OK, I am still learning all this stuff about cars...exhaust, intake, headers, etc. What exautly is the difference b/t an axle back exhaust and a cat back exhaust. And, can an axle back exhaust be turned into a cat back?

I ask b/c I am looking to get either a Racing Beat or MazdaSpeed exhaust for my 2002 ES. I love the sound and I need the HP

Thanks

 

An axle back system just replaces the muffler. No real power gain by just doing this. A cat back system replaces all components from the catalytic converter back to and including the muffler. This includes a larger diameter connecting pipe and resonator between the converter and the muffler. A cat back system like the Racing beat will give a small HP increase. Most users feel that the Racing Beat has a good sound but is not annoyingly loud whereas the Mazdaspeed muffler has an annoying drone at speed.

 

yeah catback doesn't equal more power....start with a good header first.

 

Ok I understand the axle back and cat back thing....now if i were to buy an axle back do i just need to put bigger piping from the cat to the muffler to create a cat back? B/c I have seen the Racing Beat axle back exhaust for sale. But i do want HP out of this...i am not worried about looks or sound. My stock exhaust looks fine you know.

The headers thing sounds expensive...plus thats a lot more stuff to learn about.

 

It sounds like you need a plan for creating more horsepower and then begin doing research. Decide if you want to keep it simple by primarily doing bolt-on stuff or eventually getting into the internals. A header would probably cost you less than a catback system. Wagner has a header for under $300. Do you want to replace the downpipe also? If so, then you may want to look at a header option that replaces the exhaust manifold and downpipe.

Again, come up with a plan, do the research and then begin saving money for purchases. With the plan, you will save money and also slowly achieve the goal.

Remember also, that when you buy quality, it only hurts once.

Good luck,