Muffler vs. Catback???

**nurmikko22** · 05-17-2008, 08:26 AM

I have 02 stock trans am and am looking at putting a CAI and exhaust on it. I was looking at a magnaflow catback, but I went to a local performance shop and he said he could put a muffler back system on it for about $200. Will the catback gain that much more power over the muffler back system? I'm just looking for some input and if the catback will be much better than the muffler back system.

**BlackSS1** · 05-17-2008, 11:30 AM

I have a magnaflow and the intermediate pipe over the axle is the same size as stock. I believe most of the increased airflow is in the muffler.

The other advantage of the full catback is the tips, and changing to stainless steel to get rid of the rusty pipes.

You can get a magnaflow on ebay for <$350 usually so it is a good deal to go stainless

**180ls1** · 05-17-2008, 02:42 PM

you will see no gain from a catback vs. a muffler, but if you plan on doing headers and other mods later on then get the catback bacause of the 3" pipe that would go straight to the aftermarket y pipe vs. the 2 5/8 that is stock.

**N20LT4** · 05-17-2008, 03:06 PM

The only time when the larger diameter pipe from a cat-back system makes more power over stock is when your making really big power. On a mild setup just the muffler is fine.

**9t8z28** · 05-17-2008, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by 180ls1

you will see no gain from a catback vs. a muffler, but if you plan on doing headers and other mods later on then get the catback bacause of the 3" pipe that would go straight to the aftermarket y pipe vs. the 2 5/8 that is stock.

It is more like 2.75"

**9t8z28** · 05-17-2008, 06:17 PM

Muffler back is the way to go.

**nurmikko22** · 05-18-2008, 08:43 AM

Great. Thanks for all of the replies. I figured the catback wouldn't gain that much over the muffler back system, plus with the money I'll save I can buy a ftra system.

**180ls1** · 05-18-2008, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by 9t8z28

It is more like 2.75"

Yes i should have made it clear. It is 2 5/8 that the factory y comes down to, so the 2.75 i pipe can clamp over it. I was trying to say that is where the damage is done so no matter if you have a 3" i pipe it will not matter because it is allready necked down to 2 5/8 at the y pipe.