Performance & Purr: Benefits of a Cat Back System

An exhaust system is a little more complex than a simple series of pipes that leads fumes from the combustion chamber to the tailpipe. There are all kinds of intricate bends along the way, and they can be broken up into a surprising number of parts.

The good news is that you can swap out everything from the block to the bumper with high-flowing, better sounding, and more resilient parts. So, why does everyone seem to jump right to a cat-back system instead of a header-back or even axle-back combo? Well, the reasons are actually pretty simple.

The Goldilocks of Exhaust

In the land of exhaust systems, a header-back setup invariably brings the most to the table. This is because the upgrade essentially reworks every part of the system aside from the headers. You enjoy maximum flow and the best sound improvements. But at what cost? Well, uh, a high one. These systems are expensive, and they can interfere with factory emissions equipment which may prevent the vehicle from being road legal.

Axle-back setups are another solution. While affordable, these systems are only available for select vehicles – and they only upgrade a very small portion of the exhaust. However, since they usually replace the muffler, you can expect a change in exhaust note, but… not much else. If anything, you’ll enjoy very minor flow improvements.

Cat-back systems land nicely in the middle: noticeable performance gains and sound improvements, fair pricing, and a rather straightforward installation. Cat-back systems leave all of your factory emissions components in place, but still replace a massive portion of the exhaust. Therefore, only a small compromise is made to flow, and the majority of your system is built for max performance.

A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converter and back — hence the name. Generally, the system consists of a rear-pipe, a resonator, and a muffler. Some systems include a mid-pipe, X-pipe, H-pipe, or Y-pipe, which help to equalize exhaust pressure and improve performance. (They also happen to have a direct influence on exhaust note. For example, X-pipes tend to create a high-pitched sound, while H-pipes offer a deeper, more muscular note.)

A Quality Upgrade

A cat-back exhaust system delivers several upgrades over factory equipment. We suggest turning to a reliable aftermarket brand when seeking a replacement, and asking pointed questions about material, fitment, warranty and sound.

Not sure where to start? Check out this handy Aftermarket Exhaust System Buying Guide for a crash course in exhaust upgrades. Learn about the different types of systems, how they affect performance and sound, and how to narrow down your search.

More Power

Aftermarket systems are specifically designed to provide better flow than a stock exhaust system. This basically means your engine can breathe a little easier — thereby releasing more horsepower and torque. Just remember that a cat-back system is only as good as your vehicle’s factory catalytic converters. So, if the stock equipment is already restrictive, then the aftermarket upgrade can only do so much.

However, if those cats can handle flowing a large amount of exhaust gas, then your engine can enjoy a little break. It won’t have to work as hard to push exhaust, resulting in better efficiency and performance — as well as increased fuel economy.

Great Sound

Another benefit of upgrading to a quality cat-back system is a noticeable improvement in your vehicle’s sound. Do your homework here, because cat-back systems can range from a deep, throaty growl to full-on wake-up-the-neighborhood screaming.

Generally, cat-back shoppers opt for either a glasspack or straight-through muffler. Glasspacks offer very little sound absorption, so you should expect a loud exhaust note with a very distinct, slightly higher pitch tone.

By comparison, straight-through mufflers (sometimes called flow-through) use perforated baffles with sound-absorbing packing material. This delivers a more mellow sound at cruising speed and idle, and then an aggressive deep tone at wide-open throttle.

Easy Install

While custom fabrication is always an option – and in fact, might be the only way to go if you’re tackling a high-end build – any money you save on DIY, you’re spending in time. Building a custom exhaust requires much more than slapping a few off-the-shelf pipes underneath the vehicle. You need intricate bends, specific flanges, and those hangers can be a nightmare to make on your own.

A quality cat-back system does away with all of those issues, because company engineers already worked through the details. You may need to crawl under the car and apply some elbow grease — and you should probably have a buddy in the garage with you for extra muscle and safety — but, essentially, everything bolts right up in place of the factory system using basic tools. Additionally, when you buy a complete system, you’ll find all the necessary parts included in the kit.

DIY-Friendly

It’s worth noting that just because you purchase a complete exhaust kit, doesn’t mean you are beholden to that system forever. After installation, you can swap out parts just as you could with factory exhaust. Mufflers not doing the trick? Move to something else. Looking to make some performance moves? Changing those restrictive factory manifolds to shorty headers can really add some power to the mix.

NEW SpeedFX Cat-Back Systems

If you’re looking for a fairly-priced system with solid performance and reliability, check out SpeedFX’s new cat-back system.

CNC-manufactured for a precise fit, these systems look as good as they perform. Plus, they feature a MaxFlow Extreme Muffler to remind you what an engine should sound like. Built from T304 stainless steel, they won’t pit or rust, but SpeedFX tacks on a lifetime warranty anyway. Really, what more could you want? Who knows, but the precision stainless welds, optional side or rear exits, and classy mandrel bends probably meet your criteria.

As of right now, SpeedFX’s offerings are just starting, but they do cover all the sweet stuff. At this moment, systems are available for Ford, GM, Dodge, and Toyota half-ton trucks. Of course, Jeep is also a part of the lineup with JK and JL support.

To learn more about SpeedFX’s new cat-back exhaust, click here.