The Difference Between a Cat-Back Exhaust System and Axle-Back Exhaust System

The Difference Between a Cat-Back Exhaust System and Axle-Back Exhaust System 

Have you been looking for ways to improve your car’s energy efficiency and fuel economy? If so, you’ve probably explored countless after-market engine, exhaust, and transmission upgrades for your car. Choosing the right upgrades for your vehicle remains challenging, so always seek help from trained muffler professionals for further assistance. 

Cat-back exhaust systems remain one of the most popular after-market upgrades for cars in Arizona. Slight alterations to your car’s stock exhaust system can have long-lasting financial and performance benefits. For example, a cat-back exhaust system allows a better flow of emissions, reducing pressure build-up throughout your engine and exhaust piping. 

Professional muffler experts can completely replace your stock exhaust system in less than one day. Axle-back exhaust systems require even less time to install but may not provide the performance enhancements of superior cat-back exhaust systems. This blog explores the pros and cons of cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems, helping Maricopa County residents choose the highest-functioning exhaust upgrades possible. 

Understanding Exhaust Systems 

Your car’s exhaust system contains various parts, tubing, sensors, and components that direct unused gas and emissions from your vehicle. Without exhaust systems, burnt fuel, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide would build up under your car’s hood, eventually finding their way into your vehicle’s cabin and interior. Durable steel piping expels hazardous pollutants from your car’s engine, protecting drivers from carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. 

Catalytic converters perform the additional function of turning harmful emissions into non-toxic, breathable emissions. For example, catalytic converters convert harmful nitrogen oxide elements into separate nitrogen and oxygen molecules. Since the Clean Air Act passed in 1986, all cars manufactured and produced in the United States must include a catalytic converter. 

Additional benefits of your car’s exhaust system include: 

  • Reduces noise pollution 
  • Muffles fuel combustion sounds
  • Reduces carbon emissions
  • Improves fuel efficiency 
  • Supports optimal engine performance 

Now that you understand exhaust system fundamentals, you can make an informed decision when choosing between cat-back exhaust systems and axle-back systems. Whether you opt for cat-back or axle-back systems, you can expect long-term benefits. Always work with licensed, insured, highly-trained muffler repair experts when altering stock car parts to avoid personal injuries or damage to your vehicle. 

Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

A cat-back exhaust system in Phoenix remains the preferred choice among Maricopa County residents. Cat-back exhaust kits include multiple parts to replace most of your car’s exhaust system. Almost all cat-back exhaust systems replace stock mid-pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, and exhaust tips.

Replacing your entire exhaust system has countless benefits, as stock exhausts often lack the durability and performance of after-market products. Car manufacturers do not design stock exhaust systems for improved fuel economy or performance, focusing instead on making exhaust pipes less noisy, heavy, and bulky. After-market cat-back exhaust systems add much-needed performance boosts to standard-issue cars and trucks. 

The many benefits of cat-back exhaust systems include the following: 

Better Fuel-Efficiency 

Most 4-cylinder vehicles use a series of camshafts, timing belts, crankshafts, and pistons to convert fuel-air mixtures into energy for your moving car. Car engines create tremendous amounts of energy, pressure, and by-products, requiring exhaust systems to deliver unused oxygen, pressure, and fumes out of your car. Wide-piped cat-back systems make exhaust expulsion easier, preventing your car from burning excess fuel. 

Overworked, narrow exhaust systems force engines to burn more fuel, increasing gas-fill-up frequency and reducing the RPMs and MPGs of vehicles. Cat-back exhausts include wider diameter piping and mandrel-bent pipes designed to improve fuel efficiency and airflow.

Improved Exhaust Notes

Does the sound of your current exhaust system disappoint you? Cat-back exhaust systems improve your car’s sound, giving you the rich purr every car owner desires. Cat-back exhausts’ wide-diameter piping and innovative exhaust tips transform average-sounding cars into high-performance driving machines. 

Muffler experts can fully customize cat-back mufflers and tailpipes to your exact specifications, giving you greater control over exhaust notes. Additionally, exhaust system professionals offer generous warranties for after-market products, saving you from the hassle and expenses of DIY exhaust replacement. 

Improved Aesthetics

Nothing beats the stunning appearance of newly installed cat-back exhaust systems. Crafted from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless and aluminized steel, cat-back exhausts immediately increase your car’s value and appearance. Choose from countless styles, designs, and color options to significantly improve the overall appearance of your vehicle. 

Axel-Back Exhaust Systems 

Axel-back exhausts remain a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly vehicle upgrade. Parts included in an axle-back exhaust system include a small section of piping, a muffler, and exhaust tips. Unlike cat-back exhaust systems, axle-back exhausts only replace components from your car’s rear axle. 

Axel-back systems provide modest improvements to fuel efficiency and exhaust notes but fail to match a cat-back system’s performance enhancements. High-performance vehicles require the wide-diameter piping offered by cat-back systems. However, if you seek affordable improvements for a damaged exhaust system, axle-back exhausts can help tremendously. 

With fewer new parts to install, muffler experts can perform axle-back installations in very little time. Drive confidently by speaking with your local exhaust experts in Maricopa County for more information about exhaust repair, replacement, and maintenance. 

Exceptional Exhaust Enhancements in Arizona 

Performance Muffler has proudly served Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas since 2007. Our highly-trained team offers exhaust repair and replacement, catalytic converter services, and cat-back exhaust installation at affordable prices. Call Performance Muffler at (602) 691-6494 to speak with our friendly, knowledgeable staff and discover the benefits of cat-back exhaust systems today! 

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