Next Level Performance
August 7, 2026 • 9 min read
The best 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V exhaust for most owners is the Borla S-Type cat-back, which uncorks the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 with an aggressive, drone-free tone while keeping the factory active valves in play. But the CTS-V is a 640-horsepower super-sedan, and the "right" exhaust depends on whether you want a full cat-back, a bolt-on axle-back, or a budget-friendly muffler swap. In this comparison we put three of the most popular systems head-to-head — Borla, Stainless Works, and Corsa — with real specs, sound characteristics, and pricing so you can pick the one that matches your car and your budget.
Our Verdict
Borla S-Type Cat-Back is the best all-around 2016-2019 CTS-V exhaust.
Its T-304 stainless multi-core design, merge X-pipe, and factory-linked dual-mode valves deliver a bold V8 growl with zero cabin drone — all backed by a Million-Mile Warranty. Want the loudest, most hand-built option? Step up to Stainless Works. Want the easiest install and the quietest cruise? The Corsa Xtreme axle-back is your answer.
Shop Our Top Pick →Why the 2016-2019 CTS-V Needs a Better Exhaust
The third-generation Cadillac CTS-V (2016-2019) is powered by the LT4, a 6.2L supercharged V8 rated at 640 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 630 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm — the same engine family found in the C7 Corvette Z06. It launches to 60 mph in a factory-claimed 3.7 seconds, runs the quarter-mile in the mid-11-second range, and tops out at 200 mph. That is genuine supercar territory in a four-door sedan.
The catch is the factory exhaust. To meet drive-by noise and comfort targets, GM wrapped the LT4 in a heavily resonated system that muffles the supercharger whine and V8 bark most owners bought the car for. A quality aftermarket cat-back or axle-back frees up exhaust flow, trims weight, and unlocks the LT4 soundtrack. On a car making this much power, the gains are more about sound, throttle response, and drama than big dyno numbers — but a straight-through system will typically add a few peak horsepower and a noticeably sharper exhaust note.
Borla S-Type T-304 stainless cat-back for the 2016-2019 CTS-V.
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back: Which CTS-V Exhaust Do You Need?
A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converters back — mid-pipes, X-pipe, mufflers, and tips. Because it swaps the restrictive factory mid-section, a cat-back offers the biggest flow and sound change, but it costs more (typically $2,800-$2,900 on the CTS-V) and takes longer to install. An axle-back replaces only the rear section (mufflers and tips) from the rear axle back. It bolts on in roughly an hour, costs less ($1,600-$2,500 here), and changes the tone and tip appearance without touching the mid-pipe.
For the CTS-V, the decision comes down to goals: choose a cat-back if you want the maximum sound and flow upgrade and plan to add headers later; choose an axle-back if you want a clean bolt-on that dials up volume and looks without the higher price or the longer install.
A full cat-back (shown: Stainless Works) replaces the mid-pipe, X-pipe, and mufflers.
Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust (Best Overall)
The Borla S-Type is our top pick for the 2016-2019 CTS-V. It uses 2.75-inch T-304 stainless steel tubing, ultra-smooth mandrel bends, and Borla’s patented multi-core muffler technology feeding a merge X-pipe. Crucially, it retains the CTS-V’s factory dual-mode valves, so the car still opens and closes the exhaust with drive-mode selection. It exits through dual 3.5-inch black chrome tips.
On the street, the S-Type delivers Borla’s signature aggressive growl with zero drone at any speed or gear, plus a welcome addition of cracks and pops on the overrun. Every Borla system is backed by an industry-leading Million-Mile Warranty. It is the balanced choice: loud enough to satisfy, civil enough to daily drive. In our Tampa, FL shop, this is the CTS-V exhaust we recommend most often for owners who want a serious upgrade that is still comfortable on a long highway commute.
Borla S-Type Key Specifications
What We Like
- + Retains factory dual-mode valves for drive-mode sound control
- + Aggressive tone with zero cabin drone at any rpm
- + Million-Mile Warranty and T-304 stainless construction
Things to Consider
- – Cat-back price is a step up from an axle-back
- – Black chrome tips are the only tip finish on this part number
Stainless Works Cat-Back (Loudest, Hand-Built in the USA)
If you want the most hardware for your money and a hand-built system, the Stainless Works cat-back is the enthusiast’s pick. It steps up to 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing running into Dual-Mode Turbo mufflers, a crossover X-pipe with resonators, and 4-inch quad slash-cut tips. Like the Borla, it uses functional Dual-Mode Performance valves that operate with the CTS-V’s Tour and Track drive modes.
Every Stainless Works system is made in the USA from premium stainless, and the Factory Connect design mates cleanly to the OEM break-point. The larger 3-inch tubing makes this the highest-flow, loudest of the three under wide-open throttle — ideal for owners chasing the biggest sound and planning future power adders.
Stainless Works cat-back: 3-inch tubing, Dual-Mode Turbo mufflers, quad 4-inch tips.
What We Like
- + Largest 3-inch tubing for the highest flow and volume
- + Hand-built in the USA with functional dual-mode valves
- + Quad 4-inch slash-cut tips make a bold visual statement
Things to Consider
- – Loudest option may be too much for a quiet daily driver
- – Full cat-back install takes longer than a bolt-on axle-back
Corsa Xtreme Axle-Back (Easiest Install, No Drone)
The Corsa Xtreme axle-back is the smartest bolt-on for owners who want more sound without the price or install time of a full cat-back. Corsa’s claim to fame is its patented Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) technology, which routes unwanted low-frequency waves through tuned channels and reverses them 180 degrees to eliminate droning — so you get an aggressive tone under acceleration and a drone-free cabin at cruise.
The Xtreme is Corsa’s most aggressive sound level, built with a straight-through, non-restrictive 2.75-inch design. It replaces only the rear mufflers and tips, so it bolts on in roughly an hour, and it comes in your choice of black ($2,453.46) or polished ($2,359.06) tips. For a daily-driven CTS-V that still needs to be livable on the highway, the RSC design is hard to beat.
Corsa Xtreme black-tip axle-back: straight-through RSC muffler design.
Corsa also offers the Xtreme axle-back with polished tips for $2,359.06.
What We Like
- + Patented RSC technology kills highway drone
- + Bolt-on axle-back installs in about an hour
- + Choice of black or polished tips at a lower price than a cat-back
Things to Consider
- – Axle-back only — keeps the factory mid-pipe restriction
- – Valveless design is always on; no drive-mode volume switch
Stainless Works Axle-Back (Best Value)
Want a valved system for the lowest entry price? The Stainless Works axle-back delivers the brand’s Dual-Mode Turbo mufflers and 4-inch quad slash-cut tips for $1,677.07 — the most affordable option in this comparison. It uses one-piece welded construction (including the hangers) and functional Dual-Mode valves tied to Tour and Track modes. Note that its Factory Connect axle-back design requires cutting the tailpipes ahead of the factory mufflers, so it is a slightly more involved install than a clamp-on Corsa.
2016-2019 CTS-V Exhaust Comparison Chart
Here is how the four systems stack up on system type, sound technology, tips, and price. All four fit the 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V.
| Kit | Type | Sound Tech | Tips | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borla S-Type Cat-BackTop Pick | Cat-Back (valved) | Multi-Core, merge X-pipe | Dual 3.5" black chrome | $2,855.99 |
| Stainless Works Cat-Back | Cat-Back (valved) | 3" Dual-Mode, resonated X-pipe | Quad 4" slash-cut | $2,875.50 |
| Corsa Xtreme Axle-Back | Axle-Back (valveless) | Patented RSC no-drone | Dual black (or polished) | $2,495.04 |
| Stainless Works Axle-Back | Axle-Back (valved) | Dual-Mode Turbo mufflers | Quad 4" slash-cut | $1,705.50 |
Want More Power? Add Long-Tube Headers
An exhaust is the first step, but the biggest power gains on the LT4 come from headers. Pairing your cat-back with the Kooks 1-7/8-inch long-tube headers ($2,642.72, with green catted connection pipes) opens up the front of the system for meaningful horsepower and torque gains once tuned. Because the CTS-V shares its LT4 with the Corvette Z06, the headers-plus-exhaust recipe is well proven. Browse the full exhaust collection to build your combo.
Kooks long-tube headers unlock the biggest LT4 gains when paired with a cat-back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best exhaust for a 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V?
The best all-around exhaust for the 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V is the Borla S-Type cat-back (part 140754BC, $2,855.99). It uses 2.75-inch T-304 stainless tubing, retains the factory dual-mode valves, and produces an aggressive V8 growl with zero cabin drone, all backed by a Million-Mile Warranty. Owners who want the loudest system should choose the Stainless Works 3-inch cat-back, while those who want the easiest install should pick the Corsa Xtreme axle-back.
Does an exhaust add horsepower to the CTS-V LT4?
Yes, but modestly. A cat-back or axle-back on the supercharged 6.2L LT4 typically adds a few peak horsepower by reducing exhaust restriction, while the bigger benefit is sound, throttle response, and reduced weight. For meaningful power gains, owners pair the exhaust with long-tube headers such as the Kooks 1-7/8-inch set and a supporting tune.
What is the difference between a cat-back and an axle-back on the CTS-V?
A cat-back replaces everything behind the catalytic converters, including the mid-pipe, X-pipe, mufflers, and tips, for the biggest flow and sound change (around $2,800-$2,900). An axle-back replaces only the rear mufflers and tips from the axle back, bolts on in about an hour, and costs less ($1,600-$2,500), but leaves the factory mid-pipe in place.
Will an aftermarket CTS-V exhaust drone on the highway?
The systems in this guide are engineered to avoid drone. The Borla S-Type produces zero drone at any speed or gear, and the Corsa Xtreme uses patented Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) technology to cancel low-frequency waves for a drone-free cruise. The larger 3-inch Stainless Works cat-back is the loudest option and the most likely to be noticeable inside the cabin.
Do these CTS-V exhausts keep the factory active exhaust valves?
The Borla S-Type and both Stainless Works systems retain functional dual-mode valves that open and close with the CTS-V drive modes (Tour and Track), so the car stays quiet in comfort settings and opens up in performance modes. The Corsa Xtreme axle-back is a valveless straight-through design that maintains a consistent aggressive tone at all times.
How much does a CTS-V exhaust cost and how long does it take to install?
In this comparison, prices range from $1,677.07 for the Stainless Works axle-back to $2,855.99 for the Borla S-Type cat-back. A bolt-on axle-back like the Corsa Xtreme installs in roughly an hour, while a full cat-back typically takes two to three hours. Systems using a Factory Connect design may require cutting the factory tailpipes.
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