Another Noob Question *ducks*
 

What are cat or catbacks? I'm getting flowmasters soon, and I hear talk of these things. I planned on just getting new mufflers, but is this something i need to get?

A catback system is a compleat system that goes from your H-pipe(where your catilic converters or cats are.) back. It includs high flow mufflers and larger exaust pipe. The bigger pipe gives better exaust flow then just haveing better mufflers so you should see a better sound and power improvment. On the preformence side it works (and sounds) best with a better H=pipe and headers. (of course then you are talking a whole new exaust system and that can get pricy.

Catbacks are the entire exhaust system from just after the catalytic converters back to the exhaust tips. (These systems include mufflers)

I prefer these systems as opposed to just mufflers as you get better exhaust flow and its usually a strictly "bolt-on" affair...

I see! Thanks to you both for your help. Sounds good, but I can only afford mufflers for now, but I understand now :)

Thanks again...

I would say save up for the cat-back...This is something you would regret having to replace later (and if you plan on doing more mods, you will have to replace later :)).

Cat-back also includes a straight pipe (didn't see it mentioned).
            (cat-back system)
cats --> straight pipe --> muffler --> exhaust tips

Thanks,
DoranW

I'm not too good at explaining these type of things (i would make a horrible teacher)..so if you would like to learn about the exhaust systems, get a firm grasp on how they work, check out this section of How Stuff Works, and read the catagories on "How a Catalytic Converter works." and "How Mufflers Work". They should help out



http://www.howstuffworks.com/category.htm?cat=EngSys


Hope it helps!


:D

errr.. then again, looking over it, doesnt really help you out on what you need to buy.. oops

Don't get the mufflers alone. They have to be welded in which costs money and you'll be a the price of a cat back system by the time you have your mufflers welded in. The cat backs can be installed easily in your driveway in like 2 hours with basic hand tools.

I whole-heartedly concur! :)

Thansk,
DoranW