Next Level Performance
August 30, 2026 • 9 min read
Our Verdict
The Borla ATAK cat-back is the best all-around exhaust for the 2010-2015 Camaro SS.
For the 5th-gen Camaro SS 6.2L V8, the Borla ATAK delivers the most aggressive naturally-aspirated tone, includes a merge X-pipe for a full system, and is backed by Borla’s 1-million-mile warranty – all for around $1,450. Want it louder still? Step up to the MagnaFlow Competition 3in. On a budget? The Gibson stainless cat-back rumbles for under $700.
Shop Our Top Pick →A 2010-2015 Camaro SS cat-back exhaust is the single most popular bolt-on for the 5th-gen SS, and for good reason: it wakes up the 6.2L V8 (426 hp LS3 with the manual, 400 hp L99 with the automatic), sheds weight over the restrictive factory system, and finally lets that small-block breathe and bark. At NLP Performance in Tampa, FL, the Camaro SS is one of the most common cars on our lift for exhaust work, so we pulled together the five cat-back systems 5th-gen owners ask about most – from the Borla ATAK and MagnaFlow Competition down to a budget-friendly Gibson – with real fitment, sound character, and pricing to help you pick the right one the first time.
Why Upgrade the Cat-Back Exhaust on a 5th-Gen Camaro SS?
A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converters back – mid-pipe, mufflers, and tips – with larger-diameter, mandrel-bent, straight-through tubing that reduces backpressure. On the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8, expect a modest but real gain of roughly 5 to 15 horsepower and 5 to 12 lb-ft at the wheels, most of it in the mid-range, plus a lighter curb weight than the heavy factory system. The bigger payoff is sound: the stock SS is muted, and a quality cat-back unlocks the deep LS bark that made the 5th-gen SS a legend. Because a cat-back leaves the catalytic converters in place, it stays 50-state emissions-friendly and is a genuine bolt-on – no tune required.
The 5th-gen SS ran two engines: the 426 hp / 420 lb-ft LS3 in the 6-speed manual (2010-2015) and the 400 hp / 410 lb-ft L99 with Active Fuel Management in the automatic (2010-2013). Both use the same 6.2L architecture, so every cat-back below fits the SS regardless of transmission – just match the model year, because the 2014-2015 refresh changed the rear valance and requires a year-specific system.
MagnaFlow’s 3in Competition Series uses straight-through mufflers for the loudest naturally-aspirated tone in this guide.
How We Picked the Best Camaro SS Cat-Back Systems
We ranked these 2010-2015 Camaro SS cat-back systems on the four things owners actually care about: sound character (from mild rumble to track-loud), build quality (T-304 vs 409 stainless and warranty length), fitment (correct model-year and Ground Effects clearance), and value. Every system here is a genuine bolt-on that installs in about 1 to 2 hours with hand tools, reuses the factory hangers, and requires no tune. We stock all five at NLP Performance and see them installed on customer SS builds regularly, so the notes below reflect how they actually sound and fit – not just spec-sheet claims.
The 5 Best 2010-2015 Camaro SS Cat-Back Exhausts
1. Borla ATAK Cat-Back — Best Overall for the Camaro SS
The Borla ATAK is our top pick for the 2010-2013 Camaro SS because it is a complete system – it includes a merge X-pipe and Borla’s loudest ATAK (Acoustically-Tuned Applied Technology) mufflers, so you get maximum flow and the most aggressive Borla tone in one box. It is built from patented straight-through, multi-core T-304 austenitic stainless steel and carries Borla’s 1-million-mile warranty. This version is designed for cars with the factory Ground Effects package and reuses the factory valance and tips.
The Borla ATAK kit ships with a merge X-pipe, making it a complete cat-back system rather than a rear-section-only muffler swap.
2. MagnaFlow Competition Series 16483 — Loudest, Most Aggressive
If you want the most attention-grabbing note on the street, the MagnaFlow Competition Series 16483 is it. Its 3in mandrel-bent main piping and straight-through Competition mufflers deliver the loudest, deepest tone in this guide, with dyno-proven flow. It fits the 2010-2013 Camaro 6.2L V8 and is backed by MagnaFlow’s lifetime warranty. At around $2,230 it is the premium pick, but it is the go-to for owners who want their SS heard before it is seen.
3. MagnaFlow Street Series 15089 — Balanced Daily-Driver Tone
Prefer a strong V8 tone without the drone on a long highway pull? The MagnaFlow Street Series 15089 uses 2.5in piping with three straight-through mufflers and a dual split rear exit with 4in polished tips. It is the more livable sibling of the Competition kit – still unmistakably an LS, but easier to live with day to day. It fits the 2010-2013 Camaro 6.2L V8 and carries the same MagnaFlow lifetime warranty.
The MagnaFlow Street Series finishes in a dual split rear exit with 4in polished stainless tips.
4. Borla S-Type — Best for 2014-2015 Camaro SS
For the refreshed 2014-2015 Camaro SS, the Borla S-Type single split rear exit cat-back is the natural choice. The S-Type sits one step below the ATAK on Borla’s loudness ladder – aggressive under throttle, civilized at cruise – and uses the same patented straight-through, multi-core T-304 stainless construction and 1-million-mile warranty. This is the year-correct system for the updated rear valance on the 2014-2015 cars.
5. Gibson Stainless Cat-Back — Best Budget Rumble
You do not need to spend $2,000 to make a 5th-gen SS sound mean. The Gibson 2.25in stainless cat-back delivers a deep, powerful rumble and a modest power bump for well under $700 – often the best value in the whole segment thanks to a steep discount off its original price. The tubing is a smaller 2.25in, so it is the mildest and most affordable option here, ideal for owners who want more sound and a little more grunt without a premium spend. Confirm exact year fitment before ordering.
2010-2015 Camaro SS Cat-Back Exhaust Comparison
| Kit | Piping / Style | Sound Level | Fitment | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borla ATAK Cat-Back with X-PipeTop Pick | 3in, X-pipe + ATAK | Aggressive | 2010-2013 SS | $1,449.99 |
| MagnaFlow Competition Series 16483 | 3in straight-through | Loudest | 2010-2013 | $2,229.00 |
| MagnaFlow Street Series 15089 | 2.5in dual split | Moderate | 2010-2013 | $2,187.00 |
| Borla S-Type Single Split Rear Exit | 2.5in single split | Moderate-Aggressive | 2014-2015 SS | $1,427.99 |
| Gibson Stainless Cat-Back Dual | 2.25in dual | Deep / Mild | 2010 SS | $672.13 |
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back vs Long-Tube Headers: What Is Right for Your SS?
A cat-back exhaust is a bolt-on system that replaces the pipes and mufflers behind the catalytic converters, giving the biggest sound change and a small power gain while staying emissions-legal. An axle-back replaces only the rear-most section (mufflers and tips) – it is cheaper and easier to install, but changes sound less and adds little to no power. Long-tube headers live on the other end of the engine and deliver the largest power gains (often 15-25 hp) but usually require aftermarket cats or a tune to stay clean.
For most 2010-2015 Camaro SS owners, a cat-back is the sweet spot: it transforms the exhaust note, adds a usable few horsepower, installs in an afternoon, and needs no tune. Pair it with a cold air intake for a bit more, or add long-tube headers later if you chase serious power. Every product in this guide is a full cat-back, so you get the complete sound upgrade rather than a partial axle-back swap.
Key Specifications — Borla ATAK Top Pick
Borla ATAK Cat-Back: Pros and Cons
What We Like
- + Complete system with merge X-pipe – no separate mid-pipe needed
- + Aggressive ATAK tone, the loudest in Borla’s lineup
- + T-304 stainless with a 1-million-mile warranty
Things to Consider
- – Designed for cars with the factory Ground Effects package
- – Reuses factory tips (tips not included)
Installed the Borla ATAK on my 2011 SS in about 90 minutes with the car on stands. It sounds absolutely mean at wide-open throttle but settles down at cruise so I can still take calls. Wish I had done it years ago.
— Marcus D. | Verified Buyer | ★★★★★
Sound, Horsepower and Fitment: What to Expect
On a stock 6.2L SS, a cat-back is a sound-and-feel upgrade first and a power upgrade second. Realistic gains land around 5 to 15 wheel horsepower depending on the system and piping size, with the 3in MagnaFlow Competition and Borla ATAK at the top of that range and the 2.25in Gibson at the bottom. Louder is not always faster – muffler design and piping diameter drive both tone and flow. For fitment, the key split is model year: the 2010-2013 systems (Borla ATAK, both MagnaFlow kits) will not fit the refreshed 2014-2015 rear valance, which is where the Borla S-Type comes in. Always match the exact year, and if your SS came with the factory Ground Effects package, choose a Ground-Effects-compatible system like the Borla ATAK listed here.
Installation on all five is straightforward: a genuine bolt-on that reuses factory hangers, takes about 1 to 2 hours on a lift or jack stands, and requires no ECU tune. If you want to build on it, the most popular next steps are a cold air intake and, eventually, long-tube headers with a supporting tune. Browse our full exhaust systems collection for more Camaro options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does a cat-back exhaust add to a 2010-2015 Camaro SS?
A cat-back exhaust adds roughly 5 to 15 wheel horsepower to a 2010-2015 Camaro SS's 6.2L V8, with most of the gain in the mid-range. Larger 3in systems like the MagnaFlow Competition and Borla ATAK sit at the top of that range, while a 2.25in budget system like the Gibson adds less. The primary benefit is a dramatically improved exhaust note, not big power – for larger gains you would add long-tube headers and a tune.
What is the best exhaust for a 2010-2015 Camaro SS?
The Borla ATAK cat-back is our top pick for the 2010-2013 Camaro SS. It is a complete system with a merge X-pipe, produces Borla's most aggressive tone, is built from T-304 stainless, and carries a 1-million-mile warranty – all for around $1,450. For the 2014-2015 refresh, choose the year-correct Borla S-Type instead.
How loud is the Borla ATAK compared to the MagnaFlow Competition?
Both are aggressive, but the MagnaFlow Competition Series 16483 is the loudest system in this guide thanks to its 3in straight-through mufflers. The Borla ATAK is close behind and the loudest in Borla's own lineup, but slightly more refined at idle and cruise. If you want maximum volume, choose the MagnaFlow Competition; if you want aggressive sound plus a complete X-pipe system, choose the Borla ATAK.
Will a cat-back exhaust fit my Camaro SS with the Ground Effects package?
Yes, but you must pick a system designed for it. The Borla ATAK cat-back in this guide is built for 2010-2013 Camaro SS models with the factory Ground Effects package and reuses the factory valance and tips. Always confirm your car's year and whether it has Ground Effects before ordering, because the rear valance dictates which system fits.
Is a cat-back or axle-back better for the Camaro SS?
A cat-back is better if you want the fullest sound change and a small power gain, because it replaces the mid-pipe and mufflers behind the cats. An axle-back is cheaper and swaps only the rear mufflers and tips, so it changes sound less and adds little power. Every system in this guide is a full cat-back for the biggest sound upgrade.
Does a cat-back exhaust void the Camaro SS factory warranty?
No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, installing a cat-back exhaust does not automatically void your factory warranty; a dealer must prove the part caused a specific failure to deny a related claim. A cat-back leaves the catalytic converters in place, so it also remains emissions-compliant, and because no tune is required it does not alter the ECU.
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