How much does it cost to fit a exhaust?

In general, you can expect to pay roughly $350–$750 for a basic cat-back exhaust installation, and $1,000–$2,000 or more for a full performance system (including headers) and specialist labor. Prices vary by vehicle, material, and shop location.

What affects the price

Several factors determine the final bill when fitting an exhaust. The scope of work, the material quality, vehicle complexity, and the shop’s location all push costs up or down. Understanding these elements helps you compare quotes accurately.

• Exhaust type and scope: Cat-back, axle-back, or full header-back installations; more extensive systems take longer and cost more.


• Material and fabrication: Aluminized steel is cheaper than stainless steel; mandrel-bent tubing and welded joints add cost but improve durability and flow.


• Vehicle specifics: Some cars have tight engine bays, multiple catalytic components, or sensors that require extra labor or special adapters.


• Labor rates and location: Urban shops or high-cost regions typically charge more per hour than rural or lower-cost areas.


• Parts and service extras: Gaskets, clamps, hangers, oxygen sensor extensions, and exhaust tips can add to the bill; some shops include these in the quoted price, others itemize separately.

The total you pay will reflect how far the exhaust system is upgraded and how much labor is required to fit it properly while ensuring emissions components and sensors function correctly.

Costs by region

United States

These ranges show typical installed prices for common setups, including both parts and labor. They are ballpark figures and can vary by shop and vehicle.

• Cat-back exhaust ( aluminized steel ): Parts typically $150–$350; labor $100–$200; total installed often $300–$550.


• Cat-back exhaust ( stainless steel or higher-end brands ): Parts typically $350–$900; labor $100–$250; total installed often $450–$1,150.


• Axle-back exhaust: Parts typically $150–$500; labor $80–$180; total installed often $230–$680.


• Performance or header-back systems: Parts typically $600–$2,000; labor $200–$600; total installed often $800–$2,600.

For the most aggressive or custom setups (such as full turbo-back or bespoke fabrication), prices can exceed $3,000 when including high-end materials, welding, and extensive tuning.

United Kingdom and Europe

Prices here reflect a mix of local labor rates and parts availability. Always confirm whether quotes include VAT and fitment hardware.

• Cat-back exhaust ( aluminized steel ): Parts £150–£350; labor £60–£120; total £230–£470.


• Cat-back exhaust ( stainless steel or premium brands ): Parts £350–£800; labor £60–£120; total £410–£920.


• Axle-back exhaust: Parts £100–£350; labor £60–£120; total £180–£470.


• Performance or header-back systems: Parts £600–£1,500; labor £120–£250; total £720–£1,750.

Higher-end systems, specialty fitting, or cars with complex exhaust routes may push costs higher, especially where welding or bespoke fabrication is required.

Australia

A similar pattern applies in Australia, with prices influenced by local supplier availability and workshop hourly rates.

• Cat-back exhaust ( aluminized steel ): Parts AU$250–$650; labor AU$150–$350; total AU$400–$1,000.


• Cat-back exhaust ( stainless steel or premium brands ): Parts AU$500–$1,200; labor AU$150–$350; total AU$650–$1,550.


• Header-back or high-performance systems: Parts AU$900–$2,400; labor AU$250–$600; total AU$1,150–$3,000.

Prices can vary by city and by the availability of imported parts, so it pays to shop around and request quotes from multiple installers.

What to watch for when getting a quote

To avoid surprises, consider the following questions and checks when you receive quotes. A clear quote should help you compare apples to apples and plan your budget.

• Does the quote include all necessary parts (gaskets, clamps, hangers) and labor, or are some items billed separately?


• Is the price for a specific material (aluminized vs stainless) clearly stated, and is there a recommended upgrade path?


• Are emissions components and sensors (O2 sensors, downstream catalysts where applicable) accounted for and tested after installation?


• Is the quoted time estimate realistic for the vehicle and setup, and does it include a performance check or road test?


• Do you receive a written warranty on labor and parts, and what does it cover (leaks, rattles, corrosion) and for how long?

If you’re replacing catalytic components or modifying the emission system, verify local regulations regarding compliance and inspection requirements in your area.

Regulatory and practical considerations

Different regions have rules about emissions and vehicle modifications. In the United States, some exhaust parts must be CARB-certified to be legal in California and other states with strict emissions standards. In the United Kingdom and much of Europe, type-approval and conformity requirements can affect what can be installed and how it must be tested. Always check local regulations and plan for potential additional costs if a shop must certify or tune the system to remain compliant.

Consulting with a reputable installer who can advise on compliant options can save time and prevent compliance headaches later.

Summary

Costs to fit an exhaust vary widely based on the type of system, the material, labor rates, and vehicle specifics. Basic cat-back installations tend to fall in the few-hundred-dollar range in the U.S. and the few-hundred-euro/pound range in Europe, while full performance builds—especially those involving headers or bespoke fabrication—can exceed several thousand dollars or pounds. Always obtain multiple written quotes, confirm what is included, and verify any regulatory requirements before proceeding. This approach helps you budget accurately and choose a setup that matches your goals and local rules.

How long does it take to fit an exhaust?

Fitting an exhaust can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for a straightforward job, but can take longer if there are complications like rusted bolts or custom systems. Factors like vehicle complexity, the condition of the old exhaust, and whether all parts are readily available will influence the total time required. 
Factors that affect fitting time 
This video explains factors that can affect the time it takes to fit an exhaust: 1mLearnToDIY360YouTube · Feb 2, 2025

• Standard vs. Complex Systems: A simple, standard vehicle exhaust can often be replaced in about 30 minutes to an hour by a professional. More complex or high-performance vehicles may require more time. 
• Condition of the Old Exhaust: The job can take longer if the old exhaust is rusted or damaged. Removing seized bolts and replacing other components like pipes or a catalytic converter will add to the repair time. 
• Welded vs. Bolted Systems: If the old muffler is welded on, it will take extra time to cut it off and then weld the new one into place. This is more time-consuming than a bolted system. 
• Parts Availability: If the replacement part isn't in stock, the repair will take longer while the shop waits for it to arrive. 
• Custom or Aftermarket Exhausts: Installing custom systems can be more complex, requiring special parts or tools and potentially taking significantly longer. 
• DIY vs. Professional: While a professional can get the job done faster, a DIY installation can easily take 2 hours or more, especially if it's your first time or you run into unexpected issues, say Reddit users. 

How much does it cost to install an exhaust?

The cost to install an exhaust can range from $150 to $2,000 or more, depending on the type of installation, vehicle, and materials. A simple cat-back system might cost around $150-$250 for labor plus parts, while a full custom or high-performance system could be significantly more, potentially exceeding $2,000 for high-end parts and complex labor. Factors like labor costs (from $75 to $200+), parts, and your vehicle's make and model all influence the final price. 
Cost breakdown and factors

Category	Cost Estimate
Total Project	$150 - $2,000+
Labor	$75 - $200+
Parts	$150 - $2,000+

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Key factors that influence cost:

• Vehicle Type: Luxury and high-performance cars are often more expensive to work on due to specialty parts and higher labor rates. 
• Type of System:
  • Cat-back: Replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converter back. This is a common and moderately priced option. 
  • Axle-back: Replaces only the parts from the rear axle back. 
  • Custom: Involves fabricating new piping and may include components like headers. This can be significantly more expensive. 
• Materials: The material of the exhaust system (e.g., stainless steel, titanium) can affect the price. 
• Complexity: The more parts that need to be replaced and the more complex the fabrication required, the higher the labor cost will be. 
• Diagnosis: The initial quote may increase if the mechanic discovers additional problems once the work begins. 

How to get an accurate quote

• Contact professional shops: The best way to get an accurate price is to get quotes from a few local mechanics or exhaust shops for your specific vehicle and desired system. 
• Consider parts upfront: If you are buying the parts yourself, be sure to factor their cost into the total budget.
• Be aware of add-ons: Some shops might include the cost of disposal for your old exhaust system, while others may not. 

How much does it cost to fit an exhaust?

Exhaust replacement usually costs between £300 and £600, depending on your car, the parts, and labour. Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger or luxury models cost more. Most of the time, only sections after the catalytic converter need replacing, as these are more prone to rust.

How much would a full exhaust system cost?

The cost of a full exhaust system can vary significantly, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the materials used, and the brand's reputation. On average, a complete exhaust system might range from $300 to over $2000.