performance of cat back system?

[ocbaud]

when i get a 99-04 gt mustang this summer, i'm wondering what is so special to warrent the price of cat back systems. I want to get a magnaflow system, but i dont like the idea of paying $400+ for it. Besides the mandrel bends, what would be the performance difference between getting a magnaflow catback system, and having a shop weld in some magnaflow mufflers in the stock location?

 

[my_03GT]

The cat-back is a nice piece, I bought the catted x and cat back at the same time two years ago. If I had to do over again I would just get the mufflers, and spend the extra on the mid pipe, or gears. Oh and little to no gain on a cat back. Maybe two or three HP.

 

[pdl2flr]

In my opinion, the cat-backs main benefit is sound and looks (tailpipes). If your looking for performance than a quality mid-pipe with or w/o cats is what I would get.

 

[streetstang03]

just get weld-ins and an o/r midpipe.

 

[myponyrocks]

I think my SLP killed some ponies, but if it did its worth the sound.

 

[Evenflow]

I got my Magnapack catback, not yet installed.
Alot of people say "get weld ins, blah blah", but there is definitely a difference between just getting mufflers, and a full catbck
What I looked at is, well I am getting 2.5" mandrel bent tubing, 3.5" tips, and the quality of Magnaflow. And I know that by going with the catback, im getting the more refined sound than just getting some magnapack mufflers, and throwing them on the 2.25" stock tubing.

...and knowing that when I do get blown, the 2.5" mandrel bent catback will be alot more free flowing than a 2.25" catback.

 

[dcarlson]

When the car is near-stock, just the mufflers works pretty good. But once you sart doing a lot of other modifications to increase the horsepower you will benefit from the increased flow from full mandrel-bent 2.5" pipes.

 

[csledd]

I put the Steeda Cat-back on my car along with SLP LTs and SLP O/R X-pipe. My car does not drone

The Steeda Cat-back is only 2.25" which is the same as stock, but 2.5" isn't always good. Since I have no cats I have lost A LOT of restriction which means I have also lost A LOT of low end power, but I have gained A LOT up high. I chose it mostly for the tailpipes (3.5" tips, shiny, and has Steeda logo) and also for the fact it is known for no drone.

 

[Ghostface]

If you get mufflers like flowmasters and tips, that'll probably be almost the price of a magnaflow catback ($300 if you call most places).

If you get cheaper mufflers and dont care for the looks of tailpipes, it'll probably save you alot. Dynomax is having $50 rebates on their ultraflo mufflers.. comes out to something like $20, I would take it if money was a big issue.. but heard mixed reviews about their sound.

 

[xseler8]

Buy it for the sound & look. My first mods were a shifter & cat back(Borla). They make the Stang more fun to drive.

 

[misterb]

I put the Steeda Cat-back on my car along with SLP LTs and SLP O/R X-pipe. My car does not drone

The Steeda Cat-back is only 2.25" which is the same as stock, but 2.5" isn't always good. Since I have no cats I have lost A LOT of restriction which means I have also lost A LOT of low end power, but I have gained A LOT up high. I chose it mostly for the tailpipes (3.5" tips, shiny, and has Steeda logo) and also for the fact it is known for no drone.

That's what's going in my 02 GT. Good to hear that it doesn't drone.