Topic: Cat-Back Buyer's Guide 2006

[bluedevil]

A good cat-back exhaust is one of the best performance items you can bolt onto your truck. Not only does it improve the sound, but if designed correctly, it can also slightly increase fuel economy and, in most cases, improve horsepower and torque. Why? Reducing backpressure is a major factor in how efficient your engine can operate. The more efficient, the more power it can produce; up to a point.

The key is to look for a system that is designed specifically for your truck and that has a muffler that makes the right type of sound you are looking for. Also, keep in mind that the materials used in a cat-back exhaust system, aluminized steel or stainless steel, will also determine the appearance and the longevity of your system.

One of the first things you will notice, is that there are many choices in the types of metal used for a typical cat-back exhaust system. Generally, steel tubing is used and the larger gauge tubing is always preferred over a thin piece of metal. The thickness of the metal is determined in Gauges and a 16-gauge steel tube is thinner than a 14-gauge steel tube. So the smaller the number, the thicker the steel. Most cat-back Exhaust Systems are made from 16-gauge steel and although this is a good thickness, steel has a tendency to rust. This is why in many instances manufacturers will use steel that has an aluminized coating. This prevents rust in moderate climate conditions and allows the tubing to last longer than if it was untreated.

Stainless steel is the hot ticket for Exhaust Systems if you want it to last indefinitely. It completely eliminates rust from the equation and is perfect for extreme climate conditions where water, snow and road salts can eat up unprotected steel. There are two kinds of stainless steel that are used on cat-back Exhaust Systems and that affect the overall price. The first is T-304 stainless, which is one of the best grades of stainless steel available for exhaust systems. It remains pristine due to its high levels of nickel content, so a polished, T-304 stainless steel system is a show quality system, too. The disadvantage is its cost. Any exhaust that is made from T-304 stainless steel is more expensive and this is the reason why some manufacturers have gone to 406-grade stainless steel. This grade of stainless has incredible rust resistance but it oxidizes quickly when exposed to air and thus gives a yellowish haze. Nevertheless, it is a slightly less expensive alternative.

Aside from increased horsepower and torque that you will receive from a cat-back exhaust, it is a great upgrade if you tow a boat, trailer. Typically, installing a high-flow exhaust system will typically yield anywhere from as little as 8-10 horsepower increase from a stock, late-model engine, to as much as 20-horsepower increase on some models. The increased power is typically at the lower-end of the engine’s RPM range, giving you more power to tow or pull when you need it. Of course the overall performance gain depends on the restrictions in the factory exhaust system. Not all give the same inreases in horsepower and torque, as some factory Exhaust Systems are better than others.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right cat-back exhaust system is to look at each one individually. You will also have to decide how long you want to keep your truck, how much performance do you really need from it and your overall budget. Furthermore, you can also go to various shows and events to listen to what a similar vehicle sounds with a particular exhaust system. After all, it’s great to have power you can feel as well as hear.



Bassani Xhaust
With a large line of car and truck exhaust systems, Bassani Xhaust designs and builds its own line of mufflers. All of their systems are made from 406 grade stainless steel for longevity and resistance to corrosion. They also offer lower price systems made from 16-gauge aluminized steel.
Info: 2900 E. La Jolla, Anaheim, CA 92806. (714) 630-1821
Tubing Materials: Mandrel bent stainless steel and aluminized steel
Systems: Mandrel bent stainless and aluminized steel; Single and dual systems; Available in diameters up to 4-inch. Gas & Diesel.
Muffler Style: Sound absorption with baffles. Stainless steel and aluminized.
Editor’s Notes: This company is very popular with the truck crowd and they have a popular header and exhaust system. One of the most popular is the side exhaust that exits in front of the passenger side rear tires. This is much like the Ford Lightning system and many truck enthusiasts love the sound and power that this system makes. The use of stainless steel and a custom muffler however makes these systems a bit pricy, but many truck owners believe it is worth the added cost.



Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Billy Boat Performance Exhaust is one of the few that specifically manufactures a custom muffler for each application. Their systems incorporate extensive dyno testing and the mufflers combine both baffle and sound absorbing technology.
Info: 23045 N. 15th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85207. (623) 581-7600
Systems: Mandrel bent stainless steel; Available in diameters up to 4-inch; Single and dual systems; Gas & Diesel.
Muffler Style: Combination baffled and sound absorption; stainless steel.
Editor’s Notes: Owned by former Indy Car driver Billy Boat, he uses Indy Car techniques to make large horsepower gains through his line of stainless steel exhaust systems. Dodge truck owners love the Hemi Ram system and the system for the SRT-10. The B&B Exhaust Systems are some of the highest quality around and the price reflects this.



Borla Performance
A long-time industry leader in the exhaust business, Borla invented the term cat-back exhaust and has only made his systems out of the finest 304 stainless steel.
Info: 5901 Edison Dr., Oxnard, CA 93033. (805) 986-8600.
Systems: Mandrel bent T-304 aircraft grade stainless steel, Available in diameters up to 4-inch; Single and dual systems; Gas & Diesel.
Muffler Style: Sound absorption; stainless steel.
Editor’s Notes: Borla mufflers use a sound-absorption method with stainless fibers within the unit and their systems also incorporate inter cooled Exhaust Tips that easily identify this company’s systems. The company manufactures a very high-quality exhaust system that is relatively quiet, but has a nice-throaty sound. Due to the fact that the systems are made from T-304 stainless, the prices are a bit high, but the systems will last the life of the vehicle.



Corsa Performance
Manufacturers of 406 stainless steel Exhaust Systems for cars and trucks. The exhausts provide a rich tone without any in-cab resonance. The company is also famous for their exclusive line of Exhaust Tips that finish off the system.
Info:140 Blaze Industrial Pkwy, Berea, OH 44017., (800) 891-0999
Systems: Mandrel bent stainless steel; Single and dual systems; Available in diameters up to 4-inches.Gas & Diesel.
Muffler style: Reflective sound technology, stainless steel.
Editor’s Notes: These systems use a finely Tuned exhaust that incorporates a patented sound reflective system muffler. Several custom truck tuners prefer to use the Corsa exhaust sytems. These are high-quality manufactured systems that not only have a unique sound they also look good and provide excellent performance gains.



Dynomax
Dynomax Performance Exhaust has developed a new line of performance cat-back Exhaust Systems that are manufactured from 3-inch, mandrel bent tubing and feature the DynoMax Super Turbo Muffler and a polished 304 stainless steel exhaust tip. The Dynomax Performance Exhaust Systems are easy to install and affordable and utilize factory hangars. The company manufactures these systems for GM, Ford, Dodge, and Import trucks and sport utility vehicles,
Info: One International Drive, Monroe, MI 48161. (734) 384-7806.
System: Mandrel bent stainless steel and aluminized; Available in diameters up to 4-inch; Single and dual systems available. Gas & Diesel.
Muffler style: Sound absorption; Aluminized and stainless steel.
Editor’s Notes:DynoMax has a long history of making performance exhaust systems. The company’s stainless steel units are exceedingly more popular as they are less expensive than other brands and include the company’s famous Super Turbo muffler. Most Chevy and Ford owners like the performance gains and the price of the DynoMax systems and many sport utility owners like the performance sound and the fact that there is no resonance in the cab with these systems.



Flowmaster Inc.
Flowmaster has a line of Big-block systems make the most power but have a louder sound, while their SUV line is a bit quieter, but still makes good power. All of their systems are 16-gauge aluminized steel and most enthusiasts agree that this is still the best sounding system on the market.
Info: 100 Stony Point Rd., Suite 125, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401. (800) 544-4761
Systems: Mandrel bent aluminized and stainless steel. Single and dual systems; Available in diameters up to 4-inches. Gas & Diesel.
Muffler style: Baffled; aluminized and stainless steel.
Editor’s Notes: At one time every muscle car had to have a set of Flowmaster mufflers on it. The company has expanded its line of baffle-style mufflers to incorporate units and cat-back systems for trucks and SUVs. Their 40 and 50-series systems are some of the best sounding systems on the market. Chevy and Dodge truck owners love the sound of these systems make and the performance gains are also good.



Gibson Performance
If this company doesn’t have your application, then it isn’t available. Gibson Performance Exhaust also manufactures header systems and they use two specific muffler designs for their systems that provide good power and performance.
Info:1270 Webb Cir., Corona, CA 92879.
Systems: Mandrel bent aluminized and stainless steel; Single and dual systems; Available in diameters up to 4-inches. Gas & Diesel.
Muffler style: Baffled; aluminized, T-304 stainless steel.
Editor’s Notes: Gibson has one of the largest application listings of any other exhaust company and they manufacture their Exhaust Systems from aluminized 16-gauge steel or 406 stainless. The company’s Exhaust Systems are some of the most popular on the market and they have the widest variety of applications available. They utilize two types of mufflers for improved flow or sound characteristics and the system’s affordable price makes them a good choice for many truck enthusiasts.




Magnaflow Performance
Magnaflow Performance Exhaust is the premiere manufacturer of catalytic converters in the world. When they got into exhaust systems, the quality and testing procedures had to be first rate. Their systems are also thoroughly dyno tested and they feature a sound absorbing, high-flow muffler.
Info: 22961 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. (800) 990-0905
Systems: Mandrel bent stainless steel; Single and dual systems available in sizes up to 5-inch in diameter. Gas & Diesel.
Muffler style: Sound absorption; stainless steel
Editor’s Notes: Magnaflows systems are all manufactured from 406 stainless steel and the company has a large line of applications for cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. The Exhaust Systems are manufactured to high-quality standards and can often be found on many show vehicles. Their systems make excellent power increases and are a little more expensive than most, but are definitely well worth it.



Pacesetter Performance
Manufacturer of the popular Monza Exhaust Systems of the sixties and seventies, this company has also developed Exhaust Systems for late-model trucks and SUVs under the TFX name. The systems are made from 16-gauge aluminized steel and come with a 406 stainless steel Exhaust tip welded on to the tailpipe.
Info: 2841 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85234. (602) 266-1964
Systems: TFX line-Mandrel bent aluminized steel; Available in sizes up to 3-inch in diameter; Single exit only; Gas only.
Predator Line – Mandrel bent aluminized steel; Available in sizes up to 2-1/4-inch in diameter, Dual exit only; Gas
Muffler style: TFX- sound absorption; Predator-baffled
Editor’s Notes: Pacesetter Performance is a good inexpensive system that easily bolts together for good performance and sound. The company uses its own style of sound absorption muffler that provides low restriction at an affordable price. The company’s Predator line uses a baffled muffler with a dual exit for the dual appearance.

[TheBiz]

Does anyone know where yo get sound clips? I'm looking into a cat-back for the AV, but I'm unsure what I want. Nothing too loud, just something to deepin' her up a bit.

My TA has an X-pipe and 18" bullet mufflers. I know loud, and I don't want that for the AV. Mellow and low, thats the ticket.  O0

[bluedevil]

I run with Flowmaster 40 and Gibson headers.

Heres my soundclip. Make sure your speakers are "ON".

http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewvehicle.php?id=2170

I used  to run with FM 70. 3 months later i upgraded to 40. I wanted a deeper sound. Now is a lot deeper after the new headers.

[Strobin]

I run with Flowmaster 40 and Gibson headers.

Heres my soundclip. Make sure your speakers are "ON".

http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewvehicle.php?id=2170

I used run with FM 70. 3 months later i upgraded to 40. I wanted a deeper sound. Now is a lot deeper after the new headers.

That's probably the next step for the AV . . . headers and duals maybe

[justJR]

I run Gibson cat-backs off of the foactory hangers and it's pretty quiet inside the truck but if your on the right side when I'm on it it tends to bark a bit.