Gas Performance Parts
Browse the full catalog below, or filter by Year / Make / Model to jump straight to parts that fit your vehicle.
Most gas performance upgrades — like cat-back exhaust systems and cold air intake kits — are designed to work alongside factory emissions equipment. However, certain components such as long tube headers and catless downpipes may not be street legal in all states. Always check your local regulations before installing. For full details, see the EPA's enforcement policy on aftermarket defeat devices.
Shop by Component
Whether you're chasing horsepower, throttle response, or a more aggressive exhaust note, XKV offers bolt-on performance parts for every section of the engine:
- Cat-Back Exhaust Systems — Replace factory mufflers and mid-pipes for deeper sound and improved flow. The most popular upgrade on Mustang, Camaro, 350Z, Civic, and BMW platforms. Typically 50-state legal.
- Performance Headers — Long Tube & Shorty — Replace restrictive factory manifolds. Long tube headers deliver the biggest horsepower gains, 30-50+ HP on V8 platforms; shorty headers are easier to install and more emissions-friendly.
- Performance Downpipes — For turbocharged gas engines including BMW N54/N55/B58, Ford EcoBoost, and Audi/VW 2.0T. Catted versions are street legal in many applications; catless versions are for off-road and competition use only.
- Cold Air Intake Kits — Reduce intake restriction, add induction sound, improve throttle response. Most kits work with factory tuning.
- Charge Pipes & Intercooler Piping — Replace failure-prone factory plastic charge pipes that crack under boost. Mandatory on tuned turbo builds.
- Up-Pipes & Combination Kits — Build a complete turbo-back or full exhaust system in one purchase.
Shop by Vehicle
XKV offers aftermarket gas performance parts for the most popular platforms in the U.S. market. Use the Year / Make / Model selector to confirm fitment for your specific build.
American Muscle
- Ford Mustang performance parts — EcoBoost 2.3L, V6 3.7L, Coyote 5.0L V8
- Camaro performance parts — SS, ZL1, LT1 5th and 6th gen
- Chevy Silverado gas performance parts — 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.2L V8
- Ford F-150 gas performance parts — 5.0L Coyote, 3.5L EcoBoost, 2.7L EcoBoost
- LS Swap Headers — for LS/LT-swapped chassis builds
JDM & Import
- Nissan 350Z performance parts — VQ35DE / VQ35HR, 350Z, G35
- Honda Civic performance parts — B-series, K-series, D-series, Civic, Integra
European Turbo
- BMW 3 Series performance parts — E46, E90, F30 chassis, N52, N54, N55, B58
- Audi / VW 2.0T TSI — MK5, MK6, MK7 platforms
⚠️ Fitment varies by year, engine, and chassis. Always verify compatibility with the Year/Make/Model selector or contact our team with your VIN.
Realistic Performance Gains
What you can actually expect from performance exhaust parts and intake upgrades:
| Upgrade Path | HP Gain | Tune Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Cold air intake + cat-back exhaust | 5-25 HP | No |
| Long tube headers + tune, V8 | 30-50 HP | Recommended |
| Downpipe + tune, turbo | 30-50 HP | Yes |
| Full turbo-back exhaust + tune | 50-100+ HP | Yes |
Actual gains vary by vehicle, engine, fuel quality, and supporting modifications.
Beyond horsepower, performance exhaust systems also deliver sharper throttle response, reduced exhaust restriction at high RPM, and a customizable exhaust note — from deep daily-driver tone to aggressive race-bred bark.
Installation & Tuning
No tuning required: Cat-back exhaust systems, cold air intake kits, axle-back systems
Tuning recommended: Long tube headers, charge pipes on boosted builds
Tuning required: Performance downpipes on turbocharged platforms, BMW N54/N55/B58, Ford EcoBoost, Audi/VW 2.0T, full turbo-back systems
Install difficulty:
- DIY-friendly, 1-3 hours: Cat-back, intake kits, axle-back
- Moderate, 3-6 hours: Shorty headers, downpipes, intercooler piping
- Advanced, 6-10+ hours: Long tube headers, turbo-back exhaust on tight engine bays
Professional installation is recommended for long tube headers and downpipes on platforms with limited engine bay clearance.
Materials & Construction
Every XKV gas performance upgrade is built for the U.S. aftermarket from materials that survive daily driving and track use:
- T304 / T409 Stainless Steel — Corrosion-resistant, heat-tolerant tubing for exhausts, headers, and downpipes
- Mandrel-Bent Tubing — Smooth, full-diameter bends with no flow-killing crush points
- Reinforced Silicone — Used for charge pipes, intercooler piping, and intake couplers
- CNC-Aluminum — Precision intake components and throttle body spacers
- Chambered & Straight-Through Mufflers — Tuned for the balance of flow and sound
Why Buy From XKV Racing
- Ships in 1 business day from U.S. warehouses, Fontana, CA
- 3-4 business day delivery to most U.S. addresses
- Free shipping on qualifying orders
- 2-year warranty on all gas performance parts
- 30-day hassle-free returns
- Fitment support — email us your VIN, we'll confirm before you order
Frequently Asked Questions — Gas Performance Parts
How do I know which gas performance parts fit my vehicle?
Use the Year / Make / Model selector to confirm compatibility with your exact vehicle. Fitment can vary by engine, chassis, drivetrain, cab/bed configuration, and emissions package. If you're unsure, contact XKV Racing with your VIN before ordering.
What is the best first performance upgrade for a gas-powered car or truck?
For most drivers, a cat-back exhaust or cold air intake is the best first upgrade because both are bolt-on, usually work with factory tuning, and improve sound, airflow, and throttle response. For larger horsepower gains, headers and downpipes are stronger upgrades but may require tuning and professional installation.
How much horsepower do gas performance parts add?
Typical gains range from 5–25 HP for a cold air intake and cat-back exhaust, 30–50 HP for long tube headers with tuning, and 30–50 HP for downpipes with tuning on turbocharged platforms. Full turbo-back systems with proper tuning can produce 50–100+ HP depending on the vehicle and supporting modifications.
Do I need a tune after installing headers, downpipes, or intake parts?
Cat-back exhausts, axle-back exhausts, and most cold air intake kits usually do not require tuning. Long tube headers and charge pipes may benefit from tuning. Performance downpipes, catless downpipes, and full turbo-back systems on turbocharged vehicles typically require tuning to prevent check engine lights and maximize gains.
Are performance exhausts, headers, and downpipes street legal?
Street legality depends on the part, vehicle, and state. Cat-back exhaust systems usually retain factory emissions equipment, while long tube headers, catless downpipes, and some downpipe upgrades may not be legal for street use in all states. For California and CARB states, check whether the product has a valid CARB EO for your exact vehicle application.
Cat-back vs axle-back vs turbo-back exhaust: what’s the difference?
An axle-back exhaust replaces the rear muffler section. A cat-back exhaust replaces the system from the catalytic converter outlet to the tailpipe. A turbo-back exhaust replaces the exhaust path from the turbocharger outlet back, usually including the downpipe, and is most common on turbocharged vehicles.
What is the difference between catted and catless downpipes?
Catted downpipes include a catalytic converter and are designed to reduce emissions compared with catless versions. Catless downpipes provide maximum flow but are generally for off-road or competition use only and often require tuning.
Long tube headers vs shorty headers: which should I choose?
Long tube headers usually deliver larger horsepower gains, especially on V8 platforms, but they are harder to install and more likely to require tuning. Shorty headers are easier to install, fit tighter engine bays, and are usually better for mild street builds.
Will a performance exhaust make my vehicle too loud?
It depends on the exhaust design. Chambered mufflers usually create a deeper daily-driver tone, while straight-through mufflers, headers, and catless downpipes create a louder and more aggressive sound. If cabin noise is a concern, choose a resonated system or a muffled cat-back exhaust.
Can I install gas performance parts myself?
Cat-back exhausts, axle-back exhausts, and cold air intakes are usually DIY-friendly with basic tools. Shorty headers, downpipes, and intercooler piping are moderate installs. Long tube headers and turbo-back exhaust systems are advanced jobs, especially in tight engine bays, and professional installation is recommended.
What materials are XKV gas performance parts made from?
XKV gas performance parts use materials such as T304 or T409 stainless steel, mandrel-bent tubing, reinforced silicone, CNC-aluminum, and chambered or straight-through mufflers. These materials are selected for heat resistance, corrosion resistance, airflow, and long-term durability.
What is your warranty, shipping, and return policy?
XKV Racing gas performance parts ship from U.S. warehouses, with qualifying orders eligible for free shipping. Products include a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects and 30-day hassle-free returns on unused items. For fitment questions, contact XKV Racing with your VIN before ordering.
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