Best Brands for Nissan 300zx Performance Exhausts: Borla, Apexi, and More

The Nissan 300ZX (Z32) is a legendary sports car that continues to command respect decades after its debut. Its twin-turbocharged VG30DETT engine and naturally aspirated VG30DE variants offer serious performance potential. One of the most effective and rewarding modifications for unleashing that potential is a high-performance exhaust system. Beyond just a louder soundtrack, a well-designed exhaust reduces back pressure, improves exhaust gas flow, and can drop significant weight from the chassis. Whether you are chasing peak horsepower on a dyno, refining throttle response on backroads, or simply want a more visceral driving experience, selecting the right exhaust brand is critical. In this expanded guide, we evaluate the best aftermarket exhaust brands for the Nissan 300ZX – including Borla, Apexi, HKS, Greddy, MagnaFlow, and Flowmaster – along with key factors like material, design, sound, and installation to help you make an informed decision.

Why Upgrade the Exhaust on a Nissan 300ZX?

The factory exhaust on the 300ZX was designed to meet noise, emissions, and cost constraints, not maximum performance. The stock system is heavy, restrictive, and prone to rust. Replacing it brings several measurable benefits:

Increased Horsepower and Torque: A freer-flowing exhaust reduces back pressure, especially on the twin-turbo version, allowing the turbos to spool faster and the engine to breathe more efficiently. Gains of 10–20 hp at the wheels are common with a cat-back system alone, and more with a full turbo-back setup.
Weight Reduction: Many aftermarket systems save 15–30 pounds (or more) by using thinner-wall stainless steel, titanium, or aluminumized steel. This reduction improves acceleration, braking, and handling.
Improved Sound: The 300ZX engine has a unique V6 note. Aftermarket exhausts amplify that character – from a deep, refined tone to an aggressive, race-inspired roar – depending on the brand and design.
Enhanced Heat Management: Some systems feature polished or ceramic-coated surfaces that help dissipate heat more effectively than the painted factory pipes, potentially lowering under-hood temperatures.

Top Exhaust Brands for the Nissan 300ZX

After decades of Z32 aftermarket support, a handful of brands have risen to the top. We profile each one below, covering material quality, sound profile, performance claims, and typical price range.

Borla Performance Exhausts

Borla is a premier American exhaust manufacturer known for its T-304 stainless steel construction, patented straight-through core mufflers, and a rich, muscle-car-inspired tone. For the 300ZX, Borla offers cat-back systems that are a direct fit for both the naturally aspirated and twin-turbo models. The Borla ATAK (Aggressive Tone for Acoustic Kinetics) system is popular among owners seeking maximum volume and a deep bark.

Material: T-304 stainless steel (mirror-polished or brushed finish).
Sound: Deep, aggressive, and slightly raspy at high RPM – definitely “not subtle” according to many owners. Minimal drone at cruising speeds.
Performance Gains: Borla claims 5–12 hp and 8–12 ft-lbs of torque depending on the vehicle; real-world dyno results on stock Z32s often show 10 hp gains at the wheels.
Price: $900–$1,300 for a full cat-back system.
Pros: Lifetime warranty, flawless fitment, high-quality welds, American made.
Cons: One of the louder options; may be too boomy for daily drivers.

Apexi Performance Exhausts

Apexi is a Japanese tuning icon that has produced some of the most respected exhausts for Japanese sports cars, including the 300ZX. Their signature cat-back systems – like the GT Spec and WS2 (World Sport 2) – are known for precise engineering and acoustic tuning.

Material: T-304 stainless steel mandrel-bent piping; the WS2 uses a dual-chamber muffler design.
Sound: The GT Spec is loud, raw, and focused – best for track use. The WS2 offers a deeper, more refined note that is surprisingly quiet at idle but opens up when driven hard. Both have minimal interior drone.
Performance Gains: 7–14 hp and similar torque improvements, with excellent exhaust gas velocity.
Price: $700–$1,100.
Pros: Lightweight (GT Spec saves ~15 lbs over OEM), adjustable sound via replaceable silencers on some models, superior fitment on JDM chassis.
Cons: Mostly discontinued for the Z32; availability can be limited to second-hand or NOS (new old stock).

HKS Performance Exhausts

HKS is another legendary Japanese tuning house. For the 300ZX, their Hi-Power and Carbon-Ti cat-back systems have been favorites among enthusiasts for decades. HKS exhausts are engineered with a “dual muffler” design that balances flow and noise control.

Material: T-304 stainless steel; Carbon-Ti features a titanium outer sleeve that looks stunning and sheds weight.
Sound: Deep, clean, and refined – less “tinny” than some other systems. The Carbon-Ti has a unique metallic note that drives well above 4,000 RPM. Very little drone at highway speeds.
Performance Gains: Typically 8–15 hp with a noticeable improvement in turbo spool response.
Price: $1,000–$1,600 (Carbon-Ti higher).
Pros: Excellent build quality, lightweight (Carbon-Ti saves nearly 20 lbs), distinctive style, good resale value.
Cons: Expensive; high demand means occasional backorders.

Greddy Performance Exhausts

Greddy (formerly Trust) offers two popular lines for the 300ZX: the EVO 2 and the Supreme series. Both are known for their balance of performance and daily-drivability.

Material: T-304 stainless steel with polished or satin finish.
Sound: Mature, deep, and not overly loud – described as “aggressive but civilized.” The EVO 2 has a larger muffler canister that tames drone.
Performance Gains: ~10 hp on stock engines; gains increase with downpipes and tune.
Price: $600–$950.
Pros: Great value, straightforward installation, durable construction, widely available.
Cons: Some users note the interior drone around 2,500 RPM; piping diameter may be smaller than other brands (2.5” vs 3”).

MagnaFlow Performance Exhausts

MagnaFlow is a US brand renowned for its “mellow” tone and straight-through muffler design. Their 300ZX cat-back system uses a free-flowing muffler and mandrel-bent piping.

Material: T-304 stainless steel, mirror-polished.
Sound: Smooth, deep, and relatively quiet at idle – opens up under load but remains less raspy than Borla. Ideal for those who want performance without constant noise.
Performance Gains: 8–12 hp; improved throttle response.
Price: $800–$1,200.
Pros: No drone on most setups, lifetime warranty, easy to install, passes visual inspection well (stock-like appearance).
Cons: Can be too quiet for enthusiasts seeking a race-car sound; piping diameter is typically 2.5” – not ideal for highly modified setups.

Flowmaster Performance Exhausts

Flowmaster is an American icon known for its chambered muffler technology that produces a distinctive “Flowmaster sound.” While less common on the 300ZX than the brands above, their systems are available through custom exhaust shops or universal fit mufflers.

Material: Aluminized steel (standard) or stainless steel options.
Sound: Loud, rumbly, and aggressive – classic muscle-car tone. The chambered design can create interior drone at certain RPMs.
Performance Gains: 5–10 hp; more sound than power in many configurations.
Price: $400–$700 (universal muffler; custom system varies).
Pros: Unique sound, affordable, wide availability.
Cons: Not a direct bolt-on kit for the Z32; requires custom fabrication. Drone can be significant on long drives.

Additional Notable Brands

Stillen: Develops complete cat-back and turbo-back systems specifically for the Z32. Known for performance gains and a moderate sound. Stillen.com
Injen: Offers cat-back systems with polished stainless steel and a deep tone. Less common but reliable. Injen.com
Tanabe: Japanese brand with the “Medalion Touring” and “Racing Medalion” series – excellent quality and sound.
Megan Racing: Budget-friendly option with T-304 construction; louder but good value for track-focused builds.

Cat-Back vs. Turbo-Back Exhausts

When shopping for a 300ZX exhaust you will encounter two main system types. Understanding the difference is important for meeting your goals and budget.

Cat-Back Exhaust: Replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converter(s) rearward (including the mid-pipe, muffler, and tailpipes). It is the most common upgrade. Install is straightforward – typically a bolt-on affair. Power gains: 8–15 hp on a stock twin-turbo engine.
Turbo-Back Exhaust: Replaces everything from the turbocharger outlet back, including the downpipes, catalytic converters (or test pipes), mid-pipe, and muffler. This provides the greatest flow improvement and weight reduction. Power gains: 20–40 hp with a proper tune, plus a more dramatic spool improvement. However, installation is more complex (downpipes are often difficult to access) and may require lifting the engine or removing the subframe. Additionally, removing catalytic converters can cause emissions test failures.

Recommendation: For street-driven cars that must pass OBD-II emissions or visual inspection, a high-quality cat-back system (like Borla or Apexi WS2) is the responsible choice. For dedicated track or off-road vehicles, a turbo-back system with high-flow catalytic converters or test pipes can unlock serious horsepower. Consult your local regulations before removing cats.

Material and Construction: What Matters

Exhaust materials directly affect longevity, weight, sound, and cost. Here is a simple breakdown:

Material	Pros	Cons
T-304 Stainless Steel	Extremely corrosion resistant, polished finish, durable. Preferred for high-end systems.	Heavier than titanium; expensive.
T-409 Stainless Steel	Lower cost, good corrosion resistance, easier to weld.	Less rust-resistant than 304; may discolour over time.
Aluminized Steel	Budget-friendly, decent lifespan in dry climates.	Prone to rust if coating is scratched; heavier than stainless.
Titanium	Very light weight (30–40% lighter than steel), unique blue/gold heat coloring, excellent corrosion resistance.	Extremely expensive; can be hard to weld and repair; sound different (higher pitch).

Nearly all the brands listed above use T-304 stainless steel for their 300ZX cat-backs, which is ideal for longevity and appearance. Titanium options (like HKS Carbon-Ti) are rare and reserved for premium builds.

Sound Levels and Drone Considerations

Sound is subjective, but drone – a low-frequency resonance that occurs at cruising RPM – is nearly universally disliked. The 300ZX is sensitive to drone because the V6 engine has strong harmonics. When choosing an exhaust, look for systems that use tuned mufflers or resonators. Borla’s ATAK and Apexi’s WS2 are praised for minimal drone, while Flowmaster universal mufflers can drone significantly. If you plan to do highway miles, prioritize a system with a reputation for being “drone-free.” Many owners also add a Helmholtz resonator mid-pipe (like from Z1 Motorsports) to cancel problematic frequencies.

Installation Tips for the 300ZX Exhaust

Installing a cat-back system on a 300ZX is a moderate DIY job that can be done on jack stands with basic hand tools. However, be prepared for challenges due to age and rust.

Tools Needed: Jack and jack stands, penetrating oil (WD-40 or PB Blaster), 12 mm, 14 mm, and 17 mm wrenches/sockets, a rubber mallet, and a hanger removal tool (or large pliers).
Common Issues: The factory exhaust hangers are rubber and can be extremely stubborn. Use a lubricant and a pry bar. Rusted bolts on the flange connecting the mid-pipe to the catalytic converter often snap – plan to replace them with stainless hardware.
Difficulty Level: 3 out of 5 for cat-back; 5 out of 5 for turbo-back (requires removing downpipes, which may need an engine hoist or subframe drop).
Lift Points: Use the factory jack points and always support the transmission with a separate stand. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

If you are unsure, professional installation typically costs $150–$400 depending on the shop and system complexity. The extra cost often saves frustration with seized fasteners.

Emissions and Legal Considerations

In many regions, including California and states that follow CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards, replacing catalytic converters or using test pipes is illegal for street use. Some aftermarket exhaust manufacturers produce CARB-compliant systems (look for an Executive Order number). None of the major cat-back brands for the 300ZX are CARB legal for the full system because they remove the factory catalysts in turbo-back setups. However, cat-back systems that retain the stock cats are generally legal as long as they do not exceed noise limits. Always check your local laws before purchasing, as fines and registration issues can result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exhaust is best for a daily-driven 300ZX?

The Apexi WS2 or Greddy EVO 2 are excellent daily choices – they sound aggressive when needed but remain civil on long commutes. Borla ATAK is also an option if you don’t mind the volume.

Will an exhaust upgrade void my warranty?

Most aftermarket companies offer their own warranty, but the OEM warranty typically only covers defects in materials/workmanship – a cat-back exhaust alone should not void a drivetrain warranty unless it directly causes a failure.

Should I change downpipes and catalytic converters at the same time?

Yes, if your budget allows and you are comfortable with the complexity. Doing everything at once saves labor and maximizes performance. Just be aware of emissions laws.

How much horsepower can I expect from a cat-back exhaust?

On a stock twin-turbo Z32, a cat-back exhaust typically adds 8–15 wheel horsepower. With a tune and other bolt-ons, the gains can be 20+ hp.

Conclusion

Choosing the right performance exhaust for your Nissan 300ZX is about matching your driving style, sound preference, and budget with a well-engineered system. Borla delivers race-bred aggression and premium materials; Apexi offers balanced, tunable sound; HKS and Greddy provide proven Japanese engineering; MagnaFlow gives a subtle performance upgrade; and Flowmaster brings a unique muscle-car voice. Whether you are restoring a cherished OEM+ example or building a track-ready monster, investing in a quality exhaust from any of these brands will transform your Z32’s character. Always prioritize proper fitment, material quality, and local legality. With the right exhaust, your 300ZX will sound and perform better than ever – truly a reward for any enthusiast.