Value
Flowmaster has been the name in American muscle car exhausts since the Fox Body era, and the Outlaw delivers their most aggressive tone yet. Loud, deep, and distinctly American — all without bleeding your wallet dry.
- +10–15 HP over stock
- Flowmaster's most aggressive sound profile
- Mandrel-bent aluminized steel
- No drone reduction — raw sound experience
- Best price-to-sound ratio of the three
Corsa Xtreme Cat-Back
Premium Sound with RSC Technology
Corsa's Reflective Sound Cancellation technology is a genuine engineering achievement — the Xtreme is brutal at WOT while dramatically reducing cabin drone at highway cruise. It's the premium choice for daily-driven Camaros that see occasional track time.
- +12–18 HP with full bolt-on combo
- RSC tech: WOT roar, minimal highway drone
- Polished 304 stainless with 4" tips
- Valve-adjustable version available
- Lifetime limited warranty
Exhaust Comparison Chart
Six top exhaust systems for the Camaro SS — HP gains, sound level, highway drone, and price compared.
| Brand | Type | HP Gain | Sound | Highway Drone | Price | Tune? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇Borla ATAK | Cat-Back | 15–20 HP | Very Aggressive | High | $$$$ | Optional | Check Price |
| 🥈Flowmaster Outlaw | Cat-Back | 10–15 HP | Loud / Deep | High | $$ | Optional | Check Price |
| 🥉Corsa Xtreme | Cat-Back | 12–18 HP | Aggressive WOT | Low (RSC) | $$$$ | Optional | Check Price |
| Borla S-Type | Cat-Back | 12–16 HP | Moderate | Moderate | $$$ | Optional | Check Price |
| Corsa Sport | Cat-Back | 10–14 HP | Mild–Moderate | Low | $$$ | Optional | Check Price |
| Stainless Works | Header-Back | 25–35 HP | Race-Level | Very High | $$$$$ | Required | Check Price |
* Affiliate links may earn a small commission at no cost to you. HP figures are editorial estimates based on published dyno data.
Best Exhaust by Use Case
Max Sound
LoudestBorla ATAK Cat-Back
Nothing in this segment matches the ATAK's sheer sound presence. From cold start to wide-open throttle, this is the exhaust that makes heads turn.
Check PriceDaily Driver
Best LivabilityCorsa Xtreme Cat-Back
RSC technology dramatically reduces highway drone while delivering a savage WOT note. The only serious choice for drivers who live in their Camaro SS day to day.
Check PriceBest Value
Most AffordableFlowmaster Outlaw Cat-Back
Half the price of Borla or Corsa premium lines with serious sound. Flowmaster American muscle character at a fraction of the premium cost.
Check PriceFitment & Installation Info
Confirm your year and trim with our fitment tool before ordering.
Check FitmentFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — a quality cat-back exhaust reduces backpressure and improves exhaust flow, netting 10–20 wheel HP on a 6.2L LT1. Gains are more pronounced when combined with a cold air intake and tune. Cat-back alone on a stock SS is good for around 12–18 WHP depending on the system.
Stage 1 Bolt-On Combo for the SS
Exhaust alone is good. Stack these three mods and you've got a legitimate 45–55+ WHP build over stock.
Cold Air Intake
+10–15 HP
Cat-Back Exhaust
+12–20 HP
You are herePerformance Tune
+15–25 HP
Stage 1 (intake + exhaust + tune) on a stock LT1 Camaro SS regularly produces 45–60+ WHP over stock on a dynamometer.
Go Deeper on Camaro SS Exhaust
Install walkthroughs, tuning strategy, and sound comparisons for the Gen 6 LT1 Camaro.
How to Install an Exhaust on Camaro SS
Complete step-by-step cat-back exhaust install guide for the LT1 Camaro SS — tools needed, steps, heat cycling procedure, and first startup checklist.
Exhaust Tuning Tips for Camaro SS
Complete exhaust tuning roadmap for the LT1 — mid-pipe, cat-back, cold air intake stacking, and the tune that maximizes every bolt-on mod.
Loud vs Daily Exhaust: Camaro SS
Max aggression vs daily-drivable exhaust for the Camaro SS LT1 — full comparison on sound character, highway drone, and which setup fits your use case.
Give Your Camaro SS a Voice
The right exhaust transforms how the LT1 sounds, feels, and performs. Pick your system and bolt it on this weekend.