Lexus IS500 Exhaust Master Buyer’s Guide: Axleback, Midpipe, Catback, Headers, Sound Level, and Price Tier Comparison
Lexus IS500 Exhaust Master Buyer’s Guide: Axleback, Midpipe, Catback, Headers, Sound Level, and Price Tier Comparison
The Lexus IS500 has a growing number of exhaust options available, ranging from simple axleback systems to midpipes, full catback exhausts, valved systems, titanium systems, stainless steel systems, and headers.
This guide was put together as an informational resource to help compare Lexus IS500 exhaust options by brand, exhaust type, sound level, price tier, material, and general use case.
Important Notes
Sound levels are general estimates. Final volume depends on the full combination of parts, including axlebacks, midpipes, headers, catalytic converters, and resonators.
Price tiers are simplified into Value, Mid Range, and High End. They are intended only as general comparison points, not exact pricing.
Some exhaust components, especially headers and catalytic converter-related parts, may affect emissions compliance depending on location. Always check local regulations before purchasing or installing.
Product availability, fitment, and pricing can change, so always confirm details before ordering.
Lexus IS500 Exhaust Buying Guide: Axleback vs Midpipe vs Catback vs Headers
Axleback Exhaust
An axleback replaces the rear muffler section of the exhaust. This is usually the most common first exhaust upgrade because it changes sound without replacing the full system. Axlebacks are generally easier to install and usually have a more manageable volume increase.
Midpipe
A midpipe replaces the center section of the exhaust. Midpipes can noticeably increase sound and change the tone. Resonated midpipes are usually smoother and better for daily driving. Non-resonated midpipes are usually louder, more raw, and more aggressive.
Catback Exhaust
A catback system typically replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converter area back. It is more complete than an axleback and may include both midpipe and rear muffler sections depending on the system.
Headers / Exhaust Manifolds
Headers or exhaust manifolds are usually the most involved exhaust upgrade. They can create the biggest change in sound and performance, but installation is more labor-intensive and emissions compliance must be considered.
Valved Exhaust
A valved exhaust allows the system to change sound level depending on valve position. This is useful for owners who want quieter cruising with the option for a louder, more aggressive sound when desired.
Non-Valved Exhaust
A non-valved exhaust has a consistent sound level all the time. It is usually simpler, but there is less control over quiet vs loud operation.
Stainless Steel Exhaust
Stainless steel is durable, common, and usually more cost-effective than titanium. It is a strong choice for daily use.
Titanium Exhaust
Titanium is lighter and more premium. It often has a sharper, more exotic tone and usually costs more than stainless steel.
General Lexus IS500 Exhaust Recommendations by Use Case
Daily driver focused: TOM’S Stainless, Revel Touring, APEXi N1 Evolution-X
Aggressive axleback sound: APEXi N1-X Extreme, GTHaus GTS, Borla S-Type
Valved exhaust setup: NOVEL Valved Catback or GTHaus GTC Valved
Midpipe upgrade: APEXi Resonated Midpipe for a smoother tone, APEXi Non-Resonated Midpipe for a louder tone
Titanium exhaust option: TOM’S Titanium or GTHaus Titanium
Loudest type of setup: Headers + non-resonated midpipe + aggressive axleback
Most refined type of setup: TOM’S, Revel Touring, or a valved system
Lexus IS500 Exhaust Options by Brand
APEXi
APEXi N1 Evolution-X Axleback Exhaust, Stainless Steel Tip
Type: Axleback
Volume: Medium
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Balanced street setup
SKU: APEX-164-AKT21
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/apexi-n1-evolution-x-exhaust-lexus-is500-use30-22-axleback-w-stainless-tip.html
APEXi N1-X Evolution Extreme Axleback Exhaust
Type: Axleback
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Aggressive axleback sound
SKU: APEX-164AKT21
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/n1-x-evolution-extreme-axleback-exhaust-2022-is500-164akt21.html
APEXi N1-X Evolution Extreme Non-Resonated Midpipe
Type: Midpipe
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Aggressive midpipe upgrade
SKU: APEX-144-KT13P
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/n1-x-evolution-extreme-midpipe-2022-lexus-is500-144-kt13p.html
APEXi N1-X Evolution Extreme Resonated Midpipe
Type: Midpipe
Volume: Medium
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Smoother midpipe upgrade
SKU: APEX-144-KT13
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/n1-x-evolution-extreme-midpipe-2022-lexus-is500-144-kt13.html
Borla
Borla S-Type Axle-Back Exhaust System
Type: Axleback
Volume: Medium to Loud
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Aggressive street setup
SKU: bor11981
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/borla-s-type-axle-back-polish-tips-exhaust-system-for-lexus-rc-f-15-24-and-is500-22-24-11981.html
GTHaus Meisterschaft
GTHaus GTC Valved Stainless Steel Axleback, Round Tips
Type: Valved axleback
Volume: Quiet to Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Adjustable stainless axleback setup
SKU: GTHA-LE0721806
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-gtc-valved-stainless-steel-axleback-round-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0721806.html
GTHaus GTC Valved Titanium Axleback, Round Tips
Type: Valved axleback
Volume: Quiet to Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Adjustable titanium axleback setup
SKU: GTHA-LE0722806
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-gtc-valved-titanium-axleback-round-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0722806.html
GTHaus GTS Non-Valved Stainless Steel Axleback, Oval Tips
Type: Axleback
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Aggressive non-valved stainless axleback
SKU: GTHA-LE0721517
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-gts-non-valved-stainless-steel-axleback-oval-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0721517.html
GTHaus GTS Non-Valved Stainless Steel Axleback, Round Tips
Type: Axleback
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Aggressive non-valved stainless axleback
SKU: GTHA-LE0721506
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-gts-non-valved-stainless-steel-axleback-round-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0721506.html
GTHaus GTS Non-Valved Titanium Axleback, Oval Tips
Type: Axleback
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Aggressive non-valved titanium axleback
SKU: GTHA-LE0722517
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-gts-non-valved-titanium-axleback-oval-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0722517.html.html
GTHaus GTS Non-Valved Titanium Axleback, Round Tips
Type: Axleback
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Aggressive non-valved titanium axleback
SKU: GTHA-LE0722506
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-gts-non-valved-titanium-axleback-round-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0722506.html
GTHaus Stainless Steel Midpipe / Front + Mid Section
Type: Midpipe
Volume: Medium to Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Midpipe pairing for GTHaus axlebacks
SKU: GTHA-LE0723000
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-cat-back-lsr-pipe-front-mid-section-stainless-steel-midpipe-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0723000.html
GTHaus Titanium 4x102mm Round Exhaust Tip Upgrade
Type: Tips only
Volume: No major volume change
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Cosmetic exhaust tip upgrade
SKU: GTHA-LE0724002
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-titanium-4x102mm-round-exhaust-tip-upgrade-titanium-exhaust-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0724002.html
GTHaus Titanium 4x120x80mm Oval Exhaust Tip Upgrade
Type: Tips only
Volume: No major volume change
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Cosmetic exhaust tip upgrade
SKU: GTHA-LE0724001
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-titanium-4x120x80mm-oval-exhaust-tip-upgrade-titanium-exhaust-tips-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0724001.html
GTHaus Titanium Midpipe / Front + Mid Section
Type: Midpipe
Volume: Medium to Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Titanium midpipe pairing for GTHaus systems
SKU: GTHA-LE0724000
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/gthaus-meisterschaft-cat-back-lsr-pipe-front-mid-section-titanium-midpipe-for-lexus-is500-2021-2023-le0724000.html
NOVEL Racing Japan
NOVEL Racing Japan Exhaust Manifold, Gen III
Type: Headers / exhaust manifold
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Maximum sound and performance-focused setup
SKU: NOV-HEADERS
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/novel-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-is-f-nov-headers.html
NOVEL Racing Japan Valved Catback Exhaust, Center Pipe + Rear Muffler
Type: Valved catback
Volume: Quiet to Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Complete valved catback system
SKU: NOV-IS500-013
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/novel-racing-japan-valved-catback-exhaust-for-lexus-is500-center-pipe-rear-muffler-nov-is500-013.html
PPE Engineering
PPE Catted Unequal Length Headers with Integrated PPE EU3 Sport Catalytic Converters, Stainless Steel
Type: Catted headers
Volume: Medium to Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Header upgrade with sport catalytic converters
SKU: PPE-950001-C
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/ppe-engineering-unequal-length-headers-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-rc-f-gs-f-stainless-steel-ceramic-coating-ppe-145003-ss-cera-2.html
PPE Catted Unequal Length Headers with Integrated PPE EU3 Sport Catalytic Converters, Stainless Steel + Ceramic Coating
Type: Catted headers
Volume: Medium to Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Header upgrade with sport cats and ceramic coating
SKU: PPE-950001-C-CERA
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/ppe-engineering-unequal-length-headers-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-rc-f-gs-f-stainless-steel-ceramic-coating-ppe-145003-ss-cera-1.html.html
PPE Equal Length Headers / Exhaust Manifold, Stainless Steel
Type: Headers
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Equal length header setup with more exotic tone
SKU: PPE-145001-SS
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/ppe-engineering-equal-length-headers-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-rc-f-gs-f-stainless-steel-ppe-145001-ss.html
PPE Equal Length Headers / Exhaust Manifold, Stainless Steel + Ceramic Coating
Type: Headers
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Equal length header setup with ceramic coating
SKU: PPE-145001-SS-CERA
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/ppe-engineering-equal-length-headers-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-rc-f-gs-f-stainless-steel-ceramic-coating-ppe-145001-ss-cera.html.html
PPE RHD Unequal Length Race Headers, Ceramic Coated
Type: Headers
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: RHD-specific header application
Notes: RHD-specific item. Most US IS500 owners should confirm fitment before ordering.
SKU: PPE-950005-SSBK
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/lexus/is-f/is-f-2008-2014/engine-power-3314/ppe-engineering-headers-for-lexus-is-f-right-hand-drive-black-ceramic-finish-ppe-950005-ssbk.html
PPE Unequal Length Headers / Exhaust Manifold, Stainless Steel
Type: Headers
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Unequal length header setup with aggressive V8 character
SKU: PPE-145003-SS
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/ppe-engineering-unequal-length-headers-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-rc-f-gs-f-is500-stainless-steel-ppe-145003-ss.html
PPE Unequal Length Headers / Exhaust Manifold, Stainless Steel + Ceramic Coating
Type: Headers
Volume: Loud
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Unequal length header setup with ceramic coating
SKU: PPE-145003-SS-CERA
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/ppe-engineering-unequal-length-headers-exhaust-manifold-for-lexus-rc-f-gs-f-stainless-steel-ceramic-coating-ppe-145003-ss-cera.html.html
Revel
Revel Medallion Touring Premier C Exhaust
Type: Exhaust system
Volume: Medium
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Refined daily setup
SKU: rvlT71180C
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/catalog/product/view/id/421619/
Revel Medallion Touring Premier T Exhaust
Type: Exhaust system
Volume: Medium
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Refined daily setup
SKU: rvlT71180T
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/catalog/product/view/id/372506/
Revel Medallion Touring-S Quad Tip Rear Section
Type: Rear section / axleback
Volume: Medium
Price Tier: Value
General Use Case: Refined street setup
SKU: rvlT70180AR
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/revel-medallion-touring-s-axle-back-exhaust-system-lexus-is500-rc-f-2015-2023-reve-t70180ar.html
TOM’S Racing
TOM’S Racing Full Titanium Axleback, Titanium Barrel / Titanium Tips
Type: Axleback
Volume: Medium
Price Tier: High End
General Use Case: Premium titanium axleback
SKU: TMS-17400-TUC11
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/tom-s-racing-axleback-full-titanium-barrel-titanium-tips-for-2015-lexus-rc-f-2021-is500-tms-17400-tuc11.html
TOM’S Racing Stainless Axleback Exhaust System with TOM’S Barrel / Titanium Color Burnt Tips
Type: Axleback
Volume: Quiet to Medium
Price Tier: Mid Range
General Use Case: Refined stainless axleback for daily use
SKU: TMS-17400-TUE35
Product URL:
https://www.modinjapan.com/tom-s-racing-stainless-exhaust-system-tom-s-barrel-titanium-color-burnt-tips-for-2022-lexus-is500-tms-17400-tue35.html
