Difference between an exhaust and an exhaust with cat-back...

sexsi_wht_focus · 03-28-2004, 03:27 PM

I was wondering what the difference is between just an exhaust on and an exhaust with cat-back. I want to know if I could just buy an exhaust (say for example a borla, if they just come without the cat, i dunno) , and then get a custom cat-back made? I know from searching in Honolulu that it'd be cheaper to get a custom cat-back and just buy an exhaust elsewhere. I am just wondering why some people just get exhaust...I thought it'd be better to get the cat-back, but I don't know why some don't. Does the cat-back allow more air or something? Any sort of help would be great. Sorry if my question is confusing, I'm confused myself and didn't know how to ask it. Thanks.

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HotRodWagon · 03-28-2004, 03:34 PM

Cat back just refers to the exhaust pipes and muffler that mount after the catalytic convertor.

sexsi_wht_focus · 03-28-2004, 03:49 PM

yah, i know that but does it do anything that the stock pipes don't do? like more air going through or something? that's what i'm confused about...

Toxic · 03-28-2004, 03:58 PM

Yes it allows more air to pass through, more air means more power!

Get a MBRP, that's what i'm getting...I think.

sexsi_wht_focus · 03-28-2004, 04:01 PM

do u know where i could get a look at a MBRP?

FiiZh · 03-28-2004, 04:47 PM

yea, a full cat-back system will allow a largeramount of exhaust to escape, adding WHP to ur car...

sexsi_wht_focus · 03-28-2004, 05:45 PM

alright, thanks. i still don't know if a custom cat is better than buying like a borla exhaust system (what ever it's called) or summthin like that?

HotRodWagon · 03-28-2004, 06:00 PM

The reason a cat back system flows more is bc the pipes have a larger diameter than stock and the muffler is a straight through or free flow design. The reason to buy an aftermarket catalyitic convertor, which there are only two direct fit replacements...the Focus Central and the Random Tech, is to flow more exhaust. A complete exhaust system would be a shorty header with highflow catalytic convertor, an aftermarket flex pipe, and a cat back exhaust system. Long tube headers are almost always used without catalyic convertors b/c one would have to be added in somewhere. A high flow cat, by itself, will show gains. But you won't get the maximum gains from it without the flex and cat back system.