I know this has probably been beaten to death on here some where but i can not for the life of me figure out where the threads about it are. so i am trying to figure out what is the difference between a cat back exhaust and just the axle back? i physically know the difference but is there any kind of advantage like performance or sound? i found a set of borla s type catback exhaust for nearly the same price as the borla s type axle back and dont know if i should just go with the cat back for an extra 40 bux. please help

 

If you found a catback Borla for extra 40 bucks over axleback, then that's a hell of a deal, unless the axlebacks are priced over their MSRP.
Catback will give you a little HP boost, nothing major(2-10hp), but its there, but I think it applies only for catbacks with an X-pipe. Sound will be better, as catback will not have resonators, as stock exaust do.
Axleback is basically just mufflers you bolt on to your current exhaust system.
Dude, ****** that catback ASAP, you will be so happy when you get it put on in your car.

 

Catbacks are a worthwhile performance mod on some cars, but on our cars they really don't offer any noticeable advantage over an axleback performance wise because our exhaust is already true dual 2.5in pipe all the way back. That said, if you can get a catback that cheap you might as well do it so your exhaust looks better. haha

 

one thing to consider with a x pipe catback: x-piped cars sound drastically different than h-pipe crossovers...

x will most likely make a little more power, but the exhaust note will take on a 'bike-like' quality for lack of a better term...the 90 degree crankshaft in a 90 degree v8 no matter the firing order, one bank ends up with a double exhaust pulse...look at firing order not by number, but by bank- intake-intake-exhaust-exhaust the odd harmonics give the American V8 a distinct rumble...listen to a ferrari 180 degree crank 90 degree V8, it sounds like a motorcycle or indy car- smooth/even exhaust pulses, like 2 four cylinders in sync...X pipes smooth the exhaust pulses, and similarly give that european sound, more power or not, I still love that burbling harmonics you get with a non-x pipe...a h-pipe crossover helps power a little but leaves the low rpm rumble...just something to think about

 

thank y'all for the help, as soon as my tax return shows up in my account I'm definitely getting the borla cat back, cant wait