What performance exhaust upgrades fit a Cadillac CTS-V?

Honestly, I've been running these cars for years and I feel u on the drone struggle. I've tried a few setups on my V2 and V3, and unfortunately, some of them were a total mistake. For your situation, I would suggest going with the Corsa Sport Axle-Back Exhaust System for Cadillac CTS-V if you're worried about highway noise. Corsa is basically the king of "no drone" technology. I had issues with a generic shop setup that literally rattled my brain at 70mph, but Corsa stays quiet until you actually floor it.

If you want it even louder, the Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System sounds incredible but it can get a bit buzzy. Dont worry about the stock headers—most of these bolt right up without fitment issues, though you might need to adjust the hangers slightly for perfect tip alignment. If your budget allows, Stainless Works Long Tube Headers are the real way to wake up that supercharger growl, but then youre looking at a much louder car overall. Good luck with the build!!

Can confirm

+1 to what was said earlier. The Corsa stuff is honestly top-tier for killing that V8 drone, but if you want to keep the stock headers and still get a meatier tone, I gotta suggest looking at the Borla S-Type Axle-Back Exhaust System 11902.

I've been wrenching on these things for a decade and here's the deal: the stock manifolds on the V2 and V3 are actually pretty high-flow for factory parts, so you wont run into fitment issues with an axle-back or even a full cat-back. But honestly... be careful if you go with the Borla ATAK Axle-Back Exhaust System 11903. It sounds insane at wide-open throttle, but for a daily driver, it might be a bit much for some people.

If you're worried about that deep growl, the S-Type is more "muscle car" whereas Corsa is more "exotic scream" up top. Also, make sure to check your ground clearance if you go cat-back; some of the larger mid-pipes sit kinda low and can scrape on speed bumps if you're lowered. Just my two cents from years of trial and error! gl with the build 👍

> I want that deep supercharged V8 growl without unbearable highway drone. Just saw this thread and wanted to share my perspective from a DIY install point of view. I have spent way too much time under my V2 on jack stands, and honestly, the installation hardware makes or breaks the experience. If you are doing this yourself, be cautious about the clamp quality and pipe wall thickness because subpar kits will warp under thermal expansion and eventually leak at the flange. I have worked with a few setups in my own shop:

• Billy Boat Fusion Cat-Back Exhaust
• This is an incredible piece of engineering if you want to retain the dual-mode valve functionality. It is basically the best of both worlds because it is civil during cruises but opens up to a straight-pipe roar under load. The V-band clamps they use are professional grade.
• Kooks 3 Inch Street Sleeper Cat-Back
• This is a serious high-flow setup. It is a bit more challenging to align perfectly because the 3-inch diameter leaves very little clearance near the differential. You have to be very precise with your hanger adjustments to avoid metal-on-metal rattles. Whatever you choose, make sure you hit your torque specs and double-check your clearance around the fuel lines. Did you decide if you are doing the work yourself?

Honestly, I was sooo worried about ruining the refined feel of my V, so I totally get being cautious! If you want to save some cash but still get that deep V8 rumble without the dreaded drone, I'd skip the pricey cat-backs and just grab the MagnaFlow Street Series Axle-Back Performance Exhaust System 19198.

It's way more budget-friendly than Corsa or Borla, and basically gives you that "wake up" you're looking for without vibrating your teeth out on the highway. Plus, it bolts right up to the factory hangers so you won't have any fitment headaches with your stock headers. Definitely have a pro shop do the install though just to be safe... it's worth the peace of mind!! gl!

> I want that deep supercharged V8 growl without unbearable highway drone. Saw this while browsing and had to jump in because the drone is basically the deal-breaker for these cars. I totally agree with the guys recommending Corsa for the tech, but if you want another high-quality option that uses similar science, look at the AWE Touring Edition Axle-Back Exhaust for Cadillac CTS-V. It uses their patented 180 Technology which is basically a series of internal resonators tuned to cancel out specific frequencies. Its a very "it works" solution for the drone issue. From a DIY perspective, the fitment is top-tier. I usually suggest the Hooker Blackheart 3 inch Cat-Back Exhaust for Cadillac CTS-V if you want to swap the whole mid-section too. Its made from 18-gauge 304 stainless steel which is decent for durability. One thing tho... if you go the DIY route, grab some HPS Performance Stainless Steel T-Bolt Clamps to replace the cheap ones that come in some kits. Keeps everything sealed tight when the metal expands from the heat. Let me know if you need any torque specs or whatever.