The Holden Commodore may no longer be in production, but its place in Australian car culture is locked in forever. From the early VB, VL V8 and turbo rockets through to the final VF Series II models, Commodores remain one of the most loved and popular platforms for exhaust upgrades and street performance builds.
Whether you’re restoring a classic weekend cruiser, building a tough street and striper or simply chasing a better exhaust note for your daily driver, the right exhaust setup can completely transform the driving experience.
From subtle tones to full-blown V8 roar, here’s a look at some of the most popular Commodore exhaust upgrade paths.
1. Affordable Performance Upgrades from South Australia
Advance Headers
Not every Commodore build needs a full custom stainless system.
For many owners, replacing tired factory manifolds or restrictive standard exhaust components with a quality aftermarket header setup is one of the best-value upgrades you can make.
Brands like Advance Headers continue to be a popular option for Holden owners wanting improved exhaust flow, better throttle response and a cleaner exhaust note without braking the bank.
For older Commodores especially, a fresh exhaust setup can make the vehicle feel more responsive and enjoyable to drive again.
Best suited for:
Daily drivers, street builds and restorations wanting a solid exhaust header upgrade at an affordable price point.
2. The Street Car Favourite – XForce Exhaust Systems
For Commodore owners chasing a deeper exhaust note and a more aggressive street presence, XForce remains one of the most recognised names in the Australian aftermarket scene.
XForce systems are manufactured offshore, which helps keep pricing competitive, but the brand is well-established in the Australian performance exhaust market. Their systems offer strong value with quality fitment, improved flow and the unmistakable V8 sound many Holden owners are chasing.
The XForce Twin 2.5" Cat Back Exhaust for VT, VU, VY, VZ as well as VE and VF V8 models has become a popular choice for drivers wanting a strong idle note and a more responsive feel without going over the top.
Best suited for:
Street-driven Commodores wanting strong sound, good value and everyday drivability. And by the way, no tuning required for this set up.
3. Premium Holden Exhaust Performance – Manta & Pacemaker
For enthusiasts wanting a more refined or performance-focused setup, premium Australian exhaust brands continue to set the benchmark.
Manta Exhaust Systems
Manta systems are known for their excellent fitment, refined sound characteristics and strong reputation within the Australian performance and touring market.
For Commodore VE and VF especially, cabin drone can become a major issue with poorly designed exhaust systems. Manta systems are engineered to provide a deep exhaust tone while still maintaining comfort during highway driving.
The Manta Dual 3" Cat Back System for VE and VF is a great example of a system designed to balance sound, performance and drivability. When stepping up to a dual 3” setup, we strongly recommend pairing the system with upgraded headers and high-flow cats to get the most out of the combination. No shortcuts.
Pacemaker Headers
Pacemaker has built a long-standing reputation in the Australian Holden market, particularly among V8 enthusiasts.
Their tuned header designs are engineered to improve exhaust scavenging and overall engine efficiency while delivering the classic aggressive Holden V8 sound many owners are chasing.
The Pacemaker Holden VB-VK 253-308 Header remains a favourite for classic Holden builds and restorations.
Don't forget that Pacemaker has been making complete systems for several years now, it's easy to forget as they were always so well known for building headers, and can I say they have done a magnificent job at that too.
💡 PRO TIP: Why Header Design Matters
When it comes to Holden V8 performance, headers can make a huge difference to both sound and drivability.
Well-designed tuned headers help improve the way exhaust gases exit the engine, allowing cylinders to clear more efficiently between combustion cycles. This can improve throttle response, help the engine breathe more freely and contribute to a stronger, cleaner exhaust note.
Good header design isn’t just about maximum horsepower figures — it’s also about drivability, sound quality and how the vehicle performs in real-world street conditions.