Can someone explain the diffrence between catback exhaust and axleback exhaust?

[speedy racer]

I am new to the world of exhaust. I have heard axelbacks doesn`t have the performance as catbacks. What are the different configrations of exhaust such as single and dual exhaust. I really like the sound of Borla pipes but don`t want it too loud because my FRS is my DD. Thanks for your input.

[Propaganda]

Catback- from the catalytic converter back (mid pipe, rear (axle back) section)
axleback- from the axle back (rear portion only)

Usually the more pipes you replace, the louder it will be, but it depends on the size/amount of resonators and mufflers used, as well as pipe diameter. On most cars, catbacks have more gains as they get rid of more restrictive piping, but that hasn't been the case with these cars

[showbe]

Originally Posted by Propaganda

Catback- from the catalytic converter back (mid pipe, rear (axle back) section)
axleback- from the axle back (rear portion only)

Usually the more pipes you replace, the louder it will be, but it depends on the size/amount of resonators and mufflers used, as well as pipe diameter. On most cars, catbacks have more gains as they get rid of more restrictive piping, but that hasn't been the case with these cars

Catbacks dont mess with the converter right hence there called catbacks? Also new to this as well. I live in California so would like to know.

Also do catback systems give a lot more performance over axle back?

[Tansey86]

Originally Posted by showbe

Catbacks dont mess with the converter right hence there called catbacks? Also new to this as well. I live in California so would like to know.

Also do catback systems give a lot more performance over axle back?

The two cats on this car are in the header and frontpipe, you will still pass SMOG in CA with a catback. Performance gain is negligible with either. Go for sound when choosing exhaust.

[cnk]

Here's a pic from Perrin's website:




Axle back is just the muffler section. It's called an axle back because normally the flanges to connect the rear muffler section is near the rear axle.

Cat back is the axle back plus the midpipe.

[Ravenlokk]

Originally Posted by Propaganda

Catback- from the catalytic converter back (mid pipe, rear (axle back) section)
axleback- from the axle back (rear portion only)

Catback will include MIDPIPE, and MUFFLER (Axleback)

Axleback is pretty much just a MUFFLER

Different vendors have had different results in terms of power gains with our exhausts. Some claim all the gains are in the frontpipe, and the axleback, while some claim that there are gains to be had in all of the parts. The power gains generally come from removing restriction and from the factory most of the restriction is in your cats, and the muffler portion. Replacing any/all of them will generally give other benefits like sound and weight.

Axleback sections are mainly for sound, and looks tbh. You'll probably be lucky to get a few HP out of it. Aside from major flow restrictions (high flow vs reg cats, or major bends)... Generally the closer to the engine, the more potential power gains.

[Ravenlokk]

damn it cnk, you beat me lol.

[ModBargains]

Originally Posted by Ravenlokk

Catback will include MIDPIPE, and MUFFLER (Axleback)

Axleback is pretty much just a MUFFLER

Different vendors have had different results in terms of power gains with our exhausts. Some claim all the gains are in the frontpipe, and the axleback, while some claim that there are gains to be had in all of the parts. The power gains generally come from removing restriction and from the factory most of the restriction is in your cats, and the muffler portion. Replacing any/all of them will generally give other benefits like sound and weight.

Axleback sections are mainly for sound, and looks tbh. You'll probably be lucky to get a few HP out of it. Aside from major flow restrictions (high flow vs reg cats, or major bends)... Generally the closer to the engine, the more potential power gains.

Couldn't have explained it any better. OP, catback exhaust usually have higher power gains than axlebacks exhaust because your freeing up the exhaust gas flow and getting rid of back pressure.

-Frank

[roddy]

Originally Posted by speedy racer

I am new to the world of exhaust. I have heard axelbacks doesn`t have the performance as catbacks. What are the different configrations of exhaust such as single and dual exhaust. I really like the sound of Borla pipes but don`t want it too loud because my FRS is my DD. Thanks for your input.

I would go with a cat-back over an axle-back for more flow potential and better sound.
I also like the Borla system, except for the comically large tips. I prefer the mid mount muffler design like this as I think it sounds better out the back. This type of system can sometimes lead to more drone at hwy speeds though. I found a supplier here that had Magnaflow cat-back systems in stock and for a decent price, so I picked one up. I just put it on yesterday, so I don't have a really good feel for it yet, but here are my first impressions...

The sound is deep, but not loud...good for a daily driver.
It lets just enough of the "boxer rumble" out, so you know that this is not your garden variety inline 4.
Little to no drone. You can hear it in the car at hwy speeds, but there is none of that constant hummm that makes it hard to carry on a conversation and will give you a headache after a couple of hours.
Good fit and finish. Everything fit like it should and went together smoothly.

For those wondering if this is something they can do themselves...go for it. This was the easiest exhaust swap I have ever done. The stock exhaust from the cat back drops out in one easy piece. Two bolts at the front and 5 rubber hangers to slide off at the back. LOL, it took me longer to jack the car up and put stands under it. The system I replaced it with went in in 3 pieces and slid together like butter. Putting it in, including pipe adjustments to line up the tips, took about 1/2 an hour.

Probably a little more info than needed here, but worth posting.

[showbe]

Originally Posted by Tansey86

The two cats on this car are in the header and frontpipe, you will still pass SMOG in CA with a catback. Performance gain is negligible with either. Go for sound when choosing exhaust.

So if aftermarket headers come out we wont be able to change it out if we want to pass SMOG?

[jstans84]

Originally Posted by showbe

So if aftermarket headers come out we wont be able to change it out if we want to pass SMOG?

They should as long as the aftermarket headers come with a cat on them or if you buy a highflow cat to replace the front pipe. (Unless I'm completely mistaken.)

[Captain Insano]

thanks for the review roddy. I thought that exhaust looked interesting too due to the muffler placement.

[Tansey86]

Originally Posted by showbe

So if aftermarket headers come out we wont be able to change it out if we want to pass SMOG?

You can high flow catted headers and still pass i believe