Doing a search on exhaust I am coming up with Cat Back systems and Exhaust systems. What is the difference with the two? I am asssuming that if I wanted to completely upgrade my exhaust I would have to buy new headers, and pipes from the headers back? Is this correct? I am kind of confused with the whole custom exhaust thing. It looks like noone makes complete exhaust systems for the '96 A4Q from the headers back...is this correct? Thanks.

 

no one really makes an exhaust at all specifically for the 12v 2.8L

a cat-back system is just a certain type of exhaust system. an exhaust system is just more vague because it doesn't specify what parts of the exhaust, like a cat-back (which includes everything from the catalytic converter back)...a typical exhaust system doesn't include headers. your best bet is to get your stock headers ported and polished

 

yep, aftermarket ones will be expensive for the same gains you will get by porting stock ones.

 

A catback exhaust system = downpipe + exhaust.
If someone is refering to an exhaust system without mentioning a down pipe, you might have to ask if a downpipe is included or not, probably not. It could use your stock downpipe. From what little I know.

 

its from the catalyst back (cat not included) at least in he UK that's the story that's why they call it a cat back system, it might be different over in the US

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?im...lr%3D%26sa%3DN