Axle or Cat-back?

[awfarley]

I've been looking at exhaust set-ups for months, but still haven't decided to go axle or cat back. I know that basics in each, but besides the price difference is it really worth it for a cat-back if you're buying for sound alone.

Some opinions on this would be nice.

[Roll_the_Dice]

I'm in the same boat...not sure either. I just am looking for a really good sound nothing more, so I will probably go with the MRT 2.0, but still investigting.

I have read if you put on a CAI, ca-tback is better. I do have CAI, but still probably going with axle back.

Are you doing it for sound alone or want more power and less restrictive exhaust?

[awfarley]

Basically just for the sound, but if I get more power for a few extra dollars why not.

I don't personally think the lowered restriction will make any big changes in performance unless you're putting it on the strip every weekend but maybe I'm wrong.

I plan on getting the VR soon or whenever it comes out, apparently that could be a long time...

[Roll_the_Dice]

I am with you...I don't track mine and don't plan too. My only goal is to get it to 350HP or close to it albeit not rwhp...and I just want a much better sound. It sounds better with the CAI, but not like I want it. I will probably add the ported TB when it is available too, but that won't do anything for sound.

What is the VR or am I just brain dead today??

[SGOS252382]

I always recommed guys get full catbacks. Why? Because half the guys that get axle backs end up getting catbacks later on.

So if you can swing it, I'd go with a full catback and never look back.

[awfarley]

Originally Posted by Roll_the_Dice

I am with you...I don't track mine and don't plan too. My only goal is to get it to 350HP or close to it albeit not rwhp...and I just want a much better sound. It sounds better with the CAI, but not like I want it. I will probably add the ported TB when it is available too, but that won't do anything for sound.

What is the VR or am I just brain dead today??

Vararam, a company that makes the nicest (IMO) intake for our cars.

Yeah, I do worry about getting an axle-back then changing my mind so I may just go cat-back to begin with.

[Stingray]

I'm also researching, literally almost everyday, on catback exhaust and cai for my 2012.
As for catbacks, I see that Corsa's is quite pricey (over 1K) while CNT's is only $395.
As for cai, I'm on the fence with either CAI's or Roto-Fab's.
Decisions decisions... but not in a rush.

[D20136]

Don't settle,I would wait and go with the cat-back,thats been my dilema getting a axle or cat back but I decided to save a little more cash and do it the way I think is the right way for me.

[Roll_the_Dice]

Originally Posted by awfarley

Vararam, a company that makes the nicest (IMO) intake for our cars.

Yeah, I do worry about getting an axle-back then changing my mind so I may just go cat-back to begin with.

Thanks, yeah I was brain dead. I wanted the VR too, but decided not to wait. I went with CAIs. Maybe in the future when VR makes it for LFX, maybe switch it out.

Originally Posted by Forty5th

I'm also researching, literally almost everyday, on catback exhaust and cai for my 2012.
As for catbacks, I see that Corsa's is quite pricey (over 1K) while CNT's is only $395.
As for cai, I'm on the fence with either CAI's or Roto-Fab's.
Decisions decisions... but not in a rush.

I looked at CAIs, RotoFab, and Vararam for cold air. VR was out since it isn't ready for the LFX, and I liked the look of the CAI better although Rotofab is nice too. I painted the lid on the CAI to match my car, which I like on top instead of the side like the rotofab...it came down to looks for me and I thought the CAI looked better IMHO.

[PalmerGA]

I'm not looking for max HP but I would like to get as much as easily attainable, with a nice sound. My impression from the various discussions here is that CAI intake and MRT V2 axle-backs will provide what I'm looking for. They are ordered and I am awaiting delivery.

I guess if I am not satisfied with the results I may upgrade to cat-backs and maybe add headers. I'm very satisfied with my factory 1LT setup, so I'm pretty sure the CAI & axle-backs will suffice. We'll see.

[awfarley]

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

I'm not looking for max HP but I would like to get as much as easily attainable, with a nice sound. My impression from the various discussions here is that CAI intake and MRT V2 axle-backs will provide what I'm looking for. They are ordered and I am awaiting delivery.

I guess if I am not satisfied with the results I may upgrade to cat-backs and maybe add headers. I'm very satisfied with my factory 1LT setup, so I'm pretty sure the CAI & axle-backs will suffice. We'll see.

You'll have to post some videos for sound. No headers for the LFX though :(

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by awfarley

You'll have to post some videos for sound. No headers for the LFX though :(

Yet...

[PalmerGA]

Well I got my MRT-V2 axlebacks yesterday and put them on today. I gotta tell you, I love the new sound. Deeper, ballsier, big sound when I step in it but not overpowering with normal acceleration/cruisin'. It's just what I wanted.

Waiting on CAI. Hoping it doesn't make things any (or much) louder. We shall see.

I have before and after audio files of idle and mild revs, but don't know how to post a .wav file. Any suggestions?

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

Yet...

Yeah, you let me know just what these "headers" will look like.

You do know what headers are, right? Just askin'.

John B.