I just wanted your opinion on whether it's really worth it to buy a catback instead of just having the local muffler shop weld in some new mufflers. A guy should be able to save $100 or so going this route. Is their a significant gain with a catback?

 

all you gain is sound.... i like the sound of a catback better than just mufflers

 

There is a very small gain on a SN95 or S197 between a cat-back and an axle-back exhaust. The stock Ford mid-pipes flow fairly well.

 

Minimal gain. If you are strapped for cash, I would prob go that route. Maybe look at larger tips too, but just as an appearance mod.

 

Thanks fellas. I don't know which route I'll go. I like the idea of a clean bolt on catback but the muffler swap would maximize my budget.

 

A catback tubing is 2.5" as compared stock 2.25." So with a catback you would get a little better performance, much better sound and it would let your car breath a little better.

I say go for the catback.

 

Well to let u know when I removed my stock catback it was heavy compared with the magnaflows, saved a little weight and loved the sound

 

Just get a cat-back....You won't be satisfied with just mufflers and you will want a midpipe and or headers at some point and wishing you had gotten the cat-back. Plus unless you know how to weld you have to factor the install cost whereas a cat-back you can do in the driveway.

 

I think this is the route I'm going. Thanks for the advice!

 

Definitely spend the money on the Cat Back. You get what you pay for, and as was previously said, you're going to simply regret it and want to get a mid pipe or headers later, anyway..
If not for the budget which as you said will suffer from purchasing a cat back, do it for piece of mind. I replaced the Exhaust Engine to Tip on my Stang and I wouldn't have it any other way.