[karls513]

Hey everyone. I have had my 13 GT for about a year now and the mod bug has bitten. I wanted to pick your brain regarding axle back VS cat back. My car only has about 10,000 miles so I don't need a whole cat back system, but wondering if there are any performance gains to be had VS just an axle back? I don't intend to do any racing so this is mostly about the sound, but I also don't mind spending the extra $$ if there is value in it. From exhausts I have heard so far I am leaning toward the Borla S type. Roush sounds nice as well ( not sure of they even make a complete cat back though ). Your input is much appreciated.

 

[gonzo_red12]

Others may have a different opinion but unless you going with some sort of boosted set up I don't think you will get any performance out of a cat back. If you want a good sound go axle back. If you want a good sound and some performance go with an axle back and either a x or h pipe. If you want more than that delete the resonators. And if you still want more then get a offroad x/h pipe. 2.75 is adequate for what these motors produce naturally aspirated. My 0.02


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[Mustang concept]

If your about just sound and no hp gain go axleback but if you was a little hp gain and you feel like you want to do engine mods one day then I would go catbacks. The cats have a bigger mid pipe and some cat back options come with xpipes. I went cats so one day I wouldn't be upset when I had to go back and install cats after I installed axes to do engine mods

 

[Tim Comer]

Go axleback first. Want a little more sound? Cut out the resonators and replace with straight pipe.

 

[jbt56]

From an insider at one of the best-known performance exhaust companies, their axle-back exhausts provide around 8 HP on a 5.0 Mustang, while the full 3-inch cat-back exhausts add around 15-18 HP. Those numbers apply to the entire curve, too- not just the peak.
The full systems are also better for those adding blowers, etc.

 

[Tim Comer]

On an stock car, most test of axle backs show minimal gains at best. Catbacks do show a few horsepower gains, but not much more than a few ponies. And only at the higher RPM range. The catback systems get those gains because they don't have resonators in the system. The ones that do have resonators have larger diameter ones. Their resonators are not necked down like the stock ones. You can save money by just getting the stock resonators cut out.

 

[karls513]

Thanks everyone for your input. I was thinking there probably isn't a huge gain, especially if replacing the stock resonators with a straight pipe. For those of you that removed the resonators how much louder did it make the system? Just curious what to expect if I go that route. Stock system actually has a decent sound, but way too quiet.

 

[amad]

Thanks everyone for your input. I was thinking there probably isn't a huge gain, especially if replacing the stock resonators with a straight pipe. For those of you that removed the resonators how much louder did it make the system? Just curious what to expect if I go that route. Stock system actually has a decent sound, but way too quiet.

I had mine cut out yesterday and straight pipe welded in. I have the GT500 axle-backs. I am very pleased with the added volume. It's not obnoxiously loud, but a much better rumble. Go for it.

 

[Troponin]

From a performance stand point, the catted H Pipes are the biggest hp robber in the entire system, exhaust manifold is second. Axle backs are purely for sound, because the stock mufflers actually flow well. If you bolt on an off road X pipe, you will gain sound and an ok increase in hp with a tune.

 

[gfresh6969]

If you plan on adding more mods, get the full catback. Gives you a better flowing exhaust system and will help you net a few HP in conjunction with all other mods.