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McLaren 570S & 650S Catless Downpipes | Sound, Power & Exhaust Guide (2026)

The McLaren 570S and 650S are two of the most rewarding platforms for exhaust upgrades in the supercar world. Both use twin-turbo V8 engines — the 570S with the M838TE 3.8L and the 650S/MP4-12C with the M838T 3.8L — that respond exceptionally well to catless downpipe upgrades. Whether you are chasing track performance, an aggressive exhaust note, or maximum power from an ECU tune, replacing the factory catalytic converters with high-flow or catless downpipes is the single most impactful bolt-on modification available for these cars.

This guide covers everything you need to know about catless downpipes for the McLaren 570S, 570GT, 540C, 650S, and MP4-12C — including power gains, sound differences, pricing, and how they pair with ECU tuning for each platform.

McLaren 570S vs 650S — Platform Comparison

Spec 570S / 570GT / 540C (M838TE) 650S / MP4-12C (M838T)
Engine 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8
Stock Power 562–570 HP 641 HP (650S) / 616 HP (MP4-12C)
Stock Torque 443 lb-ft 500 lb-ft (650S) / 443 lb-ft (MP4-12C)
Turbo Setup Twin-scroll turbos Twin-scroll turbos
Exhaust Layout Dual downpipe to center exit Dual downpipe to center exit
Factory Cat Type Primary catalytic converters Primary catalytic converters
Tuning Potential 620–680+ WHP (tuned) 700–750+ WHP (tuned)

Why Catless Downpipes for McLaren?

McLaren's factory catalytic converters create significant back-pressure in the exhaust system, restricting the twin-turbo V8's ability to build boost efficiently. Removing or replacing these cats with catless or high-flow alternatives delivers measurable gains:

  • Faster turbo spool — Reduced exhaust back-pressure allows turbos to spool 200–400 RPM earlier
  • More peak power — Catless downpipes alone add 15–30 WHP; paired with a tune, gains reach 80–120+ WHP
  • Better throttle response — Less restriction means quicker power delivery across the entire rev range
  • Aggressive exhaust sound — Louder, rawer V8 note with audible turbo flutter and wastegate sounds
  • Enables full ECU tune potential — Stage 2 and Stage 3 tunes require catless or high-flow downpipes to deliver their rated power

McLaren 570S Downpipe Options & Pricing

The 570S, 570GT, and 540C share the same exhaust layout, so all downpipe options fit across the M838TE platform. Three configurations are available depending on your goals:

Configuration Price Power Gain (with tune) Best For
Catless Race Downpipes $2,999 +80–120 WHP Maximum power & sound; track / off-road use
200-Cell Sport Cats $3,999 +60–90 WHP Strong gains with reduced cat-back smell
400-Cell Street Cats $4,599 +40–60 WHP Street-friendly with emissions compliance

McLaren 650S & MP4-12C Downpipe Options

The 650S and MP4-12C use the earlier M838T engine with a different exhaust manifold design. Catless downpipes for this platform deliver especially strong results because the factory catalytic converters are more restrictive relative to the engine's higher output.

Configuration Price Power Gain (with tune) Best For
650S/MP4-12C Catless Downpipes $2,999 +80–120 WHP Maximum power; track / off-road use
650S Cat Bypass Pipes (Fabspeed) $2,795 +60–100 WHP Premium brand; clean installation

McLaren 570S Downpipe Product Cards

McLaren 570S/570GT/540C Catless Race Downpipes From $2,999 SS304 stainless steel catless downpipes for the M838TE 3.8L V8. Maximum flow, maximum power. Available in catless, 200-cell, and 400-cell configurations. View Product → McLaren 650S / MP4-12C Catless Downpipes $2,999 SS304 stainless steel catless downpipes for the M838T 3.8L V8. Direct fit for 650S and MP4-12C models. View Product → McLaren 650S Cat Bypass Pipes — Fabspeed $2,795 Fabspeed-manufactured cat bypass pipes for the 650S. Premium build quality with smooth mandrel bends for optimal exhaust flow. View Product →

ECU Tuning for McLaren 570S & 650S

Catless downpipes unlock the full potential of ECU tuning on both McLaren platforms. Without downpipes, tuning gains are limited by exhaust restriction. With catless or high-flow downpipes installed, Stage 2 and Stage 3 tunes can safely push significantly more boost and advance ignition timing.

570S / 570GT / 540C ECU Tune Stages

Stage Price Estimated Power Requirements
Stage 1 ECU Tune $3,499 ~600–620 WHP Stock hardware or intake only
Stage 2 ECU Tune $3,499 ~640–660 WHP Downpipes + intake
Stage 3 ECU Tune $3,999 ~680+ WHP Full bolt-ons including downpipes, intake, exhaust
Stage 1 McLaren 570S ECU Tune $3,499 Entry-level tune for the M838TE platform. Optimized boost curves and fueling on stock hardware. View Product → Stage 2 McLaren 570S ECU Tune $3,499 Requires downpipes. Increased boost pressure with revised fueling maps for bolt-on hardware. View Product → Stage 3 McLaren 570S ECU Tune $3,999 Maximum power tune for fully built M838TE engines with full bolt-on modifications. View Product →

650S / MP4-12C ECU Tune Stages

Stage Price Estimated Power Requirements
Stage 1 ECU Tune $3,499 ~680–700 WHP Stock hardware or intake only
Stage 2 ECU Tune $3,499 ~720–740 WHP Downpipes + intake
Stage 3 ECU Tune $3,999 ~750+ WHP Full bolt-ons including downpipes, intake, exhaust
Stage 1 McLaren 650S ECU Tune $3,499 Entry-level tune for the M838T platform. Optimized maps on stock hardware for the 650S and MP4-12C. View Product → Stage 2 McLaren 650S ECU Tune $3,499 Requires downpipes. Increased boost with revised fueling for bolt-on modifications. View Product → Stage 3 McLaren 650S ECU Tune $3,999 Maximum power tune for fully built M838T engines with all bolt-on modifications. View Product →

Sound — What Do Catless McLaren Downpipes Sound Like?

Both the 570S and 650S produce an incredible exhaust note with catless downpipes installed. The twin-turbo V8 gains a deeper, rawer character with significantly more volume. At idle, the difference is noticeable but not intrusive. Under load, catless downpipes transform the exhaust into an aggressive bark with pronounced turbo flutter between shifts and audible wastegate release. Cold starts are considerably louder with a metallic resonance that settles as the engine warms up.

The 650S tends to sound slightly deeper than the 570S due to its higher-displacement turbo configuration and different exhaust manifold geometry. Both platforms sound exceptional with catless downpipes — expect pops, crackles, and flame-spitting on overrun, especially with an ECU tune that adjusts the overrun fueling strategy.

Installation & Fitment Notes

McLaren downpipe installations are more involved than typical European performance cars due to the mid-engine layout. Key considerations:

  • Professional installation recommended — McLaren exhaust systems are accessed from below with limited clearance; a lift and McLaren-specific knowledge is strongly advised
  • Installation time — 3–5 hours depending on shop experience with McLaren platforms
  • O2 sensor spacers — Required with catless downpipes to prevent check engine lights; included with most kits
  • Heat management — High-quality SS304 stainless steel construction ensures durability in the tight mid-engine bay
  • No cutting or welding — All downpipes are direct bolt-on replacements using factory mounting points

Catless vs 200-Cell vs 400-Cell — Which Configuration?

Factor Catless 200-Cell Sport Cat 400-Cell Street Cat
Power Gain (with tune) +80–120 WHP +60–90 WHP +40–60 WHP
Sound Level Loudest — raw V8 bark Loud — slightly mellowed Moderate — refined tone
Exhaust Smell Noticeable at idle Minimal None
Emissions Off-road / track only Varies by region Passes most inspections
Best Use Case Track cars, maximum power builds Spirited street + occasional track Daily driver, street-legal builds
Price (570S) $2,999 $3,999 $4,599

Browse All McLaren Parts →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower do catless downpipes add to a McLaren 570S?
Catless downpipes alone add approximately 15–30 WHP on the McLaren 570S. When paired with an ECU tune, total gains reach 80–120+ WHP over stock, bringing the M838TE platform into the 640–680+ WHP range depending on the tune stage and supporting modifications.
Will catless downpipes void my McLaren warranty?
Aftermarket downpipes may affect warranty coverage on exhaust-related components under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. However, McLaren dealers must prove that the aftermarket part directly caused a failure to deny a specific warranty claim. Many owners install downpipes after the factory warranty period or accept the trade-off for the significant performance gains.
Do I need an ECU tune with catless downpipes on a McLaren?
An ECU tune is not strictly required — catless downpipes will bolt on and the car will run. However, to extract the full power potential and ensure optimal fueling and boost control, a Stage 2 or Stage 3 ECU tune is strongly recommended. Without a tune, you gain the sound improvement and modest power increase but leave significant horsepower on the table.
What is the difference between 570S and 650S downpipes?
The 570S (M838TE) and 650S (M838T) use different exhaust manifold configurations, so their downpipes are not interchangeable. The 570S downpipes fit the 570S, 570GT, and 540C. The 650S downpipes fit the 650S and MP4-12C. Always confirm your exact model before ordering.
Will catless downpipes trigger a check engine light?
Yes, catless downpipes will trigger a check engine light (CEL) due to the removed catalytic converters. This is resolved by installing O2 sensor spacers (typically included with the downpipe kit) or by having the secondary O2 sensor monitoring disabled through an ECU tune.
How loud are catless McLaren downpipes?
Catless downpipes make a significant difference in exhaust volume. Expect a deeper, louder V8 note with audible turbo flutter and wastegate sounds. Cold starts are noticeably louder. If you prefer a more refined tone, 200-cell or 400-cell sport cat options are available for the 570S platform.
Can I install McLaren downpipes myself?
McLaren downpipe installation is more complex than most performance car platforms due to the mid-engine layout and tight exhaust routing. Professional installation by a shop experienced with McLaren vehicles is strongly recommended. Installation typically takes 3–5 hours on a lift with proper tooling.
What material are the downpipes made from?
All McLaren downpipes from YPG Motorsport are constructed from SS304 stainless steel — the industry standard for high-performance exhaust components. SS304 offers excellent corrosion resistance and withstands the extreme heat generated by the twin-turbo V8 exhaust gases.

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