Demystifying Exhaust Systems: “Front Pipe Back vs. Cat-Back vs. Turbo-Back"

With the recent releases of some awesome 27WON exhaust systems for the latest 1.5T Civics and Integras, we thought it would be a good time to revisit a topic that comes up quite a bit. It usually goes like this, “Hey, what’s the difference between the various exhaust options you guys have listed on your website” or “why is one system priced more than the other”. 

Well, for that we have just the answer you’re looking for. Keep on reading and find out which exhaust system might make the most sense for you as we break down all the key differences amongst the ones we offer. This handy guide will be useful anytime you shop for an exhaust for your Civic or Integra or perhaps another vehicle you own.  

First, a bit of a primer. We’ve spoken on this topic for our 10th Gen specific systems, but we know many newcomers have come onto this platform. If you want to get a rough idea of what to expect, you can always check out the video we made for that here -> Exhaust Terminology 101

For a more specific 11th Gen Civic and 5th Gen Integra deep dive, keep on scrolling.

Front Pipe-back System. This is the most basic system. A front pipe back system replaces a few key components of the OEM Honda or Acura exhaust found on your EX, Touring, Si, or A-Spec that are after the Front Pipe (the pipe that goes under the engine). Namely, it replaces the rear axle-back and tips and then a portion of what we refer to as the mid-pipes. Out of all the systems we’re going to mention here, this is the easiest to install and has the lowest cost, but the tradeoffs are that it's going to be the quietest system and also net the least amount of performance gain. This system is emissions friendly and doesn’t require any tuning.

Cat-back System. Next we have the option we refer to as the Cat-back system (sometimes also known as “with Front Pipe” exhaust). Everything behind the catalytic converter is upgraded but the catalytic converter is kept stock, hence “cat-back". Cat-back replaces every piece of pipe that the front-pipe back system does and also replaces the Front pipe itself. This system, just like the front-pipe only system, is emissions friendly and doesn’t require any tuning.

Turbo-back System. Ah, now we get to the rowdy party system of the bunch. The turbo-back system is the most complete system you can buy. It replaces all of the components that the previous two systems that we’ve talked about and also upgrades the downpipe. The downpipe is the first piece of exhaust piping that comes after the turbocharger and it also houses the catalytic converters on all L15 powered 1.5T Civics and Integras. From a sound and performance perspective, you’re going to get the most of both compared to the other two versions mentioned before. This exhaust is going to sound the deepest and give you some nice pops and bangs, while also giving you real world WHP and TQ gains. We’ve seen as much as +12 WHP when we tested our turbo-back for the 2022+ Honda Civic! For this version, we do recommend a tune and a device like a Ktuner V2 or Hondata Flashpro to take full advantage. Since the OEM catalyst is replaced with the downpipe, the Turbo-back system is sold for Race Use Only. 

Let’s talk about one last thing and that is cost.

As you move through the versions here, you’ll notice that the more complete the system, the more expensive it becomes. In exchange, you'll get more performance and sound benefit out of the system. To sweeten the pot, our exhausts come with significant savings once you start bundling multiple pieces together. You’ll save right away when you add a front-pipe and a downpipe to your base system over buying each of these individually. 

All the upgraded systems mentioned here come with larger diameter piping, smooth mandrel bends, tig welds for strength and come with a full limited lifetime warranty. Plus, you can’t forget how good they sound either. These are not just replacement systems but real performance upgrade parts that look and sound killer.

We hope you enjoyed this lighter take from 27WON and find the information helpful the next time you shop for an exhaust system. 

-Vlad R.

President