trae1997

Kinda confused
i just got finished reading a article that
says catback systems are better for cars that are stock.
It says that you get about 15 to 20 hp gain out of cat back and that headers and exhaust will not produce to much more than that if you are keeping the motor stock or close to stock.
So what i want to know is if there is anyone out there with a 1997 to 2000 c5 a4 that has a stock motor who has done both catback and full exhaust ( i.e. Headers and exhaust ) and what gave the best bang for the buck

ZZOOM06

You won't get much if anything out of just a catback, however, long tube headers will give you some measurable horsepower/torque, especially if you get the car tuned after installing them.

trae1997

Thanxs
thats what i figured. With all the toys i have had in the past i just figured that was the standard rule all though none of those moters we even close to being stock

AU N EGL

The word "catback" is widely mis used. they really mean Mufflers.

it is the Long Tubs, with high flow cats, smooth x-pipe and low restrictive mufflers or no mufflers that provide a bit more hp

itzza427

The popular #s kicked around for "cat back" is more like 5 to 10 actual ponies! When you add the "bang for your buck",,kinda muddles the water as there are tons of used cat backs out there that can be picked up for $400-500. You are talking some pretty big bucks for long tubes,high flows and X pipe which give a bit of pause for the cause. They are cheaper than SC or turbos though!!