Is there a good site out there that explains all the differences in midpipes and exhaust types? I honestly have no clue and my searching skills are crap. There are a lot of terms being thrown around when people talk about exhaust (catback. resonated, etc etc.)

 

cat back: from the catalytic converter back
full exhaust: includes midpipe
resonated: you want a midpipe that is atleast single resonated, quieter in other words, also gives the tone, different midpipes sound different. check you tube for videos.

 

so cat-back includes some kind of midpipe??

Maybe I am just retarted and dont know where the cat is..

 

Midpipe replaces a catalytic converter. Both of them are in the "middle" between the header and the cat-back (back of cat-converter).

The cat-back is usually your muffler and the exit pipes.

 

cat back has no midpipe which like he said replaces the catalytic converter.
full exhaust like the agency power includes a midpipe.

 

Don't you need a Cat to be legal in most if not all states?

 

yessir florida doesnt care and if your worried about that get a cat back exhaust and invest in a hiflow cat

 

Technically yes. The cat-converter is required because of emissions requirements. However, depending on the state, and your general area, testing of this requirement can vary from literal sniffers (emissions detectors) to mechanics just checking if the Check Engine Light for missing cat is on.

So you can get away without it, usually.

 

But to be on the safe side, having the cat is probably the best option. Are there some that include the cat but also make the check engine line come on? I see that in the descriptons on some of the pipes etc.

 

You can buy a hi-flow cat and you shouldn't get a cel and you will pass emissions.
but all catless pipes will result with a cel sooner or later. if your worried about buying an exhaust
and passing emissions just buy a cat back exhaust which will leave your oem cat in place

 

Thank you all for being patient, I am a still a car idiot. This car is slowly remedying that.

aaaa ok. I see now. Catback won't replace the mid-pipe ok...

Trying to really figure this all out because I think, even though months away, I am going to attempt to get something at christmas time. Either a midpipe or exhaust. I just want something that will give me some more growl but not sound farty, chainsaw, or weed wackery.

 

then just stick with a catback exhaust. check out the borla or racing beat exhaust the have a nice beep growl to them and arent extremely loud

 

People seem to be bringing up RB a lot. What about the Mazdaspeed?

 

i havent heard much about the mazdaspeed and its really not too popular i cant vouch for it myself though havent heard one in person

 

Put on a catless midpipe who cares if it doesn't pass emissions...unless you go to get emissions everyday i would get one...just put the stock midpipe back on for emissions

 

Agreed and as for suggestions the HKS is amazing.... I've heard a mazdaspeed, not to impressed. Don't get me wrong they sound really nice, that is if your standing within 5 ft of the exhaust

 

i've heard alot of different set ups and my fav include

RB rev w/ catless midepipe
RB race exhaust w/ stock cat
Hks hi power w/ stock cat
w/ rp supercat
w/ catless mp, non resonated
greddy SE w/ catless mp
greddy evo TT w/ dead supercat..

those set ups are by far my favorite that i've heard in person.

 

Ok, I think there's some misinformation here...

OP, let me try to clarify

Catback: Does not get rid of the stock cat. It is an exhaust that starts from BEHIND the cat and goes to the rear of the car

Headerback: Includes a Midpipe (which could be many things [non resonated catless, single resonated catless, double res. catless. or you can also have a hi-flow cat (which INCLUDES a CARB legal catalytic converter)] and the "catback exhaust system"

Turboback (if you have a turbo if not its just a reference): Includes a aftermarket header (a la Racing Beat etc) and a full headerback exhaust system

Here is the AP Headerback System (which includes a double resonated midpipe [no cat])

 

so, what is it called when you have aftermarket headers all the way back on an NA car...jw?

 

No cat or mufflers? Straight backs is what Ive always called it...

Anyways Exoticspeed R1-T FTW its a badass exhaust I love mine great tone its deep and throaty a little on the loud side but hey nothin wrong with a little bite

 

Mazdaspeed is good. I have it with a catless, resonatorless midpipe. Stock cat midpipe is good with this catback also.

 

Just to let you know that when you go catless(Midpipe,supercat) you will throw a CEL, so keep that in mind as far as emissions, and vehicle inspections at the DMV and stuff, but if you don't care about that stuff the car sounds amazing. Cat backs just give a deep note to the 8, on some occasions you might get a gain or two in HP.

 

Also, your vehicle is subject to be towed as it is a Federal law to have a CAT.

Obama doesn't like dogs...........

 

how do you know this if the midpipe replaces the stock cat? Some of the catback systems I see also include some kind of midpipe.

(i'm glad you guys are patient with me)

I obviously want something with a CAT or high flow cat. I just need to fully understand before I start try pushing to get something.

My current thoughts are on RB catback (Rev8) or Mazdaspeed. I think I stated before I want some more growl but nothing excessive or chainsawy, farty, weedwackery, specially at lower RPMs would be a +.

 

^^^ both of those are catbacks which mean you keep you stock cat