Say Buh-Bye to Factory Performance with an Axle-Back Upgrade

Pulling the trigger on an exhaust is a commitment. The ticket price is high, and it requires an equal commitment in labor to install. But just image that big grin from ear to ear when your better half sees that big ass box under the tree! Even better, a new contender is making headway in the world of aftermarket exhausts. One that is easier to install and can save you a big chunk of change. Today, we’re going to put axle-back exhausts under the microscope and show you why they make a great gift item.

What’s the Skinny on Axle-Back Exhausts

Cat-back exhausts have long been the preferred option, but axle-backs are carving out a nice slice of pie for themselves. An axel-back system follows many of the same principles as a cat-back in the sense that it only replaces a portion of the exhaust. But it takes the concept one step further and only modifies what’s beyond the rear axle.

How’s this possible? More and more vehicle applications have mufflers being relocated to the far rear of the vehicle itself. So, such an upgrade allows factory catalytic converters to remain intact, and only what comes after actually needs to be replaced. This is important because the law requires factory emissions standards to be left unmolested when modifying. Not to mention, it also saves a ton of money because the addition of aftermarket cats isn’t exactly light on the wallet.

Are you puzzled why someone wouldn’t simply replace the muffler and reuse the factory components? That would require a stroke of luck, and who’s to say you can even find a muffler that would fit well in the tight corridor? You’re better off swinging for the axle-back upgrade (or cat-back if you really prefer). They come in a variety of fits and finishes in one compact package.

Plus, this shorter layout does offer some relief when it comes to installation. Seeing as most of the exhaust is left intact, you’ll be spending less time lining up a complete system without ample hangers. Not only are these kits a lot lighter, they’re simply easier to maneuver into place and are manageable with one set of hands. If this is a gift, chances are that your special gearhead is already familiar with an exhaust install, so there won’t be a learning curve with the axle-back.

Half the Size, Half the Performance… Right?

No, it may not be as free flowing as a cat-back, but we think the trade off it well worth the investment when considering the budget. These kits offer performance gains over the factory units. Factory offerings are restrictive and that contributes to the less-than-aggressive sound quality typically found on factory vehicles. The axle-back exhaust diameter may have an increase in size. And as mentioned before, these kits can still split the exhaust at a two- or three-muffler configuration. This is entirely dependent on a few factors, namely the vehicle and the manufacturer of the kit itself. If this is the case for your application, then bet that this means for even more performance due to a greatly improved flow rate.

Sign Me Up!

If you’re totally sold on this new piece of exhaust technology and wondering where you can find a kit for your baby’s hot rod, then look no further. Despite these units only recently increasing in popularity, they’ve actually been around for quite some time. Trusted names like Magnaflow and Flowmaster have various axle-back applications available on the market. Here’s the catch though. There’s limited offerings. And since it’s application specific, you’ll need to do some homework. Luckily, consumers like you now understand their value. And more applications are being developed each year due to increased demand!

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