Can a cat-back exhaust system transform your car’s lackluster performance? A less-than-efficient exhaust system can reduce engine power by 10% to 20%. If this is the issue with your car, we recommend that you consider an upgrade.
In this post, the Performance Muffler team from Phoenix, AZ, discusses the benefits and types of cat-back systems. Read more about this innovation and why it can help you maximize your vehicle’s performance.
What Is a Cat-Back Exhaust System?
This is a modification of your standard exhaust pipe that facilitates better airflow. This system runs from the catalytic section to the exhaust tips and consists of the following:
- A pipe that connects the catalytic converter and muffler
- The exhaust tip
There are several modifications to the original design, including a mid-pipe and X, Y, or H-pipe. Each has advantages and disadvantages that our team can discuss with you if you want to learn more.
Why Install These Modifications?
Some upgrades are purely functional, and others are aesthetic. A cat-back exhaust system falls into both categories. It is both practical and enhances your enjoyment of your vehicle.
Better Horsepower
10% or 20% may not sound like much until you realize that it’s holding you back from experiencing your car’s full potential. Modifying the muffler with a cat-back exhaust system allows you to achieve maximum torque and horsepower.
It does this by having a larger diameter exhaust opening. The larger space facilitates better airflow, allowing your car to vent exhaust fumes more efficiently. You’ll notice the performance boost from the moment you drive off our premises.
This is a high-performance upgrade that incorporates a high-grade shaft. However, not all cars have the internal space or the right exhaust system for this modification. If your factory-fitted system restricts the airflow in any way, no modification will make a difference.
Therefore, we recommend bringing your vehicle in so that we can properly assess it. We may recommend a complete overhaul if your car will not benefit from a simple upgrade.
Saves You Money
How can a complete overhaul save you money? By allowing the air to flow more freely, the cat-back exhaust reduces the amount of work your engine must do. In the short term, this improves fuel economy.
In the long term, the lower resistance has an ancillary benefit. As the engine doesn’t work as hard, it lasts longer and is easier to maintain. Even though the torque increases and your car is more powerful, your fuel economy increases on city roads and freeways.
The benefit is that you can save a great deal of money by replacing your factory-fitted system, and the expense of installing this system pays for itself over the long term.
Therefore, replacing your factory-fitted system could save you money in the future, eventually, paying for itself in lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Unique Sound
Here’s the aesthetic benefit to which we referred earlier. A cat-back exhaust system can make your car purr like a kitten or roar like a lion. The key is to find the right style to fit your preferences.
How to Find the Right Cat-Back System
Cat-back systems fall into one of four categories depending on their design or the material from which manufacturers make them. Before deciding on an X or Y-pipe, you’ll need to determine which of these categories suits you best.
Single Exhaust
A single exhaust is a good budget option and is also a perfect starter system if you prefer to avoid flashy upgrades but want to benefit from better airflow. A single exhaust is affordable, light, and simple to install, making it a great alternative to a factory-fitted model.
Dual Exhaust
If one muffler improves performance, imagine the impact of having two. A dual exhaust is ideal if you have a sporty or powerful car and want to enhance its performance, look, and sound.
Different manufacturers have their own twist on the look, but there’s no denying that a dual exhaust is a sporty upgrade. If you like your car to growl, you’ll love this modification.
Dual Exit
A dual exit is ideal if you want the look of the dual exhaust but don’t have the money or space. However, it’s important to note that the dual exit has no additional impact on performance. In this respect, it functions as a single exhaust would, so if you want an additional boost, opt for a dual exhaust.
Cat-Back Material
When you know what type of cat-back system you want, you need to decide on the material from which to make it. You may choose between:
- Aluminum: Great for the budget conscious and those that need to modify their systems more than normal. It lasts longer than standard steel, weighs less, looks good, and is durable.
- Stainless Steel: If you want the best, stainless steel is worth the extra cost, although modifying them to fit a custom vehicle is difficult. That said, they are the most durable and won’t rust.
Contact Us About a Cat-Back Exhaust System in Phoenix, AZ, and Surrounding Areas
It’s frustrating when your car’s exhaust lets you down. That’s why we specialize in muffler systems in Peoria, Glendale, and Phoenix, AZ. At Performance Muffler, you get the best advice to maximize your car’s performance and fuel efficiency.
Speak to us about how a cat-back exhaust system can transform your car’s performance today! Call us at (602) 932-3159 to schedule your consultation and receive your free estimate.