While there are some cars that come from the factory with an excellent exhaust note, most sound plain boring. That's even true of models that were designed for car enthusiasts.This article has been sponsored by Flashark, but the information shared regarding the benefits of aftermarket exhaust systems for vehicle performance and sound is universally true.Take theNissan 370Z, for example: A blue blood in the sports car world with a fanbase that appreciates a sweet engine note. However, unless you opted for the Nismo model, even the mighty 370Z left the factory with an exhaust system that was a little on the quiet side. Thankfully, there's a ton of aftermarket support available to help – for your Z and lots of other cars – via the wallet-friendly parts supplier, Flashark.Note: Use discount code “aff15” at checkout to save 15% on your next order at Flasharkracing.com Your Stock Exhaust Is Holding You Back If all you’re interested in is tweaking the exhaust note, Flashark’s got you covered with aftermarket mufflers. Why stop there, though? Your entire exhaust system is holding you back, leaving precious horsepower on the table.Engines are essentially air pumps, and their performance is largely defined by how efficiently they can displace the air moving through them. They draw in air mixed with fuel, ignite it to make power, then force the spent mixture out through the exhaust system. More airflow can lead to higher horsepower output and a cooler sound when compared with the often restrictive system your car had when new.If you simply replace a muffler, you're only solving a part of the problem, which is the sound. Another solution many drivers opt for is installing a set of devices known as cutouts. These use a valve to bypass the entire exhaust system altogether, eliminating any issues with airflow restrictions and making the car a whole lot louder. That said, doing so isn't without flaws, not to mention prohibited for use with on-road vehicles. Wake It Up With A Flashark Exhaust Setting your car up with a cat-back exhaust system is one of the most convenient ways to address restricted airflow and improve the exhaust note.The term "cat-back" is derived from the fact that this upgrade only replaces the portion of the exhaust system that comes after the catalytic converter. The pipes, mufflers, and tips are all swapped out for better-flowing, better-sounding parts.The improved sound that a cat-back system offers is largely due to the aftermarket mufflers they use. These systems also often feature larger-diameter exhaust tubing, which has an impact on sound as well. And because both generally offer improved airflow, cat-back systems are a great way to personalize your car while boosting performance.Another factor that makes cat-back systems extremely popular is their value. They’re a far mor e affordable solution than replacing the entire exhaust system, and still deliver awesome results. The great thing about Flashark is that its cat-back systems cost about the same as what mufflers alone might run you from other brands.Note: Psst, just a reminder that you can save even more with discount code “aff15” at checkout to save 15% on your next order at Flasharkracing.comFlashark Benefits Of A Cat-Back Exhaust Addresses flow restrictions of stock exhaust, increasing power, and efficiency Improves sound quality. Direct bolt-in options simplify installation More affordable than replacing the entire exhaust system Flashark does do a great job in bringing the 370Z to life with a direct-fit kit, but that's not its only trick. The company has a comprehensive catalog and you can find a Flashark cat-back exhaust for a ton of popular performance applications, making it a great choice for many vehicles. Just One Of Many Exhaust Upgrades To Consider FlasharkCat-back exhaust systems are a convenient and cost-effective way to get more power out of your car and make it sound a whole lot better along the way. While most car enthusiasts are happy to stop here, there are more exhaust modifications to consider.Headers offer significant improvements in airflow over stock exhaust manifolds and often free up more engine power than any other exhaust modification. You can also replace the factory catalytic converters with high-flow alternatives to further reduce airflow restrictions.Thanks to its comprehensive lineup of upgrades, you can build an entire Flashark exhaust system that hits all of these key areas and more. Just know that some states have tighter restrictions on what exhaust modifications are acceptable for cars intended for street use, such as California, New York, Colorado, and Washington. Even if you live outside of these states, it’s always best to check with local laws and regulations before modifying your car.