Best Exhaust For Toyota 86

Finding the best exhaust for a Toyota 86 involves selecting a system that complements the flat-four engine’s unique note. You want a sound that turns heads without drowning out conversation on the highway. The right exhaust also adds a few ponies and drops weight, making your 86 feel sharper. With so many options on the market, from budget-friendly axle-backs to full titanium race systems, the choice can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top contenders based on sound, performance, fitment, and price. We will help you match the perfect exhaust to your driving style and budget.

When shopping for the Best Exhaust For Toyota 86, you must consider your daily driving habits. Are you tracking the car every weekend or just cruising to work? A cat-back system offers a balanced upgrade without major drone. Axle-back options are cheaper and easier to install, but they only change the tailpipe sound. Full turbo-back or header-back systems deliver maximum gains but require more work and cost. Let’s explore the top systems that consistently earn praise from owners.

Top Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

Cat-back exhausts replace everything from the catalytic converter back. They are the most popular upgrade for the 86 because they offer a noticeable sound change and moderate power gains. Here are the best cat-back systems available today.

1. Injen SES Cat-Back Exhaust

The Injen SES system uses a unique dual-chamber design to reduce drone. It produces a deep, aggressive tone that wakes up the flat-four. The sound is loud when you step on it but quiet during cruising. Construction is 304 stainless steel with polished tips. Fitment is excellent, with no rubbing or alignment issues. Expect a 5-8 horsepower gain on a stock engine. The price sits around $700, making it a solid mid-range choice.

2. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust

Borla is known for quality and sound. The S-Type system for the 86 uses a straight-through design with a Helmholtz resonator to cancel drone. The tone is crisp and sporty, with a slight rasp at high RPM. It is louder than stock but not obnoxious. Build quality is top-notch, with T-304 stainless steel and a million-mile warranty. Installation takes about an hour with basic tools. Expect a 6-9 horsepower gain. Price is around $950.

3. HKS Hi-Power Spec L II Cat-Back Exhaust

HKS is a Japanese brand that understands the 86. The Spec L II features a single exit design that saves weight and looks clean. The sound is deep and refined, with minimal drone. It uses a straight-through muffler and a large resonator. The titanium tip adds a touch of class. This system is perfect for those who want a subtle upgrade. Expect a 4-6 horsepower gain. Price is around $800.

Best Axle-Back Exhaust Options

Axle-back exhausts replace the mufflers and tips only. They are cheaper and easier to install than cat-back systems. They change the sound but offer minimal performance gains. They are a great entry point for beginners.

1. GReddy Supreme SP Axle-Back Exhaust

The GReddy Supreme SP uses a dual-canister design with a straight-through path. It produces a deep, bassy tone that is louder than stock but not too loud. There is some drone at highway speeds, but it is manageable. Construction is stainless steel with a polished finish. Installation is simple with basic hand tools. Expect a 2-3 horsepower gain. Price is around $450.

2. Perrin 2.5″ Axle-Back Exhaust

Perrin’s axle-back system uses a unique resonator design to cancel drone. The sound is clean and sporty, with a slight burble on deceleration. It is one of the quietest aftermarket options available. Build quality is excellent, with mandrel-bent tubing and a polished finish. The included gaskets and hardware make installation a breeze. Expect a 2-4 horsepower gain. Price is around $500.

3. Nameless Performance Axle-Back Exhaust

Nameless offers a modular axle-back system with interchangeable muffler inserts. You can choose from 5-inch, 4-inch, or 3-inch mufflers to control volume. The 5-inch is the quietest, while the 3-inch is the loudest. The sound is deep and aggressive, with a nice burble. Construction is 304 stainless steel with a brushed finish. Installation is straightforward. Expect a 2-3 horsepower gain. Price is around $550.

Full Header-Back Systems For Maximum Performance

Header-back systems replace everything from the exhaust headers back. They offer the largest power gains but are also the most expensive and loudest. They are best for track-focused builds.

1. Tomei Expreme Ti Header-Back Exhaust

Tomei’s Expreme Ti system is a full titanium header-back setup. It saves over 20 pounds compared to stock. The sound is loud and aggressive, with a raw race car tone. It is not for daily driving due to the volume. Construction is lightweight titanium with a blue-tinted finish. Expect a 12-15 horsepower gain. Price is around $1,800.

2. Gruppe-S UEL Header-Back Exhaust

Gruppe-S offers a unique system with unequal length headers. This gives the flat-four a classic Subaru rumble. The sound is deep and throaty, with a distinct burble. The system includes a cat-back section and high-flow cat. Expect a 10-14 horsepower gain. Price is around $1,200.

3. JDL Auto Design EL Header-Back Exhaust

JDL’s equal length header system offers better top-end power than UEL designs. The sound is smoother and more refined, with less rumble. The system includes a cat-back section and a high-flow cat. Construction is 304 stainless steel with a ceramic coating option. Expect a 14-18 horsepower gain. Price is around $1,500.

Sound Comparison: Which Exhaust Is Right For You?

Sound is subjective, but we can categorize these systems by volume and tone. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide.

Deep and Bass: Injen SES, Borla S-Type, GReddy Supreme SP
Aggressive and Loud: Tomei Expreme Ti, Nameless 3-inch, Gruppe-S UEL
Subtle and Refined: Perrin Axle-Back, HKS Hi-Power Spec L II, Nameless 5-inch
Raspy at High RPM: Borla S-Type, JDL EL Header-Back
Burble on Deceleration: Perrin Axle-Back, Nameless Axle-Back, GReddy Supreme SP

Installation Guide: How To Install An Exhaust On A Toyota 86

Installing an exhaust on a Toyota 86 is a straightforward job you can do at home. Here is a step-by-step guide for a cat-back system. The process is similar for axle-back systems.

Gather Tools: You will need a jack, jack stands, a 14mm socket, a 12mm socket, a ratchet, penetrating oil, and a torque wrench.
Lift The Car: Jack up the rear of the car and place it on jack stands. Make sure the car is stable.
Remove The Stock Exhaust: Spray the bolts with penetrating oil. Remove the bolts connecting the mid-pipe to the catalytic converter. Then remove the hangers from the rubber mounts. Slide the stock exhaust out from under the car.
Install The New Exhaust: Place the new exhaust under the car. Slide the hangers into the rubber mounts. Connect the mid-pipe to the catalytic converter using the provided gasket and bolts. Tighten the bolts to 35 ft-lbs.
Check Alignment: Adjust the tips so they are centered in the bumper cutouts. Tighten the tip clamps if applicable.
Test For Leaks: Start the engine and listen for any exhaust leaks. If you hear a hissing sound, tighten the connections.
Lower The Car: Remove the jack stands and lower the car. Take a test drive to enjoy the new sound.

Performance Gains: What To Expect

Exhaust upgrades on the Toyota 86 do not add massive horsepower. The stock engine is already fairly efficient. Here are the typical gains you can expect from each type of system.

Axle-Back: 2-4 horsepower, minimal weight savings, sound change only
Cat-Back: 5-9 horsepower, 10-15 pounds weight savings, noticeable sound change
Header-Back: 10-18 horsepower, 15-25 pounds weight savings, significant sound change

Remember that these gains are on a stock engine. If you add a tune, intake, and header, the gains will be larger. The exhaust is just one part of a complete performance package.

Drone: What It Is And How To Avoid It

Drone is a low-frequency resonance that occurs at certain RPMs. It can be annoying on long drives. Some exhausts are designed to minimize drone. Here are the systems with the least drone.

Borla S-Type: Uses a Helmholtz resonator to cancel drone
Perrin Axle-Back: Uses a unique resonator design
HKS Hi-Power Spec L II: Uses a large resonator and straight-through muffler
Injen SES: Uses a dual-chamber design

If you are sensitive to drone, avoid straight-through designs without resonators. Systems like the Tomei Expreme Ti and Nameless 3-inch will have significant drone.

Material And Build Quality

Exhaust systems are made from different materials. Here is what you need to know.

304 Stainless Steel: The best material for durability and corrosion resistance. Most high-end systems use this.
409 Stainless Steel: Less expensive but still durable. It can rust over time in harsh climates.
Titanium: Lightweight and strong. It has a unique blue tint when heated. It is expensive but saves weight.
Aluminized Steel: The cheapest option. It is prone to rust and not recommended for long-term use.

Always choose a system with mandrel-bent tubing. This ensures smooth airflow and maximum performance. Avoid crush-bent tubing, which restricts flow.

Budget Considerations

Exhaust prices vary widely. Here is a general price range for each type.

Axle-Back: $400 to $600
Cat-Back: $700 to $1,200
Header-Back: $1,200 to $2,000

You can find cheaper options on eBay, but they often have poor fitment and sound. Stick with reputable brands for the best results. A good exhaust is an investment that will last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best exhaust for a Toyota 86 for daily driving?

A: The Borla S-Type or HKS Hi-Power Spec L II are excellent choices for daily driving. They offer a sporty sound without excessive drone or volume.

Q: Will an exhaust void my warranty?

A: An aftermarket exhaust will not void your entire warranty. However, if the exhaust causes damage to other components, the dealer may deny coverage for those repairs. Most exhausts are bolt-on and do not cause issues.

Q: How much horsepower does an exhaust add to a Toyota 86?

A: A cat-back exhaust typically adds 5-9 horsepower. A full header-back system can add 10-18 horsepower. These gains are modest but noticeable.

Q: Can I install an exhaust myself?

A: Yes, installing a cat-back or axle-back exhaust is a beginner-friendly job. It takes about 1-2 hours with basic tools. A header-back system is more complex and may require professional installation.

Q: What is the loudest exhaust for a Toyota 86?

A: The Tomei Expreme Ti header-back system is one of the loudest options. It is designed for track use and is not suitable for daily driving. The Nameless 3-inch axle-back is also very loud.

Choosing the best exhaust for a Toyota 86 comes down to your personal preferences and goals. If you want a subtle upgrade, start with an axle-back from Perrin or GReddy. For a balanced daily driver, the Borla S-Type or Injen SES are top picks. If you are building a track car, consider a full header-back system from Tomei or JDL. No matter which system you choose, you will enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The flat-four engine deserves to be heard, and the right exhaust will bring out its best character. Take your time, listen to sound clips online, and read owner reviews. Your perfect exhaust is out there waiting for you.