I've done some research, heard the sound clips, and found a few cat back exhausts I like. Doing an axle back system seems kinda silly IMO.

My question is more about passing emissions. I hope that if I put a cat-back system on, with all the pipes shown in the pictures that I'm NOT removing any critical emissions components. I'm assuming there won't be any check engine lights after installing one of these systems.

WHERE is the catalytic converter located in the tC? Is it immediately after the headers? Are all the other bulges in the pipes just resonators/additional mufflers?

I'd like to add a small turbo in the future - when money becomes more available, so with that in mind, this is my 1st step. I doubt I'll buy a CAI and/or headers.

Thanks!
Robyn

 

the cat is integrated with the mid section of the exhaust.

header(primary cat)-> spipe-> midsection (secondary cat) -> axle back(can also be referred to as a catback)

you will definitely pass emissions with an axleback. dB levels is a different story(if the exhaust you chose is very loud that is) CEL should not be a problem

 

How about passing emissions with a cat back? Some of these systems look like they've got a bulge in the midsection...is that a resonator or secondary cat?

Example:
http://www.arkspeedracing.com/04_ON_...m1200-005s.htm

THANKS!

 

i think the magnaflow might be the only true "cat back" system. there might be one more but i can't rememebr. those mid pipes, such as the megan, have resonators not cats on them.

 

Ark is a true cat back as well, the bulge in their mid-pipe is a resonator and it attaches after the secondary cat.

 

youve answered your own question, go with ark....you will be faster and legal.

 

just because you have cats doesn't mean its legal. you also have to look at noise.

 

Very true TcPrincess, and I believe, if I read the instructions right, that the magnaflow cat back installs just after the second cat but eliminates the stock resonator. Atleast I hope that is true b/c I ordered that kit and thats what I'm planning on doing when it comes in, if not I'll be in for a surprised, but I think I'm on the right page. Magnaflow, compared to other sound clips I've heard, seems like it will be legal in both sound and emissions, it just has a deeper growl to it, not that annoying Honda sound.