I am just wondering which is better? I don't really understand what exactly makes an exahaust system a catback system, can someone explain that to me? as far as performance which is better? the catback system or straight pipes? I always just assumed straight pipes was better because of less restriction with mufflers and catalytic converter.

 

Cat back exhaust is exactly what it sounds like. It replaces everyting from the catalytic convertor to the tailpipes. Most high performance mufflers actually can give you more HP than a straight pipe, because they maximize "scavenging" effects (basically sucking the exhaust through the pipes by using pressure differences). I cut my muffler off before I took it down to the exhaust shop to have my flowmaster and new pipes installed, and the car actually had more power WITH the flowmaster than with the pipe hacksawed off right after the axel. BTW I only cut it off because it was about to FALL off. I'll attach a pic just to show everyone, my apoligies to the 56Kers out there though. This was when i bought the car... 5 months or so later the pipe totally just broke off the muffler. Before pic:

 

AFTER:

Much better sound and HP increase! Not to mention isn't rusty and falling off... $267 total for parts and good installation. They also made the tips.

 

A good cat-back will give you more HP than straight pipes, but straight pipes give you more torque. Basically, straight pipes lead to better performance, but good luck on avoiding the sound police. A good cat-back will hardly hinder you though. If you have to use a cat, get a hi-flo one and you won't notice a difference. I recommend the Hooker cat-back. Hopefully, I'll be able to post a sound clip within a few days.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I was afraid I was showing my ignorance by asking this question. Nice tips Mark A Shields, Mine are almost exactly like them. Not many other Thirdgen's out there with the dual tips like those. Thanks again guys.