What is Axleback and Catback difference?

[Barronviper1]

Im looking for a complete exhaust system and I keep looking at axle back systems and catback systems, but I DONT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!! Its sad being that I have a lot of technical experience and this little thing is killing me. I Have the headers and Down pipe but i want to change the rest of the exhaust in one complete brand. So someone help me out!!!

[Graphite]

An axleback replaces just the rear section (muffler) while a cat back includes the mid pipe (all piping from the catalytic converter back).

[Barronviper1]

Thanks for the help, I did not want to spend to much money on a partial system. I cant believe I could not figure it out cause I was like maybe its the front axles they're talking about cause there really are no rear axles on the tc, but then I was like.. the cat is also in the front! WTF!!! Two names for the same thing?!!! But I know now thanks.

[Soulbane]

Unfortunately for the tC, the cat-back system is a tricky one, being that traditional cat-back systems replace all piping from the final factory catalytic converter back.

Unfortuantely for the tC all Cat-back systems actually replace the final factory cat, so if you live in a state where emissions is pretty stingy, you may want to reconsider your options.

[Barronviper1]

Well Im a rebel and dont really care about the state laws when it comes to performance. Usually before an emissions test I swap all the stuff out anyways. So what companies out there actually make a system that attaches to the downpipe back? Besides Megan and Agency Power?

[Graphite]

are you looking for just the downpipe? if so i think just those 2 companies. the megan racing b pipe is supposed to be good - plus it attaches to mostly any of the axleback kits out there so you can have a full custom exhaust with whatever company you go with.

on my last car i had piping custom bent and fitted with a universal tenzo mufler and a banzai hi flowing pre muffler/resonator. it had a great deep tone and wasn't raspy or overly loud at all, and it only cost me a grand total of $300 (versus $400+ with the pre made kits). i may just do that route again....

[navylife59]

They make race (metal) highflow catalytic convertors that can be added to any setup. I would suggest steering clear of Megan Racing exhaust products. They are bad juju.

[Soulbane]

I say get a quality axleback (GReddy/HKS/Apex etc) A quality S-Pipe (I'd go with Invidia) and a custom built mid-pipe to your specificiations.

[navylife59]

That is the best route to go.