We talk a lot about exhaust systems at Phastek and answer a lot of calls on which exhaust system is best for your Camaro.

Our veteran Camaro modders have typically already decided which exhaust they want, but those of you who are new to Camaro mods might wonder – what the difference is between an axle-back exhaust and a cat-back exhaust?

What is a cat-back exhaust?

A cat-back exhaust refers to all the exhaust components and pipes after the catalytic converter.  This usually starts at the exhaust manifold, eliminates the catalytic converter and goes straight to the muffler. It includes the intermediate pipe or x-pipe that runs out of the catalytic converter, the muffler and tailpipe. A performance cat-back exhaust is designed to give you more horsepower and efficiency.

What is an axle-back exhaust?

An axle-back exhaust is an exhaust system that includes the muffler and “tips.” An axle-back exhaust is really going to give you a much more aggressive sound than a cat-back exhaust.

Benefits of a Cat-back Exhaust

• Since the cat-back exhaust system keeps the catalytic converter, it’s going to be a little more fuel efficient.
• A cat-back is going to give you a little better exhaust flow.
• A cat-back exhaust typically outperforms an axle-back exhaust by fine-tuning the torque.

Benefits of an Axle-Back Exhaust

• An axle-back exhaust will be slightly cheaper since it doesn’t include the extra piping from the catalytic converter.
• An axle-back exhaust is typically going to take less time to install.
• The axle-back exhausts tend to have a deep, full-throttle sound.

Which Exhaust System Do I Choose?

Both types of exhaust systems are designed to give you more horsepower and a more impressive sound. It really depends on what your intention is with your exhaust system.

If you’re looking for a little more power and a meaner sounding Camaro, then an axle-back exhaust might be what you’re needing. But if you want to improve your fuel-efficiency, then I’d go with a cat-back exhaust.

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For us this comes down to choosing some headers. Shorty headers are going to merge into your existing exhaust and be much easier to install. But long tube headers will have the biggest impact on sound and performance because they are longer and merger further away from the exhaust.

Headers are available in both shorty and long tube. Shorty headers are going to merge into your factory cat pipe and be much easier to install. But long tube headers will have the biggest impact on sound and performance because of the longer primaries and merge further away from the exhaust.

There are pros and cons to both. The shorty headers aren’t going to have as much power and won’t sound nearly as deep as long-tube headers – but not everyone wants or needs that much power.

Shorty Headers:

• Easier to install
• Perform best in the idle to mid-RPM range.
• More suitable for a daily commuter
• Bolt onto factory cats, so most some are emissions legal
• No tuning needed

Long Tube Headers:

• Produce more power in the mid to high RPM range
• 1 ⅞” and 2” primary sizes available for different applications
• Best “Bang for Your Buck”
• Tuning needed to ensure proper air/fuel ratio

One is not any better than the other, it just depends on what you’re looking for and wanting to do with your Camaro. But switching from stock will create a different sound and performance from your Camaro.

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Join Phastek’s first ever get LOUD competition. We want to hear your Camaro! #phastekturnup

Guess what the winner gets? A $250 Phastek gift card! So let’s hear those Camaros.

Here are the rules:

1. Post a 3-second video of your Camaro exhaust running to Facebook. Make sure you get good sound. You must use #phastekturnup with your video for us to find it.
   
   
2. Only videos posted between Friday, March 15 and Monday, March 18 will be accepted.
   
   
3. Phastek’s own Ricardo will determine the three loudest for the finals.
   
   
4. On Tuesday, March 19 there will be a poll posted with the videos in the comments and our very own Camaro lovers will vote for their faves.
   
   
5. The polls will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday March 21.
   
   
6. Phastek will contact and announce the winner on Friday, March 22.

Let the games begin!

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So let’s work on making your Camaro loud!

By changing to a less restrictive exhaust you really wake up the hiding monster in your Camaro and give it the Muscle Car sound that matches the look of your Muscle Car.

Afraid it will be too loud though? Not a problem. There are many different exhaust to meet everyone’s liking.

The nice thing about an aftermarket exhaust is that you can have a slight increase in exhaust sound over stock, you can go full extreme, or you can fall right in the middle depending on the design and brand you chose.

You will also find that installation on most exhaust really dont take that long. Installation on most exhaust should take about 1 ½ to 3 hrs to install depending if you do it on a lift or jack stands. Now pricing for an aftermarket exhaust will depend  on what Model Camaro you have, the design of the exhaust, and Brand. You can expect to pay between $265 for simple muffler deletes, to full blown Stainless Steel Cat-Back exhaust ,which can reach upward of $1700.

Watch our Facebook Live Chat on Wednesday, February 27 at 1 p.m. to learn all about exhaust systems. We’ll have Nick Moncure with MBRP joining us that day.

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