Downpipe Back Vs. Turbo Back: What's The Difference?

Are you trying to decide which exhaust system best suits your vehicle? Or are you on the market for the best horsepower boosts? You’ve come to the right place. This blog will inform you of everything you need to know about your car’s exhaust system.
Whether you consider yourself a car enthusiast or just starting out, you might be curious why anyone would want to change their car’s exhaust system in the first place. Well, more often than not, people replace their exhaust systems to change the sound but also for enhancing performance. After all, upgrading your car parts for some extra horsepower is a far more economical approach than replacing your car altogether. 

So, how do you decide which exhaust system is right for your car? In this helpful guide, we’ll talk you through the main differences between the two most well-known exhaust systems — the turbo back vs. the downpipe back. But first, let’s take a closer look at what a turbo back exhaust is. 

What is a turbo back exhaust?

If you’re unsure what a turbo back is, it is the last outlet of the turbocharger engine's exhaust system that lets out air. Installing a turbo back exhaust system replaces the tailpipe and the relevant internals. This means greater horsepower by effectively increasing the gases leaving the turbo.

What is a downpipe? 

A downpipe bolts directly into the turbine housing to direct exhaust gases through the rest of the exhaust system. Most factory downpipes have at least one restrictive catalytic converter, which is great for cleaning exhaust gases — it’s also restrictive, causing potential horsepower to be lost. By removing the factory downpipe and replacing it with a more high-flowing unit, the turbo can more efficiently move gases away from the turbine, creating more horsepower. 

Turbo back vs. downpipe back

Now that you understand the appeal of upgrading your exhaust system, let’s take a look at what each system has to offer:

• High-quality materials — Both downpipe and turbo backs are made from aluminised or stainless steel, meaning they are rust-proof, corrosion free, and crack-proof. They’re built to last for the long haul. 
• Turbocharger — Turbo back and downpipe exhaust systems are only compatible with turbocharged engines. If your car does not have a turbocharged engine, you’ll likely look at other systems like cat-back’s or full systems which can include the exhaust manifold and other piping. 
• Cost — If you’re after something within a particular price range, you should know that the turbo back exhaust is far more costly than a downpipe. Depending on your vehicle, the downpipe by itself can increase horsepower although is often then restricted by the flow of the rest of the system. To ensure maximum performance gains it is best to carry out the turbo back exhaust so you don't have any restrictions.
• Installation — Installing a downpipe is far easier than installing a turbo back. A turbo back exhaust installation means replacing everything — from the tailpipe to the final vent and everything in between. We highly recommend seeking the support of a qualified technician for a turbo back installation. Meanwhile, a downpipe installation as it is often just one component. 

How to choose between a downpipe vs turbo back

Now that you know some of the main differences between a downpipe vs a turbo back exhaust, your decision depends entirely on your priorities for upgrading your exhaust system. The downpipe is your match if you’re after something more cost-effective that still offers superb quality, improved efficiency, and easy installation. If, however, you’re after greater horsepower and willing to pay a higher price and seek professional support for installation, the turbo back might better suit your requirements. 

Shop parts from the experts at Car Mods Australia 

At Car Mods Australia, we have all the high-quality parts you’ll require to improve your vehicle's performance. We stock over 250,000 products from over 200 world-recognised brands. Our uniquely engineered stainless steel and mild steel exhaust systems bolt directly to existing mounting points, making installation easy! 

Our exhaust systems are built to perform with materials designed for longevity. Not to mention, they look and sound great! If it’s a 3-inch turbo back exhaust you’re after, discover our 3-inch D22 Turbo Back Exhaust w/Cat, compatible with 97-09 Nissan Navaras, or if you need cat back exhaust, consider our i30n Invidia exhaust, compatible with 17-19 Hyundai i30N Hatch PDe. 

We pride ourselves on being the premier one-stop shop for car parts, carrying an extensive selection of exhaust systems compatible with different vehicles to help expel gases, reduce noise and increase power. Discover our range of turbo backs, downpipes, exhaust manifolds, cat backs, engine backs and other accessories. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team, who would be happy to assist.