What are the gains between the flowmaster catback vs. a flowmaster muffler? And is it worth the extra cash on a factory 3.8L?

 

An exhaust system will offer many more gains.Are you looking for sound or extra power? Mufflers give both.If you'd like to just to muffler you can save alot of money and not have to pay as much to have it installed

 

isnt a catback just pipe from the cat back with a muffler?? Does the pipe just try to take out the curves and what not for a better flow?

 

If you want a nice cat-back, look at a 3" Magnaflow system. Much better flowing than Flowbastard stuff

- Justin

 

No, the curves are still there. What you are thinking about are mandrel-bent pipes.

For the rest of you:

Catback = I-pipe + muffler

Performance gains with a muffler are minimal. If you are going to replace the stock exhaust system, there is no good reason to not replace the restrictive I-pipe as well. The only reason I can think of is price but if you don't have the $$$, you shouldn't try to mod IMO.

Even if you just want the sound, the I-pipe will help. All the f-bods I've heard that just have the muffler sound like *** (raspy and high pitched). A bigger I-pipe will help this.

Unless you are heavy modded, I suggest you stay away from 3" piping. You'll lose too much low-end so stick with a 2.75" or 2.5". For those who are going a cost effective route, try to find a V8 pipe. Try calling a local exhaust shop and see if any V8s have been in lately and have the stock system around.