Cat-back or just a muffler?

Kucheto · 08-14-2001, 03:56 PM

I've been told so many different things from different people that I can't make up my mind what to get. I have a 95 Legacy L, AT, AWD. It has the Borla 2.5L Header, Weapon R Intake and the Underdrive Pulley.

I want to add an exhaust to complete the system. There are a lot of people that tell me that I need just a muffler (2.25"). They say if I add a cat-back my hp gain won't be that much, and that's cuz i have an AT and its just L, not GT!!!

Its true that if I add a cat-back I'll loose low-end power, but I still think a cat-back (2.25", Borla or Brullen) is better than just a muffler.

I don't care about sound, all just want some extra hp!!
What do you guys think?

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Julian · 08-14-2001, 04:06 PM

Well, this will just get you another rash of people telling you their opinions, but...

Do you know the pipe dimensions for the mid-pipe and exhaust on your car? 2-1/4" seems good for a 2.5L motor while retaining the low end. I have 2-1/4" piping on my exhuast after the cat and I have lost no low end (though I have the complete MRT system, so that's actually not a fair comparison).

A muffler only will change the sound more than anything else. You've spend the cash on the header, now you have to work the aft-end of the exhaust.

YOU COULD just get a competent muffler shop to weld up a custom mid-pipe and muffler. That would cost you less than any cat-back system. Easy enough, as well, since there are few bends in the stock system. You could also supply the guy some mandrel bends (bought from summit or something) and not suffer from crush-bent pipe.

GTBGUY · 08-14-2001, 04:10 PM

Kucheto - I have the Brullen 2.25" ID piping on my Legacy L (it's an Auto as well), along with intake and headers. I have noticed no loss in low end.

08-14-2001, 03:56 PM	#1
Kucheto Scooby Newbie Member#: 3688 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: PDX Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Blue Ridge Pearl	Cat-back or just a muffler? I've been told so many different things from different people that I can't make up my mind what to get. I have a 95 Legacy L, AT, AWD. It has the Borla 2.5L Header, Weapon R Intake and the Underdrive Pulley. I want to add an exhaust to complete the system. There are a lot of people that tell me that I need just a muffler (2.25"). They say if I add a cat-back my hp gain won't be that much, and that's cuz i have an AT and its just L, not GT!!! Its true that if I add a cat-back I'll loose low-end power, but I still think a cat-back (2.25", Borla or Brullen) is better than just a muffler. I don't care about sound, all just want some extra hp!! What do you guys think? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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08-14-2001, 04:06 PM	#2
Julian Scooby Specialist Member#: 1182 Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Ventura, CA Vehicle: MY00 RS BRP	Well, this will just get you another rash of people telling you their opinions, but... Do you know the pipe dimensions for the mid-pipe and exhaust on your car? 2-1/4" seems good for a 2.5L motor while retaining the low end. I have 2-1/4" piping on my exhuast after the cat and I have lost no low end (though I have the complete MRT system, so that's actually not a fair comparison). A muffler only will change the sound more than anything else. You've spend the cash on the header, now you have to work the aft-end of the exhaust. YOU COULD just get a competent muffler shop to weld up a custom mid-pipe and muffler. That would cost you less than any cat-back system. Easy enough, as well, since there are few bends in the stock system. You could also supply the guy some mandrel bends (bought from summit or something) and not suffer from crush-bent pipe.

08-14-2001, 04:10 PM	#3
GTBGUY Scooby Specialist Member#: 2003 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Vehicle: '99 BGP Legacy GT '98 QS Legacy L (auto)	Kucheto - I have the Brullen 2.25" ID piping on my Legacy L (it's an Auto as well), along with intake and headers. I have noticed no loss in low end.