Best Exhaust for GWM Tank 300 — Upgrade Guide for Australian 4WD Owners

The GWM Tank 300 Deserves Better Than Stock

If you've spent any time behind the wheel of a GWM Tank 300 you already know it's a seriously capable machine. The 2.0L turbo petrol punches well above its weight, the off-road credentials are genuine and the interior is a long way from the budget Chinese Utes of years past. But there's one area where the Tank 300 like most factory 4WDs leaves performance on the table the exhaust system.

The factory exhaust is engineered around noise regulations and cost targets. It's not engineered for maximum flow. And when you're running a turbocharged engine through its paces whether that's towing a trailer up a steep grade, crawling through a rocky creek crossing or just enjoying a spirited run on a winding back road restricted exhaust flow is the last thing you want.

The good news? A quality aftermarket exhaust is one of the most effective and most satisfying upgrades you can make to a Tank 300. More power, better throttle response, lower exhaust gas temperatures and a sound that actually matches the vehicle's character. Here's everything you need to know.

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What's Wrong With the Factory Exhaust?

Nothing is technically "wrong" with it as it does its job. But factory exhaust systems are a compromise. Manufacturers use smaller diameter piping, crush bent bends (which pinch the internal diameter and create turbulence) and conservative muffler designs to keep costs down and meet noise standards across multiple markets.

On a turbocharged engine like the Tank 300's 2.0L this creates backpressure that the turbocharger has to work against. The result is slower turbo spool, reduced boost response, higher exhaust gas temperatures under load and power that's being left on the table. You're not getting everything the engine is capable of and you're paying for it every time you put your foot down.

A properly designed aftermarket exhaust addresses all of this. Larger diameter mandrel bent piping, quality stainless steel construction and a muffler tuned for the specific engine it's a meaningful upgrade not just a cosmetic one.

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The Outback Exhausts GWM Tank 300 System

At Outback Exhausts, we build exhaust systems specifically for Australian 4WDs and the conditions they're driven in. Our Cat Back Exhaust for the GWM Tank 300 2.0L Turbo Petrol (2023-On) is engineered from the ground up for this vehicle not adapted from a generic template.

Here's what makes it different:

• Full 3" mandrel-bent tubing — maintains consistent internal diameter through every bend maximising flow from the cat to the tip
• 409 stainless steel construction — built to handle Australian conditions; salt air, creek crossings, red dust and extreme temperature cycling
• Cat back configuration — replaces everything from the catalytic converter rearward while delivering real performance gains
• Bolt-on fitment — engineered to match the Tank 300's factory mounting points exactly no cutting or welding required
• Deep, aggressive exhaust note — tuned to complement the 2.0L turbo's character without the drone that makes long highway drives miserable
• 5-year warranty — covering materials, welds and corrosion perforation
• 23kg complete system — includes all gaskets and fasteners.

Owners consistently report improvements in throttle response, reduced turbo lag, stronger mid-range torque for towing and hill climbing and estimated power gains of 10–18 horsepower at the wheels. That's a meaningful difference you'll feel every time you drive.

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Why Is Cat Back system Right for the Tank 300?

This is one of the most common questions we get and it's worth addressing properly.

A cat back system replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converter outlet to the tailpipe. It's the most popular choice for street registered vehicles because it retains the factory catalytic converter. You still get significant flow improvements and a genuine performance gain the cat is not the primary restriction on most modern vehicles.

For most Tank 300 owners daily drivers, weekend tourers, and serious off-roaders who want to keep their vehicle road-registered the cat back system is the right call. It delivers real, noticeable performance gains while keeping everything above board. 

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Comparative Analysis: GWM Tank 300 Exhaust Options

Here's a breakdown of the exhaust system we offer for the Tank 300, along with how it compares to the factory setup:

Exhaust System	Engine Fit	Pipe Size	Best For	Key Benefit	View Product
Factory / OEM Exhaust	GWM Tank 300 2.0L Turbo Petrol (2023-On)	~2" (approx.)	Stock driving, noise regulations	Quiet, compliant, no cost	—
Outback Exhausts Cat Back — 3" 409 Stainless	GWM Tank 300 2.0L Turbo Petrol (2023-On)	3" (76mm) Mandrel Bent	Daily driving, touring, towing, off road	better torque, lower EGTs, aggressive sound, retains cat, 5yr warranty	View Product

Want to browse all available GWM Tank 300 exhaust options in one place? Head to our dedicated GWM Tank 300 Exhaust Systems collection page.

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Why 3" Is the Right Size for the Tank 300

Pipe diameter is one of those specs that sounds technical but has a very practical impact on how your exhaust performs. Too small and you're restricting flow the engine has to work harder to push exhaust gases out which means more backpressure, higher EGTs and less power. Too large and you lose exhaust gas velocity which can actually hurt low end torque which is the opposite of what you want in a 4WD that spends time at low speeds under load.

For the Tank 300's 2.0L turbo petrol 3 inches is the sweet spot. It's large enough to significantly reduce backpressure compared to the factory system but not so large that you sacrifice the low end torque that makes the Tank 300 such a capable off roader. Combined with mandrel bending which maintains the full 3" internal diameter through every bend you get consistent unrestricted flow from the cat to the tip.

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409 Stainless Steel: Why It Matters for Australian Conditions

Not all stainless steel is created equal and the grade matters a lot for exhaust applications in Australia.

409 stainless is the industry standard for performance exhaust systems and for good reason. It offers excellent resistance to the corrosion and heat cycling that destroys mild steel exhausts the kind of cycling that happens every time you start a cold engine and run it up to operating temperature. It handles salt air from coastal driving, the red dust and creek crossings of outback touring and the extreme heat generated by a turbocharged engine under load.

409 is the practical choice for an exhaust system that needs to perform and last in real world Australian conditions. We've been using it for years because it works and it's why we can back our systems with a 5year warranty.

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Is the Tank 300 Exhaust a Bolt-On Fit?

Yes and this matters more than people realise. Our system is engineered specifically for the GWM Tank 300 not adapted from a generic template. Every mounting point, every clearance, every flange angle is designed to match the Tank 300's factory configuration.

That means no cutting, no welding, no fabrication. If you're a competent home mechanic with a quality jack, stands and basic hand tools you can have this system fitted in 1–2 hours. The cat back configuration means you're only working from the catalytic converter rearward more accessible than a full turbo back system and well within reach of a confident DIYer.

If you'd prefer professional installation any exhaust fitter or 4WD workshop can handle it. All gaskets and hardware are included.

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Ready to Upgrade?

The GWM Tank 300 is a genuinely impressive 4WD and a quality exhaust system is one of the best ways to unlock more of what it's capable of. More power, better throttle response, lower EGTs and a sound that actually does the vehicle justice it's a worthwhile upgrade for any Tank 300 owner.

Not sure if this is the right system for your setup? Get in touch with the Outback Exhausts team we're happy to talk through your vehicle, your driving style, and what you're trying to achieve.

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