which would be bettersound wise etcInstalling a full through exhaust system or just installing a 2‘ or so catback on the end?thanks
Performance tuning is almost an art, it requires a lot of balance. Too little back pressure can also be a problem and in order to get a significant power increase from a straight exhuast setup you would likely need to improve the compression ratio and use better fuel. If the vehicle has a restrictive exhaust a cat back with mandrel bends and a moderate increase in pipe size will show you a small improvement.
A straight through exhaust would be best from a power point of view and sound lounder as theres no restriction. catalystic converters restrict gases exiting exhaust (and may be a bit Quieter) this restricts the engine slightly, you may lose a few horsepower. Having said that, a straight through exhaust would fail the MOT because of emmissions, thats why they make cat back versions u get the sound with the correct emmissions. Otherwise you would have to replace catalystic converter at every MOT-Hassle. Alternatively you could by an HIGH FLOW PERFORMANCE CATALYSTIC CONVERTER with your full system though they cost a bit. 1)If your not botherd about a few HP and don't want grief come MOT time go for cat back. If your a petrol head go for H P cat and fullsystem.
Cat back will sound nice, have one on my Vette. Full exhaust will provide freer flowing cat's which will give you a deeper and louder tone. You'd get a bit more flow with the full exhaust which should provide a slight performance increase as well. If you have a budget - do cat back, if you've got lots of cask, do the full exhaust system.
