What is a Cat back Exhaust System?

If you’re not satisfied with the performance or sound of your vehicle, you might consider adding a performance cat back exhaust. You can order these systems for hundreds of different cars and trucks. But what are they, exactly – and more importantly, are they worth it? The automotive experts at MRT have the answers to all your questions about cat back exhausts.

How a Cat back Exhaust Works

Cat back car exhaust systems consist of all the parts that are normally installed after the catalytic converter. In most vehicles, this section includes the mid-pipe, resonator, muffler, tailpipe and exhaust tips. Aftermarket cat backs usually have wider-diameter tubing, smoother bends and higher-flow mufflers than a stock exhaust. These design features reduce backpressure so the exhaust gases flower more efficiently to improve performance.

When considering a cat back replacement, there are single and dual exhausts. Most factory systems are single-pipe systems, making these swaps easier. Dual exhausts have bigger performance gains and can help with engine cooling but are more expensive and more likely to rust.

Cat back vs. Axle back Exhaust

Those who are replacing their exhausts typically have a choice between a cat back or axle back system. While the cat back swaps out everything behind the catalytic converter, an axle back exhaust changes out the parts behind the rear axles. This means only the muffler, tailpipe and tips are replaced while the stock mid-pipe and resonator remain in place. Although these systems are less expensive than cat backs, their performance benefits are more limited. If you own a car with a turbocharger, you also have the option of a turbo-back exhaust system.

Benefits of Cat back Exhausts

There are many advantages of a cat back exhaust. Since the exhaust flow is increased through nearly the entire system, you get a significant horsepower and torque boost compared to both factory stock and axle back exhausts. They produce a deeper, louder and more aggressive tone for those who care about maximum sound. You also reduce the vehicle’s weight which improves acceleration and fuel economy.

On the other hand, cat backs cost much more than an axle back system since more parts are being replaced. Other cons of cat back exhausts are that installation is more time-consuming, may be more difficult and can cause effects such as buzzing and rattling if not done properly.

In some cases, a cat back may not be offered for a particular vehicle. However, if an axle back exhaust and either an H-pipe, X-pipe or resonator delete are available, you can combine them for a makeshift cat back exhaust.

MRT Cat back Systems

Our engineers have developed cat back exhausts for many of the most popular high-performance vehicles and off-road drivers, including the Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Dodge Durango SRT, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru WRX. Each system is handcrafted from T304 stainless steel that is tuned to the DNA of your ride. And unlike some other systems that are excessively complicated, our American-made cat back exhausts take 60-90 minutes to install using standard shop tools. Shop today and see how a cat back will help you Hear the Difference, Feel the Performance and Get Noticed.