Ultimate Scion tC Exhaust Guide

We list and review the most popular Scion tC exhaust systems on the market to help you choose which one is best for your needs. This is the ultimate tC exhaust guide.

scion tc exhaust

ARK DT-S
ARK GRiP
Magnaflow
TRD (Toyota Racing Development)
GReddy Revolution RS
HKS Hi-Power
Megan Racing Drift Spec
Agency Power
Borla
APEXi N1
Injen SES
Revel Medalion Touring
Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our Scion tC exhaust summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice

APEXi N1 Scion tC exhaust	HKS Hi-Power Scion tC exhaust	ARK GRiP Scion tC exhaust
🔥🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Scion was launched by Toyota as a direct effort to appeal to its younger customers by providing them with their own niche brand. Where Lexus was created by Toyota to appeal to the upper class, Scion was primarily focused on those that wanted an affordable new car with heaps of extras which still retained the cool factor and a huge range of tuning options.

The tC was Scion’s replacement for the phased-out Toyota Celica, which hit the showrooms in mid-2004 and immediately smashed all of the sales goals they’d set out. It appeared to be a hit with the millennial generation, and tuning houses across the world were working as quickly as possible to keep up with the demand for aftermarket upgrades.

Want to get your tC sitting right? Our Scion tC coilover guide was written just for you.

With a 160hp 2.4L VVT-i engine under the hood, it was capable of outpowering most other small coupes, especially as people begun squeezing extra ponies out with mods.

After some small facelift changes in 2008, the main update came when they launched a second-generation in 2010, with the 2.5-liter 180hp engine providing even more power than before. Unfortunately, this update would be considered a flop by Toyota, and despite further changes in 2014 and 2016, Toyota gave up on the Scion idea and ended the tC’s production in 2016.

As we fast forward to the present day, the huge range of selection on the used car market is great for those who are considering buying a tC. If you already own one and you’re ready to buy an exhaust, we’ve got the perfect guide to help make your choice.

Here at Drifted we rarely review FWD options, but we couldn’t ignore the love that the tC gets from owners, and with the likes of Fredric Aasbo throwing his customized RWD version to the walls in Formula Drift, we knew we had to help you guys find the perfect aftermarket parts.

An aftermarket exhaust is definitely one of the first modifications you should make to any car, it removes the restrictive factory exhaust and gives a much more impressive sound whilst improving flow and also freeing up some extra power.

Try not to get caught up in the power claims from our selection, exhausts will only offer a minimal amount and it’s far more important to get a setup which you love the look, and sound of. When watching YouTube videos, you’ll want to bear in mind that multiple variations (angle, camera, etc) can change how an exhaust sounds.

Axle-back exhausts are generally cheaper, but a cat-back will go from your catalytic converter to the tip, meaning there are even fewer restrictions, therefore slightly more power and a more awesome sound. Bear in mind that some cars may have had additional exhaust modifications carried out (headers, high flow cats, etc) when watching the videos.

There’s undoubtedly a huge range of options out there for the Scion tC’s’, but we’ve narrowed it down to make life easier when it comes to choosing from the best exhausts on the market. Here you’ll find all the information you’re going to need, along with images, prices, and videos to help make your decision easier.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s take a look at our Scion tC exhaust selection!

ARK DT-S Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.5″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4.5″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2011-13
Manufacturer: ARK
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: We kick off our list with one of the most expensive, yet often the most sought-after offering for the Scion tC. ARK bring their typically epic quality to the market with their more aggressive offering than the GRiP below.

The DT-S provides a far more aggressive sound than the stock exhaust, but it isn’t too loud to wake up the neighborhood every time you want to drive home. Chances are that since the gases are flowing a little better, you may see a slight additional performance gain compared to the ARK GRiP.

Manufacturer description: “With the many varieties of exhausts that ARK has to offer, the DT-Series premium exhaust provides the perfect combination of sound, style, and performance. The ARK DT-S premium exhaust has been carefully engineered and manufactured to ensure 100% satisfaction.”

“With T304 Stainless steel, quality mandrel bends, and flawless welds, the quality of the DT-S exhaust is unrivaled. The DT-S exhaust is designed with tone control and multi-layer sound compression materials to provide the perfect pitch you are seeking. This exhaust not only provides great tone, but also is dyno proven to maximize performance and engine response.”

Purchase links: ARK DT-S Scion tC 2011-13 exhaust

ARK DT-S Scion tC exhaust video

ARK GRiP Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.5″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4.5″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2005-13
Manufacturer: ARK
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: ARK’s second option is the GRiP, which tops the DT-S price, but many owners will argue that it’s money well spent. This is the quieter of the two offerings which again offers an aggressive growl but it’s closer to stock sound levels, yet still provides a noticeable difference.

For those of you that are looking for a premium product and only want the best out there for your tC, then either of these ARK choices are going to be perfect for you.

Manufacturer description: “The ARK “GRiP” exhaust system provides the serious enthusiast a combination of sound, style, and quality craftsmanship. As a leader and innovator in aftermarket exhaust systems, ARK are highly recognized for their exclusive designs, proven HP/Torque performance gains, and their significant ARK exhaust note sound that is resonant, pure, rich, and deep. All ARK exhaust systems are constructed with only high quality premium materials using state of the art equipment and technology.”

“At ARK Performance they invest most of their time in research and development in such areas as exhaust gas flow, piping size, back pressure, inner core structure, fitment and sound by their finest engineers in the automotive industry. With their passion, dedication, experience and knowledge about cars, racing, and lifestyle, ARK bring you the finest in aftermarket exhaust systems.”

Purchase links: ARK GRiP Scion tC 2011-13 exhaust

ARK GRiP Scion tC exhaust video

Magnaflow Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.25″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2004-10
Manufacturer: Magnaflow
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: A lot of owners are convinced that this is the best sounding option for the tC, however, it is one of the louder choices so you’ll want to consider that if it’s likely to cause a problem.

It comes in at under half the price of the ARK exhausts and has many happy owners that have no issues with the louder sound on a daily basis. You can always get silencers fitted further down the line if it causes an issue.

Manufacturer description: “As a market leader, MagnaFlow proudly manufactures all of their products in the USA using premium components and the latest technology. Their products range from direct-fit converters and Catback systems to universal mufflers and builder’s kits for fabricating your own custom system.”

“With over 30 years of experience, MagnaFlow has learned that automotive enthusiasts always want more. They’ve designed their mufflers to have a free flowing, straight through design with a perforated stainless steel core, mesh wrap and acoustical fiber fill to deliver that smooth, deep tone.”

Purchase links: Magnaflow Scion tC exhaust

Magnaflow Scion tC exhaust video

TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.25″
Tailpipe configuration: Unknown
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2011-16
Manufacturer: TRD (Toyota Racing Development)
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: Toyota’s very own in-house racing development tuning shop brings another highly reputable offering with the TRD muffler. Unsurprisingly, this has been a hit with fans, especially those that like to stick with OEM+ products.

Featuring a subtle yet substantially deeper growl, it enhances the stock sound to make the 4-banger acoustics far more pleasing. If you’re after perfect quality and fitment with a nice, clean tuned sound and no rasp, TRD are likely to provide the ideal product for your needs.

Manufacturer description: “The goal is to get the burnt gasses out of the engine and exhaust system as efficiently as possible. These gasses travel through the exhaust port into the exhaust manifold, then travel through the exhaust pipe to the catalytic converter and muffler, and finally vent to the environment.”

“Any obstacles or severe “bends” in the system can affect back-pressure, slowing the flow of exhaust gasses. Therefore, an exhaust system that reduces back-pressure improves efficiency and can create additional power output.”

Purchase links: TRD Scion tC exhaust

TRD Scion tC exhaust video

GReddy Revolution RS Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.5″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4.1″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2011-16
Manufacturer: GReddy
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: Japanese tuning legends GReddy enter the tC market with their infamous Revolution RS Exhaust. Unsurprisingly, this cat-back system has been another huge hit with owners and you can count on always GReddy for quality.

With this large-tipped, it’s relatively quiet when cruising around town, but if you plant your foot to the floor it’ll come alive. It’s a far more controlled volume level compared to others like the Magnaflow, and won’t get you pulled by the cops unless you’re hooning.

Manufacturer description: “The Revolution RS for the second generation Scion tC features large diameter 2.5” mandrel-bent piping which extends all the way to the front of the vehicle’s main catalytic-converter for maximum flow.”

“Dyno testing shows gains throughout the usable power band. The aggressively angled compact Revolution RS muffler is aided by an extra-large oval front resonator to help control sound quality. Like all GReddy Revolution RS systems the fully hand-welded 304 Stainless-Steel exhaust carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty.”

Purchase links: Discontinued

GReddy Revolution RS Scion tC exhaust video

HKS Hi-Power Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.4″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4.5″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2004-16
Manufacturer: HKS
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: We go straight from one JDM tuning legend to another, as HKS bring their competitor. It may seem substantially cheaper than the GReddy, but this is an axle-back system. It’s still a fantastic product at an impressive price.

This brings a slightly unique slanted look with it pointing slightly outwards and upwards. If you’re down with that, you can always consider having custom piping made to turn it into a cat-back. On it’s own, this provides a nice subtle deep rumbling sound but with no unwanted rasp. When cruising down the freeway it quietens up to make it an ideal choice for a daily driver so that you can have normal conversations with your passengers.

Manufacturer description: “Inspired and designed from endurance and GT racing in Japan, HKS developed its Hi-Power Exhaust system for both turbocharged and naturally aspirated applications. HKS has incorporated this new race inspired offset muffler and piping design into many street applications, which offers a greater flow and higher-PRM power gains due to the less restrictive design. This is achieved by eliminating unnecessary bends for the straightest exhaust path.”

Purchase links: HKS Hi-Power Scion tC exhaust

HKS Hi-Power Scion tC exhaust video

Megan Racing Drift Spec Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.25″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2005-15
Manufacturer: Megan Racing
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: Megan Racing are known for producing affordable, yet respectable quality products for a huge range of vehicles within the tuning scene and the tC is no exception. Their ‘Drift Spec’ style exhausts come in polished or burnt tip variations.

Cheap exhausts are often the loudest, and the Megan is certainly one of the more extreme options in our list. It does come with a removable silencer which sits in the tip, but we’re not a huge fan of the look when fitted. With that being said, many people love it and find it makes it a really versatile exhaust which is both loud or quieter when you want it to be.

If you’re looking for a cheap cat-back, it’s a bargain.

Manufacturer description: “Megan Racing’s new Catback system is the Drift Spec Style. Designed to give it a more aggressive look the exhaust is angled up and outward. Depending on each car and each bumper design, the exhaust will vary upon the direction and angle that it sits.”

“Megan Racings strongest products, the Catback System is made of SUS-304 Stainless Steel with a fully polished surface, CNC machined flanges and mandrel bends. Its aggressive styling, and deep, strong tone are just part of the MR Catback characteristics. It also serves to improve horsepower, torque and overall performance with its straight-through design.”

Purchase links: Megan Racing Drift Spec Scion tC 2005-10 exhaust | Megan Racing Drift Spec Scion tC 2011-15 exhaust

Megan Racing Drift Spec Scion tC exhaust video

Agency Power Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.25″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2011-13
Manufacturer: Agency Power
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: Another hugely popular cat-back comes from Agency Power at a fantastic price. This is a little more than the Megan Racing alternative, but if you have the extra cash to spare we’re sure you won’t regret it.

Combining great looks and quality with an awesome sound, it has a nice, deep growl and is definitely louder than some, but does transform the sound of the car. It may be a little loud, but other than that it’s a perfect all-around choice.

Manufacturer description: “Agency Power has always engineered products to provide a gain in performance, while offering a stylish alternative to enhance your vehicles appearance. The latest product from the Agency Power line up is this complete catback exhaust system for the Scion TC.”

“What separates this from the competition is that the exhaust is a complete catback. Most exhausts on the market are only axle back. This system is complete 304 stainless steel with thick flanges. The piping is all 2. 25 inch in diameter and fully polished. The exhaust includes amazing tig welds, mandrel bends, precision hangers, and a resonator for the perfect sound.”

Purchase link: Discontinued

Agency Power Scion tC exhaust video

Borla Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.25″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4.25″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2011-16
Manufacturer: Borla
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: It’s the cheapest exhaust so far in our list, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s the worst quality. This axle-back offering is a fantastic offering for those of you on a budget that are after a subtle upgrade to your tC.

This adds a subtle growl over the OEM exhaust note when you put your foot down, but it’s near-silent when you just want to cruise down the highway. A great choice at a great price for those of you after something subtle.

Manufacturer description: “Borla Performance has once again proven why we have a led the aftermarket performance exhaust industry for over 30 years. Borla Performance Industries; the original pioneers of high quality; austinetic stainless steel free flow exhaust utilizes patented award and race winning technology to deliver quality; sound; performance gains; and enhanced fuel economy. All with an easy bolt on installation. All Borla street products carry an unsurpassed written million-mile warranty.”

Purchase link: Borla Scion tC exhaust

Borla Scion tC exhaust video

APEXi N1 Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.4″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4.5″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2004-10
Manufacturer: APEXi
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: The N1 was the first exhaust to feature the classic angled muffler design which is so popular on tuned cars today. It’s survived the quest of time and still looks fantastic.

There’s no doubt that this cat-back is a bargain for a company with such a great reputation. Many owners love the N1, which provides a deep, mellow tone which is especially noticeable in the top range. A fantastic all-around choice for those looking for a quiet street cruiser that screams when you step on the gas.

Manufacturer description: “Born from APEXi’s involvement in the grueling N1 endurance series, the N1 Exhaust System pairs a straight through design racing muffler with free flowing, mandrel bent piping.”

“The combination has resulted in dyno proven horsepower and countless satisfied customers world wide. With a polished SUS 304 stainless steel canister and high temperature titanium particle coated mild steel piping. The N1 Exhaust is truly the benchmark in which others strive to duplicate.”

Purchase link: APEXi N1 Scion tC exhaust

APEXi N1 Scion tC exhaust video

Injen SES Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.4″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2004-10
Manufacturer: Injen
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: We know you’re probably already struggling for choice, but we know we’ll probably get complaints if we don’t include Injen’s SES system in our guide too!

As you’ve probably guessed, the Injen SES is another popular choice. It features a nice, low growl which isn’t too loud for passing dB ratings or cabin noise. All-in-all, a solid choice, but we would prefer a cat-back alternative for similar money.

Manufacturer description: “Injen Technologys Super SES line of exhaust systems are dyno-tuned to compliment our performance intake systems; in doing so the Super SES provides maximum horsepower and torque across the power band. The Super SES exhaust system is manufactured from 100% 304 stainless steel. Each exhaust system features CNC mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing CNC machined flanges and robotic TIG welding.”

Purchase link: Discontinued

Injen SES Scion tC exhaust video

Revel (Formerly Tanabe) Medalion Touring Scion tC exhaust

Internal pipe diameter: 2.4″
Tailpipe configuration: Single 4″ tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Fitment: Scion tC 2011-16
Manufacturer: Tanabe
Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Our comment: Revel (Formerly Tanabe)’s Medalion Touring has been an enormous success with owners of various cars, and the Scion tC is no exception.

The primary consideration with this exhaust is that it’s often known as the “Gentleman’s choice” because of its subtle looks and slightly louder than OEM, tasteful note.

Those looking to wake up the neighborhood every time they leave their house may want to look at alternatives, but as far as sensible options go, it doesn’t get much better.

Providing similar flow and performance to some of the louder exhausts on the market, this could make a perfect choice if you want a deep yet mellow tone from your exhaust.

We wouldn’t expect anything less than the finest quality and fitment despite the impressive price tag on this setup from Tanabe. A true bargain.

Manufacturer description: “The Revel Medallion Touring-S exhaust system is constructed from full SUS304 stainless steel for corrosion resistance & durability, and 1.5mm wall thickness piping for increased strength and reduced resonation. The piping is also mandrel bent in order to retain the same piping diameter at the bends thus optimizing exhaust flow characteristings.“

“Straight through muffler design gives better flow for increased power and allows for a lighter weight system. Compact muffler canisters offer optimal ground clearance for lowered vehicles. In addition, the dual-wall angle cut tips have a large inner diameter for modern aesthetics and increased exit flow.“

Purchase link: Revel (Formerly Tanabe) Medalion Touring Scion tC exhaust

APEXi N1 Scion tC exhaust video

Our winner

It’s a tough decision with so many great exhausts on the market for Scion tC owners. There are some great setups at bargain prices if that’s what you’re looking for.

We just couldn’t ignore the sound, looks, and quality of the HKS Hi Power axle-back exhaust. With a mid-range price-point and the typical awesome quality that HKS provide, it ticks all the correct boxes.

We would like to remind you that exhausts are mostly down to personal preference and small performance gains will be had from all of these exhausts, so check out the look and then hit play on the videos to see which one is best for your needs.

If we’re talking bang for your buck, Megan Racing offers a cat-back at just $445.00, which is hard to ignore. Be prepared for it to be a little on the loud side for a daily driver, though. For a cheap all-rounder, we’d be going for the APEXi N1 as they have a better reputation and it’s a fantastic product at just over $50 more than the Megan Racing.

Perhaps you’re looking for maximum noise to turn heads when you drive down the street? If so, you’ll want to check out the Magnaflow, as it’s definitely one of the louder choices.

For a quiet setup, there are several options, but we like the idea of sticking OEM+ with the clean and tidy TRD.

Thank you for reading our Scion tC exhaust guide

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the sharing buttons at the side and the bottom of your screen.

If you want to turbocharge your Scion tC, here’s our Ultimate Scion TC Turbo Kit Guide.

Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for use of their photography:

Written by Joe Terrell

Joe is an avid writer and car enthusiast. When he's not cruising the streets alongside his friends in his Nissan Silvia S15, he's drifting on his VR racing simulator.

Joe's passion for cars is always on display. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the automotive industry, he hopes his writing conveys his excitement and knowledge of cars and games.

Joe's work has been featured on many platforms including drivetribe.com, 180sx.club, carthrottle.com, smartdrivinggames.com, databox.com and ceoblognation.com.

When he's not behind the wheel or at his keyboard, he's likely daydreaming of his ultimate ride - the legendary Lexus LFA.