Whats the difference in cat back, X or H exhaust system.

2001gt · 06-13-2002

What exactly is the difference, performance based, in a cat back system and an x or h pipe system. Is it true that the h and x pipe systems are not 50 state legal? And if not does anyone know if they are legal in North Carolina? Would running a cat back system such as Borla give me additional power without as much noise as the h or x pipe system?

StalkerStang · 06-13-2002

The cat-back system replaces everything from the catalytic converters back, hence the name cat-back system, it consists of flowtubes (from the H pipe to the mufflers), the mufflers, and the rest of the pipe out and new tail pipes. An H or X pipe is where the cats are, the offroad versions have no cats, and are not emmisions legal. Some H and X pipes have only 2 cats and are 50 state legal.

Running just a cat-back system with the stock H pipe will be quieter than a system with both an aftermarket H or X pipe and a cat-back exhaust. A cat-back system by its self should provide anywhere from 5-15 HP depending on the other mods you have on your Stang.

GTRaptor · 06-14-2002

The X is supposed to increase exhaust gas scavenging and results in more HP gains.

The X also acts like a muffler, reducing noise a bit.

Xs pipes are to be used with straight flow mufflers without chambers.

The X design was first introduced in NASCAR.

2001gt · 06-14-2002

Thanks for the information. I think I may go with the cat back system. Will this give me that deep rumble or do you only get that with the x or h pipe system? Does anyone have any information or opinions on the Borla system? Is it better than the others, like Flowmaster, or just cost more?

specter · 06-25-2002

My personal opinion is that you're buying the name when you go with Borla. They have awesome exhaust systems but are way to expensive. I live in GA and I'm about to upgrade my 98 with just a plan offroad Xpipe from Bassani. The offroad Xpipe will rid you of the MULTIPLE Cat and give you better performance at 1/2 the cost and it bolts right on. If you don't like the sound with stock mufflers then get some flowmasters or another aftermarket muffler ( for even more performance ). The Bassani offroad pipe runs $299, that Borla cat back is going to run you $560 ( last time I checked ). Like I said this is just my 2 cents, atleast this is the way I'm going to go.

2001gt · 06-25-2002

Is the offroad x-pipe going to pass emissions?