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How to Pay for a Performance Intake and Exhaust System

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Performance Intake and Exhaust System

Get your intake and exhaust system during end-of-year sales and map out a clean payment path.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $100.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A performance intake and exhaust system changes how your car breathes, sounds, and drives. It is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do, but pushing more air in and out usually runs around $1800 for good parts. Running a modified car means paying closer attention to maintenance and buying quality the first time so you are not redoing the work in six months.

End-of-year sales are the softest time of year to buy these parts, as shops clear out inventory for the upcoming model year. Look for holiday discounts on the specific kits you want before you look at how to pay for them. Keep negotiation and financing separate so you get the best price on the hardware first.

The 0% intro window is a firm deadline, not free money, and any remaining balance at the end of the 18 months will trigger standard interest charges on what is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Hunt for end-of-year sales

    Wait for late November or December when parts distributors run their deepest inventory clearance events. Compare prices across a few specialty shops to find the exact intake and exhaust kit you want. Buy only when the parts themselves are marked down.

  2. 02

    Separate price from payment

    Nail down the lowest price on the hardware before you mention how you plan to pay for it. A payment plan is for spreading out the cost, not a substitute for negotiating a fair price on the kit. Keep the transaction simple.

  3. 03

    Set up the Citi Simplicity card

    If you are spreading out the cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This covers the intro window to break up your payments over time without adding interest.

  4. 04

    Automate the monthly math

    An $1800 purchase spread across the 18-month window comes out to $100.00 per month. Set up an automatic payment for that amount so you never miss a month. Treating it like a fixed bill keeps you on track.

  5. 05

    Factor in install costs

    Remember that buying the parts is only part of the job. If you are not installing the intake and exhaust yourself, set aside extra cash for labor or gaskets. Do not let shop fees catch you off guard.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will an intake and exhaust void my warranty?

Magnuson-Moss rules say a dealer has to prove the aftermarket part caused a failure before denying a warranty claim. However, some dealers are friendlier to mods than others. Ask around in local owner forums before you buy.

Do I need a tune after installing both?

Most basic bolt-on intakes and cat-back exhausts run fine on the factory computer tune. If you change downpipes or headers, you usually need a tune to keep the check engine light off and prevent running lean.

What is the difference between axle-back and cat-back?

Axle-back systems replace just the mufflers and tips, mostly changing the sound. Cat-back systems replace everything from the catalytic converter back, letting more air flow for better performance gains.

Should I install this myself?

If you have jack stands, basic metric sockets, and a free afternoon, an intake and exhaust are very doable in a driveway. Exhaust bolts can be rusted solid, so grab a can of penetrating oil a few days before you start.