Next Level Performance
July 11, 2026 • 11 min read
The aFe Takeda cat-back is the exhaust that finally lets the R35 Nissan GT-R sound as fast as it drives. From the factory, "Godzilla" hides one of the great twin-turbo V6s behind a heavy, heavily muffled system, and the Takeda 3-inch stainless cat-back is engineered to fix exactly that. In this review we break down real dyno numbers, sound character, weight, fitment across 2009-2021 model years, and how it stacks up against the HKS, MBRP, and Revel systems we sell here at NLP Performance in Tampa, FL.
Our Verdict
The aFe Takeda 3-inch 304 stainless cat-back is the best all-around exhaust upgrade for the R35 GT-R.
It delivers a dyno-verified 19 horsepower and 17 lb-ft, a race-inspired muffler-less tone, and 5-inch carbon fiber tips, all in a bolt-on package that fits 2009-2021 GT-Rs and uses every factory hanger. For quieter tastes, the HKS Legamax Premium is the OEM-plus pick; for the best value, the MBRP Armor Pro.
Shop Our Top Pick →What Is the aFe Takeda GT-R Cat-Back Exhaust?
The aFe Takeda cat-back (part number 49-36108-C) is a 304 stainless steel exhaust system designed for the 2009-2021 Nissan GT-R (R35) that adds a dyno-verified 19 horsepower and 17 lb-ft of torque while reducing exhaust restriction behind the catalytic converters. A "cat-back" replaces everything from the cats rearward — the mid-pipes, mufflers, and tips — without touching the emissions hardware, so it is the most popular first bolt-on for the twin-turbo VR38DETT engine.
aFe hand-crafts the Takeda from mandrel-bent 304 stainless steel with a brushed finish, stepping the tubing from a 3-inch front section down to dual 2.5-inch outlets. The whole system is TIG welded, uses factory mounting locations for a leak-free bolt-on install, and finishes with massive 5-inch laser-etched carbon fiber tips over CNC-machined stainless inserts. It is a muffler-less, straight-through design: aFe deletes the restrictive resonator-and-muffler path to free up flow, tuning tube length instead of packing to control tone.
aFe Takeda GT-R Exhaust Specs and Dyno Numbers
On aFe's chassis dyno, the Takeda cat-back produced 19 horsepower and 17 lb-ft of torque over the factory system on an otherwise stock R35 — meaningful gains for a cat-back that leaves the downpipes and tune untouched. Because the R35's power climbed over its production run (480 hp in 2009-2011, 530 hp in 2012-2016, and 565 hp in the 2017-2021 Premium), the Takeda's flow headroom scales especially well with the later, higher-output cars and any downpipe or tuning upgrades you add later.
Key Specifications — aFe Takeda 49-36108-C
The Takeda's 5-inch carbon fiber tips and dual 2.5-inch outlets on the R35 GT-R.
How Does the aFe Takeda Sound and Drive?
The Takeda is loud, purposeful, and unmistakably twin-turbo. Deleting the OEM mufflers uncovers a deep, race-inspired growl on throttle and the signature VR38 turbo whoosh and blow-off chatter that the factory system smothers. Under wide-open throttle it barks hard through the mid-range; at idle it settles into a low, mechanical burble rather than a raspy drone. In our Tampa shop, customers stepping out of a stock GT-R almost always describe the first pull as "night and day."
The complete Takeda dual transverse cat-back that replaces the R35's heavy OEM system.
Be honest with yourself about drone: a muffler-less design like the Takeda will resonate at steady highway cruise (roughly 1,800-2,400 rpm) more than a chambered or packed system. If you daily-drive your GT-R and want the OEM comfort level with just a touch more presence, the HKS Legamax Premium below measures only about 1 dB over stock at idle and is the civil choice. If you want the loudest, most track-focused note, the HKS Racing Muffler ships with a removable silencer for exactly that flexibility.
aFe Takeda vs the Best R35 GT-R Cat-Back Exhausts
We stock four other proven cat-back systems for the R35 alongside the Takeda, spanning $900 to $3,867 and every sound profile from OEM-plus to full track. Here is how the field compares at a glance, followed by a closer look at each.
| Kit | Tubing | Tips | Character | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aFe Takeda 3in 304SS Cat-BackTop Pick | 3 in to dual 2.5 in, 304 SS | 5 in carbon fiber | Muffler-less, aggressive | $3,867.00 |
| HKS Racing Muffler w/ Silencer | Large-bore stainless | Dual stainless | Track, removable silencer | $3,645.00 |
| HKS Legamax Premium | 85 mm main pipe | 119 mm dual | OEM-plus, +1 dB idle | $2,340.00 |
| MBRP Armor Pro 3.5in Quad | 3.5 in, T304 SS | Quad 5 in carbon | Street profile, refined | $1,459.99 |
| Revel Medallion Touring-S | SUS304, 1.5 mm wall | Quad blue, angle-cut | Deep, low drone (under 93 dB) | $900.34 |
1. aFe Takeda 3-Inch 304SS Cat-Back — Best Overall
What We Like
- + Dyno-verified +19 hp and +17 lb-ft over the stock cat-back
- + Muffler-less 304 stainless with real 5-inch carbon fiber tips
- + Bolt-on to factory hangers; broad 2009-2021 R35 fitment
Things to Consider
- – Muffler-less design can drone at highway cruise
- – Cat-back only — add downpipes and a tune for big power
2. HKS Racing Muffler w/ Silencer — Loudest / Track
HKS engineered the Racing Muffler as an all-out track system for the VR38DETT, and it is the loudest way to run the R35 on our list. The included removable silencer is what makes it livable: pull it for the paddock and full-volume track note, drop it back in to keep the drive home (and your local sound meter) reasonable. Choose it if you spend real time at the track and want a single system that toggles between race and street.
The HKS Racing Muffler ships with a removable silencer for track-to-street flexibility.
3. HKS Legamax Premium — Quietest / OEM-Plus
The Legamax Premium is the refined choice for owners who want more flow without shouting about it. It runs an 85 mm main pipe into 119 mm tips and uses two small chambers instead of a single central muffler, measuring only about 1 dB louder than stock at idle. HKS quotes a close sound level of roughly L89/R90 versus the factory L88/R89, so it stays civil on the daily commute while opening up as the revs climb. It is the exhaust to buy if drone is a deal-breaker.
4. MBRP Armor Pro 3.5-Inch Quad — Best Value
At $1,459.99 (down from $1,803.52), the MBRP Armor Pro is the value champion of the group and the widest-fitting, covering 2009-2024 GT-Rs. It runs larger 3.5-inch mandrel-bent T304 stainless tubing into dual-wall, angle-cut 5-inch carbon fiber tips with a mirror-polished stainless inner sleeve, and MBRP backs it with a lifetime warranty. The "Street Profile" tuning keeps it aggressive under throttle without droning on long drives — note that cars with factory active exhaust may need a tune to fully match the valve behavior.
MBRP's quad 5-inch dual-wall carbon tips with polished stainless inner sleeves.
5. Revel Medallion Touring-S — Most Affordable
For 2009-2013 GT-R owners on a budget, the Revel Medallion Touring-S delivers a lot of exhaust for $900.34. It is built from full SUS304 stainless with 1.5 mm wall tubing, hand TIG welded onto laser-cut flanges, and uses Advantex packing for a clean, deep, low-frequency tone tested under 93 dB at load. The slim oval canisters and quad angle-cut blue tips keep in-cabin drone low, making it the friendliest daily-driver note in this group at the lowest price of entry.
Installation, Fitment and Active Exhaust Notes
Installing a GT-R cat-back is a straightforward bolt-on that most enthusiasts complete in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours with a lift or jack stands. Because the aFe Takeda reuses every factory hanger and mounting location, there is no cutting or welding — you unbolt the OEM system at the mid-pipe flanges, transfer the rubber isolators, and torque the supplied band clamps for a leak-free seal. We recommend replacing the factory gaskets and letting the system heat-cycle once before final alignment of the tips.
The Takeda fits 2009-2021 R35 GT-Rs across Base, Premium, Black Edition, and Nismo trims. One important note for later cars: GT-Rs equipped with the factory active (valved) exhaust can throw the valve behavior off after a cat-back swap, so plan on a tune or valve delete for the cleanest result. The MBRP carries the same caveat. If you are unsure which system your GT-R runs, our Tampa team can confirm fitment by VIN before you order.
Pair It With: Intake, Tune and Bigger Power
A cat-back is the first step, not the finish line. To actually convert the Takeda's extra flow into meaningful crank power on the VR38DETT, pair it with an intake and a tune. A high-flow intake like the Cobb Big SF cold air intake or the Injen twin-turbo short ram intake feeds the turbos more air, while a device such as the aFe Scorcher GT power module raises boost and timing safely for a bolt-on gain.
For reference on where these upgrades sit: a full titanium turbo-back on the R35 can strip 30-45 lbs versus the factory exhaust and, with downpipes and E85 tuning, help push a stock-turbo GT-R past 700 wheel horsepower. The cat-back is the sound-and-response foundation that every one of those builds starts from. Browse the full lineup in our performance exhaust collection to match your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the aFe Takeda cat-back add horsepower to the R35 GT-R?
Yes. aFe's chassis dyno testing shows the Takeda cat-back adds 19 horsepower and 17 lb-ft of torque over the factory system on an otherwise stock GT-R. The gains come from the muffler-less, straight-through 304 stainless design that reduces exhaust restriction behind the catalytic converters, and they grow further when paired with downpipes and a tune.
How much louder is the aFe Takeda GT-R exhaust than stock?
The Takeda is significantly louder than stock because it deletes the OEM mufflers for a straight-through path, producing an aggressive growl on throttle and noticeable turbo sound. Expect some drone at 1,800-2,400 rpm on the highway. If you want near-OEM volume, the HKS Legamax Premium measures only about 1 dB over stock at idle.
Will an aftermarket cat-back void my GT-R warranty?
No, a cat-back exhaust alone does not automatically void your GT-R's factory warranty. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer must prove that a modification actually caused a failure to deny a related claim. A cat-back replaces only the post-catalyst piping and keeps the emissions equipment intact, so it is one of the lowest-risk bolt-ons for the R35.
Does the aFe Takeda fit every year of the R35 GT-R?
Yes, the aFe Takeda (49-36108-C) fits 2009-2021 Nissan GT-R models including Base, Premium, Black Edition, and Nismo trims. It bolts to the factory hangers with no cutting. GT-Rs with factory active exhaust may require a tune or valve delete so the valve logic matches the new system.
Cat-back vs full turbo-back on the GT-R: which should I buy?
Buy a cat-back first if your priorities are sound, response, and a clean bolt-on; buy a turbo-back if you are chasing maximum power. A cat-back like the Takeda adds around 19 hp and the signature note without touching emissions hardware, while a full turbo-back with downpipes and a tune can add 100-plus wheel horsepower but is louder, pricier, and not emissions-legal in many states.
What is the best cat-back exhaust for the Nissan GT-R R35?
For most R35 owners, the aFe Takeda 3-inch 304 stainless cat-back is the best all-around choice thanks to its dyno-proven 19 hp gain, carbon tips, and broad 2009-2021 fitment. Choose the MBRP Armor Pro ($1,459.99) for best value, the HKS Legamax Premium for the quietest OEM-plus sound, or the HKS Racing Muffler for the loudest track-focused note.
How long does it take to install a GT-R cat-back exhaust?
A GT-R cat-back install takes roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a competent DIYer with a lift or jack stands. The aFe Takeda uses factory mounting points and supplied band clamps, so there is no welding — just unbolt the OEM system, transfer the isolators, and torque the new sections. Heat-cycle once, then align the tips.
Ready to Wake Up Your R35 GT-R?
Shop the aFe Takeda cat-back and every GT-R exhaust we carry, backed by expert fitment help from our Tampa, FL team.
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