Axle-back vs Cat-back?

[sam.u.el]

So basically all I know is that the catback exhaust starts at the end of the cat-converters and the axle back at the end of the rear axle. What are the differences in the two as far as performance goes? Also what is a muffler delete?
Sorry if my question seems a little dumb, I'm kind of a noob at all this and just want to gather information before I purchase a full header and exhaust for my camaro.

Also one more thing, if I were to get a full exhaust would I HAVE to get a tune aswell?
Thanks in advance!

[Avenging Orange]

IMO, cat back systems are a waste of money. You replace 2.5" pipe with 2.5" pipe (in most cases). Some do it because the aftermarket cat backs are lighter (but not much)........so, if you are a drag racer, that applies. There are no performance gains with a cat back, only sound. Same with axel bacl. Gains only come from headers. If you get long tubes, yes, you will need a tune. My suggestion, search the exhaust clips at the top of the page.....find some you like, then narrow it down to a couple and ask about them. See if someone has one of those units on their car and go listen for your self....then buy the axel back you like. Also bear in mind, if you later get headers, it wil be somewhat louder and a good chance you will get the dreaded highway drone. Drone is more prevalent with cat back systems and X-pipes. Take your time and keep researching....be sure to get what is best for you.

[sam.u.el]

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

IMO, cat back systems are a waste of money. You replace 2.5" pipe with 2.5" pipe (in most cases). Some do it because the aftermarket cat backs are lighter (but not much)........so, if you are a drag racer, that applies. There are no performance gains with a cat back, only sound. Same with axel bacl. Gains only come from headers. If you get long tubes, yes, you will need a tune. My suggestion, search the exhaust clips at the top of the page.....find some you like, then narrow it down to a couple and ask about them. See if someone has one of those units on their car and go listen for your self....then buy the axel back you like. Also bear in mind, if you later get headers, it wil be somewhat louder and a good chance you will get the dreaded highway drone. Drone is more prevalent with cat back systems and X-pipes. Take your time and keep researching....be sure to get what is best for you.

Thank you very much for your response! I did see the exhaust section you mentioned but after reading catback and axleback so many times I had to figure out the difference of the two. If you have an aftermarket header and exhaust system, what did you end up choosing and how happy are you with it?

[Ryanbabz71]

I just bought a flowmaster axle back. I went this route as I just want to change the exhaust sound. Need t to sound more muscle car ish. I have no plans for headers in the future


Ryan

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[k2jones]

Go big or go home... lol. I did a catback just so it will be all new and nice. plus I'll feel better about it once my headers go on. I also had a custom x-pipe built and installed. SO I say do it all!!

[DarrenRD]

I bought the Flowmaster Axle Back (819106). Apparently it gave me a few extra horsepower, but more importantly more rumble. It added some nice sound at idle and at exceleration, but not much additional sound during normal commutes.

[mikeSS]

its the idea of a cat back that i like. you have to cut and weld if you dont go cat back route, and want the cat back performance. also i feel they sound better.

[BlaqWhole]

Isn't there a resonator on the stock cat-back that the aftermarket cat-back gets rid of? If so then that might be worth a small amount of hp. I only looked under my car twice and didn't check for it...

[AirManFL]

Originally Posted by BlaqWhole

Isn't there a resonator on the stock cat-back that the aftermarket cat-back gets rid of? If so then that might be worth a small amount of hp. I only looked under my car twice and didn't check for it...

Yes, there is a resonator and H pipe.

I installed a Stainless Works cat-back and it gets rid of the resonator and has an X pipe instead.

Rob

[The SwiftChancelor]

I think it depends if you have the auto or the manual. I have an auto with just the axle-back but if I would have gotten the full cat-back I would have lost this big double can resonator and all the weight that comes with it. If your auto get the cat-back but I think a manual would be fine with just the axle-back and save you half the price.

[akonechn]

If price is an issue at all, you could look into the Solo Performance Mach X catback at only $749 shipped. I'm undecided on what setup I want to go with as well, but after researching and reading everything available on here, I think I'm going with the Mach X. Apparently it gets pretty loud outside of the car, but doesn't have much drone or resonance when riding inside. The videos I've watched sound good. You have to consider your future mods too when making a decision.

[Avenging Orange]

Originally Posted by sam.u.el

Thank you very much for your response! I did see the exhaust section you mentioned but after reading catback and axleback so many times I had to figure out the difference of the two. If you have an aftermarket header and exhaust system, what did you end up choosing and how happy are you with it?

No problem. I always try to point people in the right direction and suggest they choose what they want and not just tell them this is what I have and its the greatest. But since you asked. I have OBX long tubes w/hi flo cats mated to stock cat back and stock mufflers. I have the LS3, so no resonators in the stock cat back. I love the sound.
Sometimes its best (if you can afford it) to get the headers and tune first....that way you have your performance gains done. The stock exhaust will sound better with headers. Then its easier to go from there and kinda choose the cat back or axel back you want (if at all).
I know its sounds complicated and there is so much information floating around.....it gets confusing. But if you stick to the basics and take it one step at a time, you'll come out on top.

[mikeSS]

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

No problem. I always try to point people in the right direction and suggest they choose what they want and not just tell them this is what I have and its the greatest. But since you asked. I have OBX long tubes w/hi flo cats mated to stock cat back and stock mufflers. I have the LS3, so no resonators in the stock cat back. I love the sound.
Sometimes its best (if you can afford it) to get the headers and tune first....that way you have your performance gains done. The stock exhaust will sound better with headers. Then its easier to go from there and kinda choose the cat back or axel back you want (if at all).
I know its sounds complicated and there is so much information floating around.....it gets confusing. But if you stick to the basics and take it one step at a time, you'll come out on top.

false, in fact the Ls3 does show gains with cat back and does have resonators in stock exhaust

[Chalk_2]

What do the resonators look like?