

If you have a catback exhaust you can add remove the catalytic converter and replace it with a test pipe or cat delete so your system becomes catless. You can’t really have a catback vs catless exhaust debate as these are complimentary pieces. Obviously, only turbo cars have the option of a turbo back exhaust.

A catback vs turbo back comparison is usually not a fair one as the turbo back typically replaces the downpipe, catalytic converter and catback, so it’s a much more comprehensive system.
2015 wrx downpipe mid pipe gain full#
In every case, a turbo back exhaust is going to make more power than a catback exhaust but will cost significantly more because you’re replacing the full exhaust system. The factory muffler is usually pretty restrictive since it needs to be quiet, so this is usually where most of the power is gained from on a catback vs axleback debate. If this is the case for you, it could be that the factory system flowed so good that it didn’t seem worth it for the manufacturer to replace all of the piping so instead they released a lower cost exhaust – the axle back. In fact, some manufacturers only make axle back systems for your car. Every car and truck has different gains between these systems. What you have to decide is if the added cost of a catback is worth the gain in power. Which makes more power and is a catback worth it? Well, in just about all cases a catback exhaust will make more power than an axleback exhaust. In about 95% of the cases catback vs axleback debates are over power and cost.

So now that you know about the various components of an exhaust system, we’re going to explain to you which we recommend which are better or worse.

Ok, so what’s better and what are the differences between these? A muffler shop would cut off your old muffler and weld on a new one. Generally, mufflers are universal and need to be welded on. Consider an axleback exhaust as a muffler section exhaust. An axleback exhaust generally replaces the muffler, tips and a small section of piping that connects to the intermediate pipes or mid pipe. So manufactures only release certain sections of the exhaust such as the axleback exhaust. Some cars have intermediate pipes or mid pipes that flow pretty good from the factory. It’s also commonly referred to as an “exhaust system”. The catback exhaust replaces all of the exhaust piping from the catalytic converter back to the muffler. The catback exhaust is the most popular upgrade. The intermediate pipe, also known as the mid pipe, is designed to fit between the catalytic converter/cat delete pipe and the muffler section. They are more commonly known as test pipes as well. It’s the exhaust from the cat all the way back to the muffler (and including the muffler).Īs the name implies a cat delete is a pipe that deletes the catalytic converter from your exhaust system. A catback exhaust is called a “cat back” because it generally is the full exhaust after the catalytic converter. This is an essential piece of smog equipment that is against the law to remove, modify or alter. There are some cases where the design of the exhaust of a naturally aspirated car has a downpipe as well, but generally it’s for forced induction applications.Ī catalytic converter, also known as a “cat”, typically goes between the header and the intermediate pipe or catback exhaust. The downpipe attaches to the o2 housing of the turbo and then connects down to the catalytic converter. On a car or truck that is naturally aspirated, headers usually attach directly to the catalytic converter.ĭownpipes are usually found on cars with a turbo. The headers are designed to scavenge exhaust from the cylinder ports and make the exhaust cycle more efficient. Headers are the exhaust component that attaches to the cylinder head. So what are the differences between the various exhaust components and what does each one mean? Below you will see the differences between the various types of exhaust and how they help with their intended purposes. They are all very good questions and instead of telling our customers the same thing over and over, we decided to just create a post where we can clear it up. What’s the difference between a catback exhaust and an axleback exhaust? What’s the difference between a full exhaust and a turboback exhaust? What’s the difference between a muffler and an axleback? It’s confusing and we get this question a lot.
