Mufflers VS Cat-back

[98StangGT]

I was wondering if there would be any big difference in sound between getting a full cat-back system and getting just the mufflers of that system. For instance, how much louder/better sounding would it be if I got the magnaflow magnapack cat-back system (2 1/2) than if I just got magnapack mufflers (2 1/4 inch pipe I believe). I'm aware that the catback system would pick me up a horsepower or 2 and the mufflers probably wouldn't, but what would the difference be as far as sound goes? I'm looking for the loudest and meanest sounding cat-back/mufflers possible. Anybody input would be greatly appreciated.

[BlackGT2000]

I would get the 2 1/2 cat back. After all if you are planning on going supercharged you will surely be doing the whole exhaust at some point. Most H or X pipes are 2 1/2 inch anyway so it wouldn't make sense to run that into your stock cat back. I just think that since you seem to like to go all the way with cars it wouldn't make sense to go with just the mufflers here.

[98StangGT]

I already heave exhaust on my car, my friend just wanted to make his 03 GT a little louder/better sounding. I doubt he will end up doing any other mods other than basic bolt-ons, he just wanted to know if there would be a sound difference between a cat-back with certain mufflers and just the mufflers from that cat-back

[BlackGT2000]

Well as for sound the mufflers will certainly change the sound for the better. There may be a slight change in sound with the whole cat back, but if all he wants is sound than the mufflers will be fine.

[98StangGT]

I guess he is lookin to spend about 500 bucks, I told him to go with an O/R X pipe and magnapacks or some other straight through muffler. Do you think that would sound better than a catback with the stock midpipe?

[BlackGT2000]

Well I suppose that given the cost constraints I would go for the X pipe and the mufflers. I think that x pipes give the car a more raspy sound personally, not that its a bad thing just something to keep in mind.

[Cheddarbob's stang]

well on my stang i have a flowmaster 2 1/2. It sounds nice but not really loud. So its better than stock sound. But not great.