Like many 6th generation Ford Mustang owners, you want to squeeze every last drop of horsepower and all the extra performance attributes out of your car. You probably have already tweaked the engine with a cold air intake, and maybe you’ve added some flashy new calipers. But what about the exhaust system?
Choosing the “best” exhaust system for your isn’t exactly easy. Much like Coke vs Pepsi or McDonald’s vs Burger King, the exhaust system for 6th generation Ford Mustangs usually comes down to the current “great debate” within the Mustang community: axle-back exhaust or cat-back exhaust?
Thankfully, with PFYC.com, you really can’t go wrong. As long as you’re getting top-quality specialty Mustang parts – and our entire inventory includes great products at outstanding prices – the cat-back vs axle-back dilemma doesn’t have a “wrong” choice; it’s more a matter of personal preference.
Cat-Back Exhaust vs Axle-Back Exhaust Systems: Every One’s a Winner
Before we get started, let’s just put it out there: there are no real winners and losers in the cat back vs axle back exhaust debate. Depending on your particular needs at the moment, both cat back and axle back exhaust systems have their benefits. What ultimately determines whether you should pick a cat back or axle back exhaust?
There are many factors that will help you make your decision, including:
- Budgetary concerns. If you’re simply looking for an upgrade – somehow, someway – but don’t have a ton of money to spend, an axle back exhaust provides the best bang for your buck. Since the axle back configuration contains less components – more on that in a minute – you’ll pay less for material. Of course, both axle back and cat back exhausts at PFYC are priced for optimal value, so you’ll always save money here!
- Defective parts. Let’s say only your muffler needs replaced. In this case, an axle back exhaust makes the most sense (and will save you dollars and cents, as we saw in the previous section). But if your intermediate pipe (leading out of the catalytic converter) is rusty, and your tailpipe has seen better days, it’s a no-brainer: go with the cat back system. At the end of the day, your car’s current condition is one of the most important factors to consider.
- Time constraints. If you’re pressed for time and would like to install your exhaust upgrade yourself, it’s hard to beat an axle back exhaust. But if you have a Saturday afternoon to kill, you’ll have plenty of time to install a PFYC cat back exhaust.
So there you have it – money, condition, time – always consider these things before committing to a new exhaust upgrades.
OK, now that we’ve established which type of exhaust upgrade you should do, it’s time to dig into the details on the cat back vs axle back exhaust debate.
Cat-Back Exhaust and Axle-Back Exhaust: The Primary Difference
You’ve probably heard the terms “cat-back” and “axle-back” exhaust a hundred times. But surprisingly, many Mustang enthusiasts aren’t exactly sure what they mean. In a nutshell, here is what distinguished each type of exhaust system’s components:
A cat-back exhaust system includes all exhaust parts and accessories after the catalytic converter (or “cat”), all the way to the tailpipe. This includes an intermediate pipe (leading out of the cat), the muffler and also the small tailpipe after the muffler.
The axle-back exhaust includes the components that start where your Mustang’s rear axle is – basically, between the two rear wheels. An axle-back exhaust is the cat-back without the intermediate pipe between the cat and the muffler, which means that an axle-back exhaust is essentially the muffler and small tailpipe leading out of the muffler.
Many people are surprised to learn that the only basic difference between axle back and cat back exhausts is a single component – the intermediate pipe. However, that one part can be a sort of, kind of big deal. Depending on your car’s undercarriage configuration, the intermediate pipe can be routed in a straight line manner, or have all sorts of bends, twists, and dips. Rest assured, PFYC sells an outstanding variety of cat back exhaust components, with intermediate pipes specially made to fit some of your favorite cars.
While some cat back exhaust systems include devices like resonators and special joint pipe components, the intermediate pipe is the primary item that distinguishes the two types of exhaust systems.
Each type of exhaust system has its own advantages, and PFYC offers premium aftermarket components for both kinds of exhausts. This blog will look at the cat-back vs axle-back debate, and offer some tips and tricks on which type of exhaust upgrade will work for you.
What’s a Cat-Back Exhaust?
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at PFYC is, “What’s a cat-back exhaust?” Some people are interested in the performance benefits, while others are simply looking to expand their knowledge of automobile systems and components.
A cat-back exhaust refers to the entire collection of exhaust components that run from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. Sometimes, cat-back can also include the catalytic converter as well, although most mechanics, auto body technicians, and other car experts typically exclude the catalytic converter from this description.
Here are the components that comprise a cat-back exhaust:
- Mid-pipe. This section of pipe is located immediately after the catalytic converter. Usually, it’s directly underneath the middle of a car; hence the name “mid-pipe.” Again – take away this mid-pipe (also called an intermediate pipe), and you’re basically left with an axle back exhaust system.
- Muffler. Everyone who loves a full-throttle sound isn’t exactly a fan of the muffler, but it serves many worthwhile purposes – not the least of which are less pollution and less noise. PFYC sells a large variety of mufflers – both individually and as part of axleback or catback configurations – to fit your performance and price requirements.
- Tail pipe and exhaust tips. These components help direct exhaust gases out of your muffler. A near-endless variety of shapes and styles are available with tail pipe and exhaust tip components, and PFYC has an outstanding variety for your consideration. Remember, some cars have dual exhaust ports, so some axle back and cat back exhausts systems come with two sets of tail pipes and exhaust tips.
In addition, a cat-back exhaust may also include a device known as a resonator. This component “resonates” sound between your car’s engine and the muffler. The resonator is designed to lessen the harsh noise involved with the exhaust process. Resonators aren’t exactly beloved by those modifiers and car owners who like a full-throttle sound. Some resonators are designed to allow more sound than “typical” exhaust systems – and PFYC has what you’re looking for.
A cat-back exhaust can also include the “alphabet” variety of pipes that direct and reroute exhaust gases. These components include the Y-pipe, H-pipe, and X-pipe.
As you can see, a cat-back exhaust system can include many different pipes, sections, devices and other accessories. PFYC’s aftermarket cat-back exhaust systems are designed to provide superior engine performance, thanks to less restrictive airflow. With free-flowing exhaust gases, any car’s engine will perform better – and, according to many Mustang enthusiasts, sound better too!
In the cat-back vs axle-back debate, it’s hard to ignore the advantages an aftermarket cat-back exhaust provides. This type of exhaust upgrade is relatively inexpensive (especially with accessories and parts purchased at PFYC) compared to a catalytic converter replacement.
Revved-up engine and exhaust function. Rumbling sound. Reliable, long-lasting performance. What’s not to like about a cat-back exhaust from PFYC?
What’s the Right Choice for You? Axel-Back or Cat-Back
Assuming you’ve already considered the three things we talked about earlier – your budget, car’s current condition and time availability – here are some other things to factor in when deciding between an axle back and cat back exhaust.
Since a cat-back exhaust includes the intermediate pipe, this type of exhaust can bypass factory restrictions on power, fuel efficiency and overall performance. For Mustang fanatics looking to maximize their car’s engine output, the cat-back exhaust is usually the choice. Plus, Mustang cat-back exhaust upgrades can also add a deep, powerful sound, as evidenced by the MagnaFlow 19191 Competition Cat-Back Exhaust.
Looking to tweak your factory muffler’s sound and appearance? Then an axle-back exhaust is right up your alley. You typically won’t get the HP boost or improved fuel economy, but the axle-back exhaust will provide the sound you want with less installation work. Our Kooks Axle-Back with Black Tips offers superior air flow, deep resonance and a sleek, sporty appearance.
Here’s the bottom line when you’re deciding between a cat-back vs axle-back exhaust: both exhaust systems provide better performance and sound. And this upgrade is insanely affordable, especially with PFYC parts and a little elbow grease on your end. If you’re willing to do the work yourself, you’ll save money with PFYC axle-back and cat-back exhaust parts – and we’d love to help get you started on your next Mustang exhaust project today!
For nearly 20 years, PFYC.com has remained a choice supplier of specialty automotive parts for the Camaro, Mustang, Challenger and many more. For more information about our complete line of 6th generation Mustang performance exhaust systems, please call us at 866-695-7392. Thanks for reading our blog!
