Axle-back vs Cat-back Exhaust

[CAMARO SS]

I am looking at improving the exhaust. I want some more sound to the car. I don't want it to be obnoxiously loud but louder than the stock exhaust.Right now I'm thinking of Borla and Magnaflow. I would also like to know the differences between axle-back and cat-back exhausts. Any input is appreciated.

[SYCK SS]

axle back is just what it sounds like. only changing the portion of the exhaust from the rear axles and back. thats what i did to my car, i did a muffler delete. it actually gave me a little better high end power and sounds amazing.

cat back is replacing the exhaust from the catalytic converters back. there are some systems out there with bigger and smaller diameters to help with back pressure and exhaust flow so its possible to get more performance out of one of these systems. but it really all depends on your preference.

[TonyNo]

FYI, I have read about some negative effects with lower back-pressure (power loss). Not sure how low you have to go, though. Something to look into for sure.

[DarkSS]

It really depends on what you're trying to do and what your end goals are. Cat-back is an investment for future power gain with other mods. Axle-back will give you sound if that's what you're looking for.

Cat-back may give you a handful of HP and that is usually because of the cross over and lack of resonators. Chances are you won't notice any gains with just a cat-back The biggest gain from a cat-back will be when you add headers, cam or power adder. They cost more because there is more material. Another good thing is that you keep your stock exhaust intact in case you want to switch back at any time.

Axle back is the cheaper alternative and will give you the sound and look of the tips. It will most likely net no power gains at all. If you decide to go with headers you can add am aftermarket cross over to the stock exhaust and flow as well as a 2.5" cat-back. With heads/cam or power adders the exhaust may become a restriction. A down side is that you have to cut your stock exhaust up.

[CAMARO SS]

FYI, I have read about some negative effects with lower back-pressure (power loss). Not sure how low you have to go, though. Something to look into for sure.

Sorry but you lost me there. What are you talking about (a certain exhaust or brand)?.

[CAMARO SS]

It really depends on what you're trying to do and what your end goals are. Cat-back is an investment for future power gain with other mods. Axle-back will give you sound if that's what you're looking for.

Cat-back may give you a handful of HP and that is usually because of the cross over and lack of resonators. Chances are you won't notice any gains with just a cat-back The biggest gain from a cat-back will be when you add headers, cam or power adder. They cost more because there is more material. Another good thing is that you keep your stock exhaust intact in case you want to switch back at any time.

Axle back is the cheaper alternative and will give you the sound and look of the tips. It will most likely net no power gains at all. If you decide to go with headers you can add am aftermarket cross over to the stock exhaust and flow as well as a 2.5" cat-back. With heads/cam or power adders the exhaust may become a restriction. A down side is that you have to cut your stock exhaust up.

My main goal now is sound but I do plan performance mods in the future. I also don't want to be cutting anything off the stock exhaust so it looks like its a cat-back for me. Any suggestions on brand?

[TonyNo]

Sorry but you lost me there. What are you talking about (a certain exhaust or brand)?.

I read a post somewhere else that said that they lost power with a muffler/cat delete. I'll look for it.

Generally, backpressures that are too low have been known to cause problems.

[KATHY63]

Dave put on a cat back Magnaflow system and it sounds awesome. We love it because it has that rumble sound and it is not overly loud or obnoxious. You can hear the car now and it sounds like a high performance car should. The good thing is that you don't have to cut apart your original exhaust to put this on, axle back you do obviously.

[DarkSS]

My main goal now is sound but I do plan performance mods in the future. I also don't want to be cutting anything off the stock exhaust so it looks like its a cat-back for me. Any suggestions on brand?

I really like the stainless works exhaust. It sounds like you let the animal out of the cage. I don't like the mellow, bassy toned ones like MBRP. The stainless works has more of a raw tone. It's all personal preference though. I would just make sure you get a full 3" system for future mods. Spintech is another awesome sounding exhaust, but it only comes in 2.5"

[ironfall96]

I read a post somewhere else that said that they lost power with a muffler/cat delete. I'll look for it.

Generally, backpressures that are too low have been known to cause problems.

I've read this too. From what I understood you MAY lose power because the computer is set to notice a certain pressure in the exhaust. If you add a bigger diameter exhaust then it messes with the computer and throws it off. I believe you can get a tune and it will make it not lose power (and possibly increase power, for cat-backs that is)

[SYCK SS]

too much loss of back pressure can have a negative effect on power if you do not get the car retuned.

the only thing is that the mufflers on most SS models do not create that much back pressure to where it would hurt anything. i know this for a fact because i cut my mufflers off and actually did get a little more power in higher rpm ranges. low end doesnt change too much.

a muffler is designed to dampen sound, not create restriction. real back pressure is created by the cats and resignators.

[gordonjj]

My main goal now is sound but I do plan performance mods in the future. I also don't want to be cutting anything off the stock exhaust so it looks like its a cat-back for me. Any suggestions on brand?

You may have lots of options but try Magnaflow once, I'm sure you won't regret.

[Toasty]

I was thinking of doing flowmaster's american thunder axle back kit with a magnaflow (or similar) resonated x pipe. (this on a V6) some guys on C5 have done this and it sounds good when you're on it, but it's quiet in the car...

[TonyNo]

MRT 2.0 is like that, too.

[Toasty]

MRT 2.0 is like that, too.

good to know. after daily driving my GTP with full 3" exhaust and dual magnaflow's for 4 years, I've had enough of too much drone. --that and my wife doesn't want to ride in the car because of the loudness. (wait.. is that a negative? )