Been trying to find this out and Im getting confused.

Basically, What is the difference between turbo and cat back?

And, how can you differentiate one from the other?

Asking you this since there is a junkyard here selling used Japan exhaust. I'd love to buy a turboback, but I dont know which one is the real deal.

 

its very simple:

a catback is from the muffler all the way to the cat. a turbo back also includes a downpipe and goes all the way to the o2 housing or sometimes even replaces the o2 housing. the optimum setup is a turbo back for a turbo car since it lets you free up the car for more flow.

 

Sorry, im still a bit lost.

Probably the most important question is: what are the parts of an exhaust system?

I have an idea, but getting confused with the terms being used.

2nd question is: If a i have a catback, I could just "upgrade" the other parts to make it a turboback?

You can check my car out in my profile if you want.

 

A pipe comes down from the turbo to the catalytic converter. That is the "downpipe". Then you have the converter or some people use a "cat-delete" pipe (which is illegal unless used off-road) - this section of pipe is about 12-16". After that of course, is the "cat-back" section of the exhaust which includes the muffler and sometimes a resonator (to make things quieter).

All 3 sections (downpipe, cat, and cat-back) can be replaced at once, or individually.

 

I see. thanks.

Last question: Granted Im in a place with no exhaust laws, I'd get more power if I get rid of the resonator and cat converter.

So, a 3 inch pipe from turbo to muffler is the best power solution, right?

 

is the cat delete pipe same as the test pipe?

 

as far as i know they are the same.

 

Yes.

 

yes it is . it is basically just a piece of pipe that replaces the cat.

 

Yes, a 3" pipe from turbo to exit of exhaust will be your best power solution. But keep in mind, mandrel bending and the least amount of bends will help exhaust flow better out of your engine.

Mandrel bending is a method used to perform uniform bends in steel tubing so that they don't "crimp" and cause a smaller diameter turn in your exhaust pipe.

 

While this thread is hot...I'll as a question I've been wondering...

Say I buy the Borla Cat-back exhaust (which I'm assuming is made to fit to the factory cat). I'm assuming the stock exhaust is 2"-2.5". Will a typical cat-back system, which is designed to mount up to a smaller diameter cat, be able to connect up to a high-flow cat designed for a 3" system?

Are these exhaust flanges interchangeable between manufacturers and between exhaust pipe sizes??

The reason I bring this up, is that I'm thinking of going out on a limb and buying the Borla cat-back (no one has much info on this one, but reliable company). But I also want to purchase a downpipe and high-flow cat from someone else (not sure who). I'm wondering if the Borla will mount up with the DP and cat from another brand name??

 

Well, if you cant get a mandrel bended pipe, you can always get a 3.5 inch pipe, hoping the the bends would never go below 3.

Thanks, less bends, no cat converter and resonator.

So the downpipe is the official start of the exhaust system, not the exhaust manifold?

So turboback is downpipe to muffler upgrade ...

 

pretty much all the high flow cats are universal if you choose to go with the 3inch. and yes the borla can mount with any cat and cat to the downpipe since performance companies gives freedom of choice to the consumers and they don't apply monopoly on their products.

 

cat delete pipe, test pipe, straight pipe - all the same thing

If you go with the straight pipe, you lost back pressure, so you get a little more top end, but low end power is lost a little. If you get a high flow cat or even the factory cat, you will have a little more low end power(launches from stop or slow) than you would with a straight pipe. Also, it will be louder with a straight pipe, just personal preference. I have both a cat and a straight pipe, and change them out depending on what I need. I usually keep the straight pipe, since I'm in japan, they don't care, just put the cat on for inspections

 

thanks, this car is JDM. So Im thinking the exhaust was made to conform to Japan laws.

Ok, seems Im going with the 3 inch straight pipe.

One more thing...are all performance mufflers able to connect with 2.5, 3 inch pipes without loss of performance?

My kakimoto is connected to a 2.5 inch pipe. What are the things I have to be careful about when switching to 3 inch so there would be no performance loss?