[RJT-SS]

Originally Posted by Criag B

I see lots of talk about cat back and axle back system. The big question, is there any power to gain from these systems? Is it just too make the car sound louder than stock? I see a lot of these systems out for the Camaro, but no one is claiming power increase. I would like to make mine louder, but not obnoxious. If there was an extra 10 hp to 15 hp from a cat back then it would be worth the extra $$$. Any thoughts??

No power gain. A cat-back will give you a little more volume and different sound. An axle back will give just a different sound. The more of the stock system you get rid of, the more weight you will shed. It's not a ton, but it's some.

I strongly suggest that if you are even remotely considering long tube headers with cats, do that first. That is where you will get power gains plus it changes the sound and volume. Then you can find the exhaust you like. At that point, there are many options; you might like the sound as-is, you might want to try a muffler delete or, just an axle back - all very economical and reduces the risk of buying a system now that you want to sell later cause you don't like the sound after your header install. There are many examples of this all over this forum.

You may ultimately decide to get a catback but keep in mind that the stock h-pipe and resonator section flows just as well as aftermarket mid sections (front part of the catback). There is much debate about that but that's half the fun around here. Good luck!