CAT BACK VS AXLE BACK - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

cregship · 04-16-2017, 10:20 PM

Hey everyone ,
I would like everyone's opinion on whether to go with the Catback or Axle back exhaust. I know that the Axleback is the less expensive but I want to know if their is a Horse power advantage with either install or if their is alot of drone with either one. Thanks in advance for your responses.

davidscamaro · 04-16-2017, 10:41 PM

Go catback if you want over 2.5" pipe for the most of the exhaust system , if your ok with 2.5" pipes axle back is all you need. If you go 2.5" cat back it's a waste of money compared to axle back kit , 2.5" is good for 600whp 3" is for over 600whp

drew peacock · 04-16-2017, 10:47 PM

i had zero drone with my borla cat back..it was perfect..

BlazeNGlory · 04-16-2017, 11:15 PM

Minimal to no drone with the Magnaflow axleback exhaust. Didn't notice any performance gains .

rontammy0 · 04-16-2017, 11:30 PM

Zero difference in performance.

prod · 04-16-2017, 11:37 PM

If you want performance gain then its full exhaust with headers. If you want more sound then get the axle back.
I don't see the value in a catback while keeping the stock exhaust manifolds, other than losing the ugly resonator.

OlePhu · 04-23-2017, 10:29 AM

I went Magnaflow axle back for 2 reasons. The previous owner had done a muffler delete and I didn't like the sound so I spoke to my mechanic and he wanted to do cat backs for about $1200. I found a muffler guy and he suggested oval axle back ... for about $350. Don't know about increase in HP but it sounds better...not much drone either. Hi flow cats may help but I'll defer to someone who knows what they're talking about. It really depends on your preference but now I have money left for a CAI and a catch can.

04-16-2017, 10:20 PM	#1
cregship Drives: 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS RED Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: PALM CITY, FL Posts: 14 View My Garage	CAT BACK VS AXLE BACK Hey everyone , I would like everyone's opinion on whether to go with the Catback or Axle back exhaust. I know that the Axleback is the less expensive but I want to know if their is a Horse power advantage with either install or if their is alot of drone with either one. Thanks in advance for your responses.

04-16-2017, 10:41 PM	#2
davidscamaro Drives: 2010 SS/RS M6 BIG cam Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: McDonald's DT Posts: 857	Go catback if you want over 2.5" pipe for the most of the exhaust system , if your ok with 2.5" pipes axle back is all you need. If you go 2.5" cat back it's a waste of money compared to axle back kit , 2.5" is good for 600whp 3" is for over 600whp __________________ BIG cam ...... 305 45 18 Mickys ...... BMR suspensions

04-16-2017, 11:15 PM	#4
BlazeNGlory Drives: 2011 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: So Cal Posts: 216 View My Garage	Minimal to no drone with the Magnaflow axleback exhaust. Didn't notice any performance gains . __________________ Hotchkis Lowering Springs, Pfadt Balance Rear Sway Bar, BMR End Links, Cadillac ATS Front Brembo 4-Piston Brakes, VMAX Ported Throttle Body, VMAX Ice-olator, Volant Cold Air Intake, Magnaflow Resonated X-Pipe, Magnaflow Axle-Back Exhaust, JEGS Exhaust Cutouts, GM Strut Tower Brace, Hurst Comp Shifter, Heritage Front Grill, 3D Carbon Front Air Dam, T-Rex Lower Billet Grill, 3D Carbon Front Vendor Vents, 20x9 OEM Polished RS/SS Wheels Front & Rear

04-16-2017, 10:47 PM	#3
drew peacock Banned Drives: 2012 2SS INFERNO ORANGE Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: sweden Posts: 1,843	i had zero drone with my borla cat back..it was perfect..

04-16-2017, 11:30 PM	#5
rontammy0 Account Suspended Drives: 2011 2SS/ RS INFERNO ORANGE L99 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alliston Ontario Canada Posts: 9,057 View My Garage	Zero difference in performance.

04-16-2017, 11:37 PM	#6
prod Drives: HHR Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: GTA ON CA Posts: 451	If you want performance gain then its full exhaust with headers. If you want more sound then get the axle back. I don't see the value in a catback while keeping the stock exhaust manifolds, other than losing the ugly resonator.

04-23-2017, 10:29 AM	#7
OlePhu Oldskool Drives: 2013 Camaro LS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Treasure Coast FL Posts: 166 View My Garage	I went Magnaflow axle back for 2 reasons. The previous owner had done a muffler delete and I didn't like the sound so I spoke to my mechanic and he wanted to do cat backs for about $1200. I found a muffler guy and he suggested oval axle back ... for about $350. Don't know about increase in HP but it sounds better...not much drone either. Hi flow cats may help but I'll defer to someone who knows what they're talking about. It really depends on your preference but now I have money left for a CAI and a catch can.