Catback Vs Deletes

**06hemipower** · 07-29-2009, 09:53 AM

Ok i was wondering if i didnt get a cat back system and just purchased mufflers would there be amy diffrrence?

Will i lose or get any power gains?

Which on is better?

**aliveguy5** · 07-29-2009, 10:09 AM

If you lose or gain it will be minimal. Cat backs at best get about 5rwhp. It's for sound really.

**ret** · 07-29-2009, 10:19 AM

I think you should base your decision on cost. Which is going to be cheaper for your application, cat back or mufflers plus install fee. The variety of cat back systems is vast and confusing especially if your looking for that system that is loud but not loud (mds drone). Anyways for me I chose removing the suitcase (factory) muffler and adding in two flowmaster 50's and kept the rear located resonators in place. I saved a lot of money not going to cat back. I have a system that is very close to factory as far as noise and no drone when it goes mds. One warning about 50's, they are not for lx, because they are too long in length so they did interfere with the driveshaft during install but that was quickly remedied by my installer. Horsepower gain - unknown, mileage gain - 3 more than I had prior. Noise level - slightly louder.

**stevesrt8** · 07-29-2009, 12:45 PM

personally I vote for the muffler shop. Go to a local meet near you and audition everybody's exhaust. Hear 'em all in person.

Then find your local virtuoso pipe bender. Some of them are real artists and can make a beautiful system for way less than the bolt ons.

**richierevs** · 07-29-2009, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by stevesrt8

personally I vote for the muffler shop. Go to a local meet near you and audition everybody's exhaust. Hear 'em all in person.

Then find your local virtuoso pipe bender. Some of them are real artists and can make a beautiful system for way less than the bolt ons.

I like the idea of auditioning exhausts, both from the outside (growl) and inside (drone). If you can find, as Steve called them, a "vituoso pipe bender" they can work wonders.

It also depends on whether you want stainless steel or not (cost issue and whether you're going to keep the car or not). Many muffler shops won't work with stainless because it takes more skill than working with aluminized steel.

Some parts you may need to purchase like a functional X-pipe/resonator combo.

Personally, I chose a stainless Cat-back for convenience, sound, and the lifetime warranty.