Holden Commodore VS: How Cat-Back Exhausts Turn It Into a Powerful Mile Muncher
Holden Commodore VS: How Cat-Back Exhausts Turn It Into a Powerful Mile Muncher
You don't see many V6 engines being put in wagons nowadays as manufacturers are shifting towards mild hybrid solutions or fully hybrid ones. Well, there are some early 2000s and late '90s vehicles that do and one of them is the Commodore VS. Holden's 200 HP, RWD executive, road trip car may not be the speediest but it definitely brings about a unique feeling.
The emotions you get from driving this 3.8-litre VS can be the result of either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. While this station wagon isn't known for its sportiness it can sure come a step closer with an aftermarket cat-back VS ute exhaust.
Benefits of a Cat-Back Exhaust
Power
There are other types of aftermarket exhaust upgrades but the reason why you should go for a cat-back system is because of its moderate power gains. For something that already has plenty of pull at higher speeds going all the way can seem a bit too much if you're not used to a lot of power. A cat-back VS Commodore ute exhaust gives you just enough power to make you like your V6 even more.
Installation
Another great benefit of cat-back exhaust is the fact that it's not that difficult to install. Even if you've never done anything on your car by yourself, you will be able to mount it on your own. That's because the upgrade is fairly simple as it doesn't replace as many parts as some of its most comprehensive counterparts.
Appearance
With a cat-back exhaust system, you can definitely make the rear of your VS Commodore look sportier. Again, unlike other types of aftermarket exhausts, cat-back systems don't have an exaggerated appearance, in fact, they are noticeable yet minimalistic at the same time.
Cost-Effective
The biggest advantage of cat-back systems is that they are a bang-for-buck solution. You don't get to pay a fortune but what you do get is a substantial difference from the stock exhaust system on your VS Commodore.
Exhaust Materials
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Aluminised Steel
Nowadays aluminised steel cat-back exhausts are what's fitted on most new vehicles while mild steel exhausts were probably found on vehicles from the late 90s era. If your Commodore still has the original system, it's time you upgrade to a more durable and more appealing solution made of aluminised steel. They offer better corrosion resistance and are quite light for how strong they are.
Stainless Steel
If you want a stronger and more durable cat-back VS V6 ute exhaust than an aluminised steel one, you should consider getting a stainless steel system. Both 409 and 304 stainless steel grade exhausts are extremely durable and quite strong but the latter has better corrosion resistance and can be polished back to its original look.
Titanium
For the true enthusiast, there's nothing better than a titanium VS Commodore ute exhaust upgrade. Titanium makes for the strongest and lightest VS ute exhaust systems while being the best at surviving varying temperatures as well as extreme corrosion conditions. Titanium is also 100% recyclable since it doesn't rust.
What Else Should You Consider?
Pipes
It's no plumber's job this, but when it comes to buying a cat-back exhaust you should consider the piping or rather their diameter. The larger they are the less restrictive the new upgrade is going to be. But keep in mind that if you get a cat-back VS V6 ute exhaust with extremely large diameter piping you can end up making your 200 HP VS feel like it has a lot less under its bonnet. In fact, you'll make it worse than stock.
Resonator
You can also add a resonator to your Commodore's undercarriage if you want. What this will do is make your V6 a bit quieter but it won't necessarily restrict it more than what the stock system already has. Coupled with a muffler, a resonator can make your Commodore feel a bit like a luxury sedan than a tough ute which is why it's definitely a worthy investment.
Thickness
The thickness of the material the exhaust is made of also affects how the system sounds and how durable it's going to be. Thicker exhausts are heavier and thus help reduce exhaust drone can survive harder impacts but once they get dented you can't bend them back into shape.
Bends
There are two types of bends a cat-back exhaust can have and those are either crush or mandrel bends. A cat-back system with crush bends is more affordable but also not ideal when it comes to performance gains. You should go for a mandrel bent VS ute exhaust, as it's smooth throughout which means engine fumes and gasses are able to pass freely and thus the engine itself doesn't get suffocated by its own supply or rather output.
Conclusion
Your VS Commodore may not be the fastest thing on earth but it sure is one of a few classics that will put a smile on your face as soon as you get a little bit heavy on the pedal. With an exhaust upgrade, you can hear that engine better and enjoy some of its notes more than any other VS Commodore owner.
