What is the Difference?

What is the difference between and Exhaust and a Muffler? And what does Cat Back mean?

[Addict]

An exhaust usually is referring to a cat-back system. A muffler is just the muffler.

Cat-back means from the catalytic convertor back. Meaning you replace that section with new piping.

Ohh ok. What do you recommend? Muffler or Exhaust (catback)?

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

I'd recommend a cat-back system, or you won't really gain any power.

[Addict]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX
I'd recommend a cat-back system, or you won't really gain any power.

Exactly....

Greddy is my choice as far as brands go.

[4jacks]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX
I'd recommend a cat-back system, or you won't really gain any power.

I'm going to disagree and quote a letter written to SCC.... well I'll just refer to it .. it's the May 2002 issue with the 240/silva on the cover... page 26...

Oh yeah.. to really answer your question
Exhaust is your complete piping and muffler from your headers to your muffler tip
Your muffler is part of your exhaust, ppl will often just put on a muffler for looks, a little sound, and VERY little performance.

Anyway, I've always been a big fan of the muffler of your Choice plus custom pipe bending. It's cheaper, you get the muffler style of your choice, and since the pipe is bent the same exacty way, the performance is the same.

in the letter this guy dyno'ed a 1.6l geo storm with first
stock 2" pipe
2.25" Pipe = 1.8 hp and 4.3 lb-ft torque GAIN over stock
2.5" pipe = 4.2hp and 4.6 lb-ft torque GAIN over stock

That's a big Hp jump out of a little .25" pipe increase!

Granted most Catback exhaust systems come with 2.5" or 3" pipe... which is undeniably GREAT... I'm going to go with 3" custom bent pipe , straight pipe the resonator, bore the cat, and get a Magnaflow dual 3" DTM style muffler.

I really like that muffler, and it will give me just as much gain as any catback system.

It's not often I'd disagree with 94_AcCoRd_EX so I'm expecting to be shot down here. So fire Away !

I know I'm new and all but with the catback aren't the welds really clean and smooth? I've been debating on going the custom route and it just seems more logical to go that route...


I am also wondering this

And I have a greddy dual dtm muffler...it sounds hella aggresive so aggresive cops...wanna gimme tickets :( dang them

Anyways, I have the original piping only because I'm replacing motor and don't wanna change piping till I get the new motor


a 2.5" would be best for a naturally aspirated car
a 3" would be best for a turbo'd car

least my .02 cents

OH something I forgot..

If you are going to have a lot of power you will either need to get a flex pipe welding on the piping (unless u have a lude and have one already) or get rubber hangers...either way it works