RocketDawg

When you mention "cat back" pipes, is it because they are shaped like a cat arching it's back, or is the 'cat' short for 'catalytic', as in catalytic converter?

Told you it was stupid ....

HalfMoon

catalytic.

The "Cat back" systems are the ones that connect behind the cats and complete the exhaust system.. From the Cats Back....

There are no stupid questions, so don't worry about it.

DickieC.99

Yup, cat in cat-back referes to the catalytic converter. It basically replaces the mufflers

Vetteman Jack

The cat back system is basically the exhaust portion that goes from behind the catalytic converters - the pipes over the axle and mufflers.

ACELR8N

There are no stupid questions. We are all in varying degrees of a learning curve and that is the beauty of this Forum. A little less than a year ago, I was completely ignorant. Now I'm only somewhat ignorant. A CAT Back exhaust is from the Catalytic converter back. Most of us change it for improved sound, since the stock is no different than a Chevy Impala. I did the GHL Bullets with a Magnaflow X-Pipe. It is as quiet on the highway as stock, but much throatier at idle, and sweet at Wide Open Throttle. The X-Pipe is a vast improvement over the stock H-Pipe, which is done by GM because it is cheaper. There are some reports which claim HP increases from changing to the X-Pipe, and aftermarket CAT Back, but most of us do it for sound enhancement. Another popular mod is changing the stock air intake, which is very restrictive. Popular aftermarket air intakes include the Blackwing and Halltech Stinger. Probably appreciate about 18 HP with that change. Hope this helps.

RocketDawg

Mine (I bought it used) already has Borla exhausts. I thought I'd read in other threads that intakes like the Blackwing were susceptible to water getting on and in them. If not, that seems like a relatively inexpensive first mod to make that makes sense.

bsmith

Man, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that one out

sorry, I couldnt resist after seeing your screen name

never be afraid to ask questions here... a lot of very helpful people Ask for peoples opinions and you are on your own though

NB2K

Not a dumb question at all..do you like how the Borla's sound on the highway?
I use mine as a DD, with some long trips to JSC and Marshall from time to time so I am a little concerned about noise at highway speeds.

Hoosier Red

Don't feel bad.....it took me more than a year to figure out what they were talking about. I probably should have asked!

gyoung

Drat - You beat me to the rocket scientist joke.

RocketDawg

They're ok at highway speeds. Not objectionally noisy. I think most of the noise is from the open hatchback area and tires rather than from the exhaust. We're outrunning the exhaust sound anyway.

RocketDawg

Hey ... I work on rockets, not cars.

NB2K

After I replaced the OEM GY's with Michelins it got a lot quieter, I hope that lasts as the tires get more miles on them. At highway speeds I'm usually only turning around 2K anyway.

ACELR8N

The risk of water entering the air intake and causing hydorlock to the engine is more prominent with the bottom breathers such as the Vararam and Halltech Trap. Bottom breathers draw air from the front bumper grills or bumper license plate area. Top breathers, such as the Blackwing and Halltech Stinger draw air from the same location as the stock setup, although without the protection of the restrictive factory box enclosure. Top breathers should be done with a soft rubber hood seal, (readily available where you buy the air intake) which prevents grit and water from entering at the front hood seam.

FrankTank

With the exception of the Borla Xr-1, most all the other systems don't really bolt up to the actual cats...they should be called "axle back" for me a true cat-back bolts right up to the cats...on a stock C5,,,when you buy Borla Stingers, most Corsa systems, B& B etc... the system bolts up just after the axle...not really cat-back...ok I'll shut up now

There is no such thing as a stupid question here. I asked some pretty dumb stuff myself.

C5 4 ME

johnnyvettes

There are no stupid questions JUST STUPID PEOPLE

texangreg

....I guess those rockets don't have cats!!!!!!

Sprags2004

When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut...now I just take up space.

lager99