CAI vs Cat-back

[Niteshade]

If you could only afford to do one at a time, which would you choose to do first and why?

[b]

I did CAI first. Cat back second. Having done both I would do a cat back first and only next time. I wouldn't do a CAI again... too many problems.

[doughboyr6]

I did exhaust, then CAI....no particular order...that's just the way it happened....unlike b, i've been trouble free with my CAI. And i must have put at least 10K (most likely more) on the car since both have been on.

[RallyPlaya]

I did the CAI first and i was very happy with the initial change. Ive also had no problems so far and at most times my car is outside. The exhaust i got second love that too it really adds an aggressive tone to the car. The CAI i believe is cheaper as well i would do it first.

[icecubetray]

I did CAI, then Cat-Back. If I did it again I would get the Cat-Back first.

I haven't had any problems what so ever with my CAI.

Ya the cat-back is definitely going to cost you more money than the CAI.

[JashiK]

i think people should explain why you'd get a cai or cbe first or second...

[FLIPDADY]

i think people should explain why you'd get a cai or cbe first or second...
I did the CAI first b/c of the price.

[JashiK]

I did the CAI first b/c of the price.

would u have done different if they were the same price?

[dentinger]

catback, then the intake.
no real reason. i just woke up one day, and wanted a catback.

[yearoftherat]

SRI, then CAI, exhaust is sitting in the garage to be installed this spring :chuckle

[icecubetray]

Did the CAI first.....because of price.
money/hp .....

[whiteomega]

would u have done different if they were the same price?

i did the CAI first and then the cat-back.

if they were the same price, i would still have done the CAI first, since i prefer to be a little more subtle. Exhausts aren't really subtle, unless you get something like Pearly's (TW-FG2) pro racer..

[WLS ZMZM]

CAI has been installed on the car.. money/hp is the main reason... not 100% sure about the cat back as there are quite a few good ones on the market... want to take my time when making that decision.. and an intake for 200 vs. a cat back for $600 is a big difference as well... besides still not sure if I want a loud car again.

[3GFX]

Simple. CAI.

Better bang for buck...cheaper to start, easier to install.


EDIT: On a side note you won't enjoy the intake if you do the exhaust, you won't be able to hear it over the exhaust.

[SilentJay]

CAI first. Cheaper, subtle change that makes driving the 3 more enjoyable.

[REZXPERT]

if you want substantial power gains, CBE (or TBE for Speeds), hands down. and i wouldn't do an exhaust w/o the DP - that's where the power's at. CAI, good for top-end highway speeds, that's it. but doin away w/ my CAI this spring for an SRI.

[FLIPDADY]

would u have done different if they were the same price?
Just like Gran Turismo you upgrade with the cheapest parts first.:chuckle

[Axelariation]

Got nothing on my new car, but I would start the following first. lolz. Cheap stuff first..lolz..

1 - Axela Badge Emblem
2- Tinted Windows
3 - CAI
4 - Cat-back

[WLS ZMZM]

heheh I like dat Flippy... good reasoning!! maybe mazda should make the exhaust cheaper..... :chuckle