Best Exhaust Upgrade for the Genesis G70 3.3T - an in-depth guide
If you own a Genesis G70 3.3T and you’re thinking about an exhaust upgrade, you’ve got lots of solid options — from premium, brand-name cat-backs to smaller boutique makers and lower-cost imports. Below I’ll explain what to look for, compare the most popular systems, and make clear recommendations depending on what you want: best overall, best value, best sound, or cheapest option (with caveats).
Why upgrade the exhaust on a G70 3.3T?
An aftermarket cat-back: (or cat-back + midpipe replacement) can deliver three practical changes:
- Sound: a sportier tone and more character (while some systems keep drone to a minimum).
- Flow & performance: better pipe geometry, larger diameter and straight-through mufflers can free small amounts of torque/HP across the rev range.
- Style / materials: nicer tips, T304 stainless or titanium construction and a custom look under the rear valance.
How much you get out of an upgrade depends on design (x-pipe vs straight, valved vs non-valved), materials, and whether you replace only the axle-back or the whole cat-back + mid-section.
The main contenders (what to consider)
Borla S-Type Cat-Back — premium, USA brand
Borla’s S-Type cat-back for the G70 is a true dual system with a merge X-pipe, active exhaust valves, and Borla’s muffler tuning tech. It’s typically made from T-304 stainless:, uses mandrel bends, and is positioned as a premium option with a long warranty. These design choices target a rich, full sound with minimal in-car drone while providing bolt-on fitment and durability.
Buy on eBay: Borla 141011 S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System
ARK Performance GRiP - big-pipe, tuned mufflers
ARK’s GRiP system for the G70 is another high-end option. It commonly features T304 stainless construction with 2.5" piping (larger than many stock systems) and ARK’s tuned muffler profiles meant to reduce drone while keeping an aggressive note. If you want a louder, fuller, deeper tone with lots of flow and an x-pipe, ARK is a common choice.
Buy on eBay: ARK Performance Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
Jun B.L — Korea-based EVC / valved & titanium options
Jun B.L (often written JUN B.L or JUNBL) is a South-Korean aftermarket maker well known in the Asian market for valved (EVC) cat-back systems specifically developed for Genesis G70, Stinger and similar models. Their G70 EVC cat-back systems are offered in stainless and higher-end titanium variants and include versions that integrate with OEM valve control or use their own actuators.
Jun B.L kits for the G70 are offered under model names like “EVC”, “GT”, or “OEM-control”, and prices vary by material and region — stainless kits commonly list in the mid-$2k range, while full titanium EVC kits can be significantly more expensive.
Jun B.L claims that their EVC cat-back can produce measurable midrange gains on turbo G70 engines in addition to the sound change; specific claimed gains vary by source, so treat single-source numbers cautiously.
Community reception is mixed but generally respectful of build quality — multiple owners praise fitment and welds, while some users say the tonal character wasn’t what they expected (sound preference is subjective). Before buying, check video sound clips and forum impressions for the exact version (EVC / GT / titanium) you plan to purchase.
Buy on eBay: Jun B.L Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
Maintec / Valved Options — variable / valved systems
Maintec and similar manufacturers offer variable / valved cat-backs for the G70. Valved systems let the car run quietly for cruising with a valve-closed path and switch to a louder bypass path when the valves open (Sport mode or ECU signal), so they’re popular with owners who want both civility and aggression. Check how the valves are controlled (OEM integration vs aftermarket controller).
Buy on eBay: Maintec Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
IMR / Boutique (small manufacturers)
Smaller fabricators such as IMR produce G70 cat-backs built in the USA from stainless steel, often priced below the big brands. Boutique systems are often made-to-order, offer custom fitment, and aim for a strong balance of sound and minimal drone. They can be an excellent middle ground for people who want custom fabrication, solid materials, and a better price than big-brand premium systems.
Buy on eBay: IMR Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
Budget imports / Marketplace listings — cheap, buyer beware
There are many low-cost cat-backs and valved systems offered from overseas suppliers and marketplaces. These can be tempting — prices may be much lower — but they carry risks: uncertain material grade (409 vs true T304), fitment issues, missing warranty, and variable sound/tone. Some very cheap valved systems may not fit the OEM valance or may require trimming/mods. Use extreme caution with these listings.
Buy on AliExpress: HMD Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
How these systems differ — short tech primer
- Materials: T304 stainless is the gold standard in this market. Cheaper systems sometimes use 409 or lower-grade steel that corrodes faster.
- Pipe diameter: Larger diameters (2.5" vs stock ~2.25") reduce backpressure and produce a throatier sound.
- Valved vs non-valved: Valved systems let you change the sound level dynamically. Non-valved systems are simpler and sometimes louder at cruising unless specifically tuned to eliminate drone.
- X-pipe vs H-pipe: An X-pipe tends to smooth midrange and often produces a higher-pitched, European-style growl; many performance systems for the G70 use an X-pipe for balance and power.
Practical recommendations — "best for" categories
Best overall (sound + build + warranty): Borla S-Type
If you want a proven product with high-quality stainless, engineered sound tuning, and a very strong warranty, Borla is the safe premium pick. It’s tuned to minimize drone while delivering a rich, aggressive tone, and will bolt up cleanly to the OEM valance. Expect to pay in the premium bracket.
Buy on eBay: Borla 141011 S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System
Best if you want the biggest, deepest, louder tone: ARK GRiP
If you want a fuller, deeper exhaust note and larger flow (2.5" piping) and don’t mind something more aggressive, ARK’s GRiP system is commonly chosen by owners who want a louder street/track tone. Price is similar to other premium systems.
Buy on eBay: ARK Performance Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
Best value (quality + price): IMR / boutique cat-backs
A well-made boutique system can be a fantastic middle ground: high-quality stainless, custom fitment, and a lower price than big brands. Good choice if you’re price-conscious but want a proper stainless cat-back.
If you want variable sound (quiet cruising + loud Sport): valved systems
Pick a valved system (Maintec / Jun.BL / OEM-control options). Valved options give you flexibility, but check how the valve control integrates with your car’s electronics (some use OEM signals; others add controllers).
Buy on eBay: Maintec Genesis G70 3.3L V6 Exhaust
Budget / import parts: only if you accept tradeoffs
If the only factor is price, cheap imports exist — but expect potential fitment, material and durability tradeoffs. Many owners advise caution when a listing seems “too good to be true.”
Buying & installation checklist
- Confirm exact year/engine fitment (2019–2021 vs 2022+ G70s sometimes have slight differences).
- Material grade: insist on T304 if you want longevity.
- Valved control: if valved, ask whether it integrates with OEM modes or uses an aftermarket controller.
- Check tip fitment with your valance — some quad-tip designs won’t fit without bumper trimming.
- Warranty & support: brand manufacturers typically provide stronger warranties and dealer support.
Legality / emissions note
If you live in a jurisdiction with emissions inspections (or CARB/EC-approved requirements), make sure the system is legal for your area — especially if a system removes or replaces catalytic converters or is advertised “catless.” Many cat-backs keep the OEM cats in place; catless downpipes or catless mid-pipes can trigger checks and are illegal in some regions. Always verify local rules.
Short comparison table
- Borla S-Type — T304, X-pipe, valved, premium price, strong warranty.
- ARK GRiP — T304, 2.5" piping, tuned mufflers, aggressive tone.
- Maintec (variable) — valved option for variable sound.
- IMR / boutique — US-made stainless, often better value.
- Imports / marketplace — cheap price, variable quality and fitment; buyer beware.
Final verdict
Want reliability + engineered sound + warranty → Borla.
Want loudest, deepest, big-pipe → ARK GRiP.
Want best value for materials + fitment → IMR / small fabricator.
Want quiet/cruise + loud sport → valved/Maintec or Jun.BL options.
On any very cheap import listing, proceed only if you accept potential fitment, warranty and material tradeoffs.