Upgrading your Nissan Maxima’s exhaust can change how your car drives and sounds. You might want more power or a deeper, sportier tone.
With so many parts to pick from, finding the right one is tough. Do you need a full cat-back system or just new mufflers? The choice impacts your car’s performance and your wallet.
We looked at the top exhaust parts for different Maxima models. Some give you a full system upgrade, while others are simple replacements. The right part depends on your car’s year and your goals.
This guide helps you cut through the confusion. We’ll show you which exhaust parts work best for your needs and budget.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
DNA Motoring Cat-Back System | Full Performance Upgrade | PRICES |
 |
Exhaust System for 96-98 Maxima | Older Model Replacement | PRICES |
 |
Northeastern Muffler Pair | Simple Sound Upgrade | PRICES |
 |
JT Catalytic Converter | EPA Compliant Replacement | PRICES |
 |
Northeastern Resonator & Muffler Kit | Mid-Section Upgrade | PRICES |
 |
BESTfit Exhaust Stack | Custom Look | PRICES |
 |
Walker SoundFX Muffler | Quiet OEM Replacement | PRICES |
DNA MOTORING Cat-Back Exhaust System
The DNA Motoring cat-back system gives your Maxima a full performance makeover. It fits 2009 to 2014 models with the 3.5L V6 engine.
This stainless steel setup replaces everything from the catalytic converter back. You get a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note without being too loud. The build quality is solid and it should last for many years.
Installation is pretty straightforward if you have some mechanical skills. The parts fit well and come with all the needed hardware. Your car will feel more responsive and sound much sportier.
Pros:
👍 Full cat-back system for complete upgrade
👍 Deep, sporty exhaust tone
👍 Solid stainless steel construction
👍 Good power and response gain
👍 Includes all installation hardware
Cons:
👎 Higher price than basic mufflers
👎 Requires full installation time
👎 Might be too loud for some drivers
My Honest Opinion:
If you want the full exhaust upgrade, this DNA Motoring system delivers. The sound is perfect – aggressive but not obnoxious. It’s a big investment, but the quality and performance boost make it worth the cost.
Exhaust System for 1996-1998 Maxima
This exhaust system keeps your older Maxima running smooth and quiet. It’s made for 1996 to 1998 models with the 3.0L engine.
The design follows the original factory specs for easy installation. It works with both Federal and California emission standards. The sound stays nice and quiet, just like when your car was new.
Replacement parts for older cars can be hard to find. This system solves that problem at a fair price. It keeps your classic Maxima on the road without breaking the bank.
Pros:
👍 Perfect fit for older Maxima models
👍 Meets original factory specifications
👍 Works with all emission standards
👍 Quiet, OEM-style sound
👍 Good value for older car repair
Cons:
👎 No performance improvement
👎 Basic replacement part only
👎 Limited availability for vintage cars
My Honest Opinion:
If you own a 90s Maxima, this exhaust is exactly what you need. It won’t make your car faster or louder, but it will keep it running right. For maintaining an older daily driver, this part does the job well.
Northeastern Muffler Pair
This muffler pair offers an easy way to change your Maxima’s sound. It fits 2009-2014 and 2016-2019 models with the 3.5L V6.
The stainless steel construction resists rust and lasts long. Installation is simple since it’s just the mufflers, not the full system. You get a slightly deeper tone without major drone at highway speeds.
Free gaskets come included, which saves you a trip to the parts store. The quality is good for the price point. It’s a nice middle ground between stock and full aftermarket systems.
Pros:
👍 Easy bolt-on installation
👍 Fits multiple model years
👍 Stainless steel for long life
👍 Includes free gaskets
👍 Good value for sound upgrade
Cons:
👎 Limited sound change from stock
👎 Not a full performance upgrade
👎 May need professional installation
My Honest Opinion:
These mufflers are perfect if you want a subtle sound change without the full system cost. The quality is solid and installation is straightforward. For a simple weekend project, this pair gets the job done right.
JT Catalytic Converter
The JT catalytic converter keeps your Maxima legal and running clean. It’s EPA compliant for 2009-2014 models with the 3.5L V6 engine.
This direct-fit design makes installation much easier than universal converters. It meets all emission standards so you’ll pass inspection without issues. The build quality is reliable for daily driving.
Replacing a failed catalytic converter can be expensive. This option offers good performance at a fair price. It restores your engine’s power and fuel efficiency when your old converter fails.
Pros:
👍 EPA compliant for legal use
👍 Direct fit for easy installation
👍 Restores engine performance
👍 Meets emission standards
👍 Good value replacement part
Cons:
👎 No performance gain
👎 Basic replacement part only
👎 Professional installation recommended
My Honest Opinion:
When your check engine light comes on for catalytic converter issues, this JT part solves the problem. It’s a straightforward replacement that keeps your car legal and running right. For emission repair, it does exactly what it should.
Northeastern Resonator & Muffler Kit
This complete kit upgrades both your resonator and mufflers for better sound control. It fits 2009-2014 and 2016-2019 Maxima models.
The stainless steel construction handles heat and weather well. Replacing the resonator reduces drone while the mufflers improve the tone. You get a more complete sound upgrade than mufflers alone.
Everything you need comes in the box – gaskets, clamps, and hardware. The quality matches the price point perfectly. Installation takes more time but the results are worth the effort.
Pros:
👍 Complete resonator and muffler set
👍 Reduces exhaust drone
👍 Includes all installation parts
👍 Stainless steel construction
👍 Better sound than mufflers only
Cons:
👎 More complex installation
👎 Moderate price increase
👎 May need professional help
My Honest Opinion:
This kit strikes a nice balance between simple mufflers and a full cat-back system. The sound improvement is noticeable without being overwhelming. If you want better tone without the full system cost, this is your best bet.
BESTfit Exhaust Stack
This exhaust stack adds a custom look to your truck or custom vehicle. The 7-inch chrome finish makes a bold visual statement.
The 68-inch length works well for various applications beyond stock cars. The flat top design gives it a clean, finished appearance. Chrome plating maintains its shine through different weather conditions.
Installation requires custom exhaust work, so it’s not plug-and-play. This is more about style than performance gains. It’s perfect for show vehicles or trucks where appearance matters most.
Pros:
👍 Bold chrome visual appeal
👍 Large 7-inch diameter
👍 Flat top for clean look
👍 Good build quality
👍 Custom appearance upgrade
Cons:
👎 Requires custom installation
👎 Not designed for stock Maxima
👎 Purely cosmetic, no performance gain
My Honest Opinion:
This exhaust stack is all about making a visual impact. It won’t improve your Maxima’s performance, but it will turn heads if you’re building a custom show car. Only consider this if you’re doing serious custom exhaust work.
Walker SoundFX Muffler
The Walker SoundFX muffler keeps your Maxima quiet and comfortable. It’s a direct replacement for the original factory muffler.
This muffler uses advanced sound control technology for minimal cabin noise. The two-inch outlet matches stock specifications exactly. Installation is simple since it bolts right into place.
If you hate loud exhausts and just want a quiet ride, this is your solution. The quality is reliable and the price is reasonable. It’s the practical choice for family daily drivers.
Pros:
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