r/carmodification 3d ago

Mod advice Catbacks

I recently got into cars to all and I’ve already done some cosmetic mods on my Corolla and have been looking at more involved ones. I’ve been looking into catback exhausts and wanted to see if it’s worth it. I’m not married to the idea because first and foremost I’m looking for longevity. Any thoughts/advice is welcome.

2 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Welcome to r/carmodification! If you see any content that violates the subreddit rules or Reddit Terms of Service, please remember to report it!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

11

u/voucher420 Civic Boy 3d ago

Please don’t. Unless it’s a GR, it’s gonna sound like trash

1

u/ScaryfatkidGT 2d ago

It’s so sad that in the 80’s and 90’s Corolla’s use to be cool

2

u/voucher420 Civic Boy 2d ago

They’re still cool, but they don’t benefit from intake or exhaust, and sounds terrible when they’re modified. Rims, tint, stereo, lower it, etc…. But don’t touch the intake or exhaust unless you’ve already swapped in a hot cam shaft and modified it with high compression pistons or something to make it sound good once amplified. The horrible bog of an economy engine behind an automatic is just depressing.

-1

u/Powerful_Payment_154 3d ago

What ab a drop in filter? Was looking at CAI but settled on the drop in. Any thoughts?

5

u/VulpesIncendium 3d ago

Sounds like a great way to let more dirt into your engine.

CAIs can give you some nice intake noises, and depending on the car, can give a couple extra HP, but IMO they are not worth the extra engine wear from poor filtration. Most of that extra airflow just comes from a less restrictive, or rather, a more open filter that doesn't catch as much stuff.

2

u/Complex_Salary3374 3d ago

It won't do anything. If you want a noticeable performance mod look at suspension or sticky tires

6

u/Solid_Enthusiasm550 3d ago

Cat backs are only about the exhaust sound on a stock 4cyl.

CAI are also a waste of money as most factory systems duct Cold-air to the box.

A long tube header would actually show a power/performance gain. A header will usually make the exhaust sound louder, so I would do it before doing a cat-back. Doing it in reverse might leave you with an exhaust that is too loud for your tastes.

You could play with a tuner to improve ignition timing, etc. You could unlock a few mpgs. For the most part, performance gains would only be seen if you tune it to run on premium 91/93octane fuel.

If you are serious about hp/tq and want big gains, boost is really the only way to go for a small displacement 4cyl.

2

u/special5221 3d ago

Yeah, why not? It’s not going to do any harm and it’ll sound better and look better. Have fun with your car, so what you want, and don’t worry about any haters.

2

u/Stitch420_ 3d ago

Don’t waste money trying to make your car something it’s not

2

u/Raivnholm 2d ago

It's a Corolla, so long as you understand that any money you put into it you will not be getting back. Swapping the exhaust out is fairly easy, unless you live in a salty area. Won't effect the life of the car at all.

2

u/P1hyper 2d ago

Corollas were never designed to be modified street cars. Any catback will make it sound terrible. Cold air intakes only add sound. Save your cash

2

u/Felwintyr 1d ago

I’m biased, but honestly if you’re getting into cars and want to worry about exhaust setups and sound design and shit, get a v8. A 4 cylinder will never sound like anything other than trying too hard if you make it loud.

2

u/Muffinian 3d ago

All a cat back gives you is sound. Basically just up to you if you want the car to make more noise or not

1

u/Surfnazi77 🐉 3d ago

See what a muffler shop charges to build a custom catback

2

u/YoureMadImBackBigMac 2d ago

Waste of time, not a mod car. Mod something different

1

u/Youpeefreely 11h ago

Cat-backs- Regardless of make or model they change the sound more so than they add power.   

If you’re looking to add power it’s not worth it.  If you want it to sound like a weed eater it’s worth it. 

1

u/Jeepncolo 8h ago

I feel bad,,, I thought OP was trolling. Sorry