A Complete Cat-Back Replacement for the 2.2L Cavalier and Sunfire
This cat-back exhaust system is designed for 1995-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire models with the factory 2.2L four-cylinder engine. It replaces the entire exhaust run behind the catalytic converter — the intermediate piping, the single muffler, and the tailpipe — so the downstream portion of the exhaust is replaced as one coordinated kit instead of piece by piece.
The system starts at the outlet of the stock catalytic converter and ends at a single-side rear exit with one 4-inch polished tip. The factory catalytic converter stays in place; the kit does not include a converter, a resonator, or an exhaust manifold. Connections are clamp-style, and the listed installation requires no cutting.
Use the sections below to check the fitment table for your year, trim, and engine, review the full specifications for part number FLES08170, and read the FAQ for answers on what is included and how the system is measured and installed.
Fitment
| Vehicle | Application |
|---|---|
| Make & Model | Chevrolet Cavalier; Pontiac Sunfire |
| Model Years | 1995-2005 |
| Trim Levels | Cavalier: Base, LS, RS | Sunfire: SE, GT |
| Engine | Factory 2.2L four-cylinder engine |
| System Type | Cat-back (from the catalytic converter outlet to the rear exit) |
| Exhaust Layout | Single muffler with one 4-inch tip; single-side rear exit |
| Catalytic Converter | Retained — the factory converter is not replaced by this kit |
The application above is the fitment listed for this part number. Always confirm your model year, trim, and engine before ordering — see Check Before Ordering below.
Specifications
Specifications below apply to part number FLES08170.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | FLES08170 |
| Product Type | Cat-Back Exhaust System |
| System Configuration | Single exit |
| Main Pipe Diameter | 2.36 in OD (60 mm) |
| Inlet Diameter | 2.75 in |
| Tip Quantity | 1 |
| Tip Size | 4 in diameter |
| Tip Style | N1 style |
| Tip Finish | Polished |
| Exit Position | Single-side rear exit |
| Muffler Configuration | Single N1-style muffler |
| Resonator | None |
| Material | 201 stainless steel |
| Surface Finish | Polished (bright silver) |
| Installation | Bolt-on; no cutting required |
| Hardware Included | Clamps |
Key Features
- Full Cat-Back Coverage: Replaces the whole exhaust path from the catalytic converter outlet to the rear exit — intermediate piping, single muffler, and tailpipe — in one kit, so every component behind the converter is matched to the same 2.2L application instead of being pieced together from separate parts.
- 2.36 in (60 mm) Main Piping: Main tubing is 2.36 inches outside diameter (60 mm). That is the figure to compare if you are measuring an existing system for a like-for-like replacement rather than upsizing or downsizing the pipe.
- 201 Stainless Steel Construction: The tubing and muffler are built from 201 stainless steel with a polished bright-silver finish on the system and tip — a material and finish combination you can weigh directly against other kits when deciding what suits your budget.
- Single N1-Style Muffler, Single-Side Exit: The layout is one muffler with a single 4-inch tip exiting on one side of the rear — the configuration to expect if your car is a single-exit model and you want to keep that outlet arrangement rather than move to a dual or center exit.
- Removable Silencer Insert in the Tip: The 4-inch polished tip includes a removable silencer insert, so the insert can be left in place or taken out — a detail to note before you buy if having a silencer option on the tip matters to you.
- Clamp-Together, No-Cut Installation: The system is a bolt-on design with clamp-style connections and requires no cutting per the specification, and the mounting clamps are included in the box — so no extra hardware needs to be sourced before the install.
What's Included and Not Included
Included in the box:
- Cat-back piping sections (front and rear)
- Single N1-style muffler
- One 4-inch polished tip with removable silencer insert
- Mounting clamps
Not included — reused or separate:
- Catalytic converter — the factory converter is retained, and the system mounts to its outlet
- Resonator — this kit is configured without one
- Exhaust manifold and upstream engine components
Check Before Ordering
- Vehicle application: Confirm your car is a 1995-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier (Base, LS, or RS) or a 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire (SE or GT) with the factory 2.2L engine before placing your order.
- Single-exit layout: This is a single-exit, single-side system with one 4-inch tip. If your car's exhaust behind the converter was modified or does not use a single-exit arrangement, verify compatibility first.
- Stock converter assumed: The system mounts to the outlet of the factory catalytic converter, which is not part of this kit. If your converter was replaced with a non-stock unit, confirm the outlet connection matches before ordering.
- Local rules: Aftermarket exhaust requirements vary by state and region. Check street and emissions rules where your vehicle is registered before purchase.
- Not sure? Contact us with your VIN and a description of your current exhaust setup before ordering, and we will confirm the application for you.
Shipping & Returns
Free U.S. Shipping: Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days and delivered within 7–9 business days. Additional charges may apply to remote areas.
30-Day Returns: Unopened and unused items in their original packaging may be returned within 30 days of receipt. Return shipping is covered for verified quality issues.
Worry-Free Delivery: Optional protection against eligible loss, theft, delay, or transit damage is available at checkout.
Fitment & Compatibility
- Only compatible with factory-equipped 2.2L L61 / 2200 SOHC Inline-4 (L4) engines
- ❌ ABSOLUTELY NO COMPATIBILITY WITH NON-SPECIFIED TRIMS & NON-2.2L L61/2200 ENGINE MODELS (NO EXCEPTIONS)
| Brand | Model | Year Range | Full Compatible Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Cavalier | 1995–2005 | Base/LS/RS Factory Trims; 2.2L L61 / 2200 SOHC Inline-4 (L4) Engine; |
| Pontiac | Sunfire | 1995–2005 | GT/SE Factory Trims; 2.2L L61 / 2200 SOHC Inline-4 (L4) Engine; |
1995-2005 Chevy Cavalier & Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L Cat-Back Exhaust FAQs
Q1: What does this cat-back exhaust fit?
A1: This kit is listed for the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier (Base, LS, and RS trims) and the 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire (SE and GT trims) with the factory 2.2L four-cylinder engine. It is a single-exit system, so it is intended for cars with a single rear exhaust outlet. Confirm your year, trim, and engine before ordering.
Q2: Is this a cat-back or an axle-back system, and what does it replace?
A2: It is a cat-back system. It replaces everything from the outlet of the factory catalytic converter back to the rear of the car: the intermediate piping, the single muffler, and the tailpipe with the 4-inch tip. It does not replace the catalytic converter or the exhaust manifold, and no parts ahead of the converter are included in this kit.
Q3: What is the pipe diameter, and how is it measured?
A3: The main piping is 2.36 inches in outside diameter (60 mm). Exhaust pipe is sometimes quoted as ID (inside diameter) and sometimes as OD (outside diameter), so measure across the outside of the pipe when comparing against an existing system. The inlet connection at the converter outlet is listed at 2.75 inches.
Q4: Does this kit include a catalytic converter?
A4: No. A cat-back system begins behind the converter, so the factory catalytic converter is retained and the kit mounts to its outlet. If your converter itself needs to be replaced, that is a separate part and is not included here.
Q5: Does the kit include a resonator?
A5: No. This kit is configured without a resonator and includes a single N1-style muffler. The system uses one muffler on the single-side rear exit, and no resonator section is part of the kit.
Q6: What is included in the box with this exhaust?
A6: The box includes the cat-back piping sections, the single N1-style muffler, one 4-inch polished tip with a removable silencer insert, and the mounting clamps. It does not include a catalytic converter, a resonator, an exhaust manifold, or hardware beyond the clamps.
Q7: Do I need to cut or weld anything during installation?
A7: According to the specification for this kit, the installation requires no cutting. The system is a bolt-on design with clamp-style connections, and the clamps are included. Because the joints are clamped rather than welded, the system can be removed without cutting if the vehicle is later returned to its stock exhaust.
Q8: Does the tip silencer change the sound of the exhaust?
A8: We do not publish sound, volume, or tone claims for this kit because no dB measurement or recorded sound clip is available for this SKU. What we can confirm is that the 4-inch tip includes a removable silencer insert, so the insert can be installed or removed. If sound level is a deciding factor for you, ask us for current-SKU sound data or a recording before purchase.
Q9: Will this exhaust increase horsepower?
A9: No dynamometer, flow, or weight data is published for this kit, so we do not claim any horsepower or performance gain. If measured test data matters to your decision, request current-SKU results from us before ordering and we will share what the manufacturer provides.
Q10: Will this system cause a check-engine light or require a tune?
A10: This is a cat-back kit that retains the factory catalytic converter, and no tune is included with it. We do not publish claims that a tune is or is not required for any specific vehicle, since engine-management questions depend on the individual car. If you have concerns, confirm with your installer or mechanic before purchase.
Q11: What should I verify before ordering to avoid fitment problems?
A11: Confirm three things: your model year is within 1995-2005, your car is a Cavalier or Sunfire with the factory 2.2L engine, and the exhaust behind the converter is in the stock single-exit configuration. If the converter or piping has been modified, or you are unsure about your trim, contact us with your VIN before ordering.
Q12: How is this different from an axle-back exhaust or a header?
A12: An axle-back replaces only the components behind the rear axle, while a header replaces the exhaust manifold at the front of the engine. This kit is a cat-back, so it covers the range between the two: everything from the catalytic converter outlet to the rear exit, including the intermediate piping and the muffler. Manifold and converter parts are not part of this kit.
Q13: Does this fit a 1996 Chevy Cavalier? What about 1997, 2004, or other years?
A13: The application listed for this kit covers model years 1995-2005, so a 1996, 1997, or 2004 Cavalier or Sunfire with the factory 2.2L engine falls inside the listed range, assuming the exhaust is in the stock single-exit configuration. Always confirm your specific year, trim, and engine code before ordering.