Cobb TBE: CATTED or CATLESS ??

***Rac10000*** · 12-06-2005, 11:16 PM

I know I have been saying for a while now that I am going to pick up an APS 3” TBE, well, I have recently changed my mind. I have decided on Cobb’s 3” TBE system instead (Thanks to Ben for convincing me). Besides the fact that it’s slightly cheaper I like the fact that Cobb made their AP maps with it, I like their DP design more, it’s a little quieter than the APS, plus a few other small things. Now this is the hard decision and the reason for this thread: Catless or Catted.

Here are some pro’s and con’s I came up with to try to help me make my decision:
Noise: Catless is slightly Louder… PRO (IMO)
Price: Catless is Cheaper (by $150)… PRO
HP: Catless gets 5-7 more HP than Catted… PRO (clamed by Cobb on 12/6/05)
MPG: Catless gets 2 mpg better than Catted… PRO
Smell: Catless smells more than Catted… CON (not that big of a problem for me)
Emissions: Catless wont pass emissions, but Catted might not either… CON
Boost Creep: Catless is slightly more likely to cause boost creep…BIG CON

The main issue I am concerned with, really my only concern, is boost creep. I have read tons of info from past threads and it seems like boost creep is a random thing. It happens more often in catless cars, it is less common among the 2005 STi’s, and the AP does a good job of “preventing” it. Cobb said I should have NO problems a long as I am using the AP with one of their maps. Also, porting the wastegate is not an option I am willing to pursue.
Right now I am leaning towards CATLESS (about 75%).

What do you guys think I should go with, CATLESS or CATTED??

If you have a serious opinion, please vote in the poll and post your comments.

Thanks a lot,
Alex

ride_the_pony69 · 12-06-2005, 11:51 PM

Go catless! Just get EM, it helps with boost creep.

wi77iam · 12-07-2005, 04:03 AM

Catted - better for all of us who have to breathe.

***BoostJunkie*** · 12-07-2005, 06:19 AM

I have the APS exhaust and I'm running it with the cat right now. One of the big selling points of the APS for me was the fact that you can swap the cat in and out. I like using the cat, it's quieter, doesn't smell, and you surely won't notice the difference in power.

AdamBlitzer · 12-07-2005, 06:20 AM

agreed... go catted. no real reason to go catless unless you want to use leaded fuel. for next to no power gains, if any, go catted so we can drive our cars longer without having more restrictions put on by the gov because we are polluting.

**Nachos Libres** · 12-07-2005, 07:14 AM

Catted is better. Less fuel smell.

91TB78 · 12-07-2005, 07:15 AM

Honestly, I would look into the APS or TurboXS or other modular exhausts. The Cobb is a nice piece, but you're stuck with catted or no-cat DP. The other ones you can swap the cat in and out for certain applications or if you have a preference or your priorities change.

The Cobb TBE looks really nice, but doesn't offer as much flexibility. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the catted Cobb DP narrow down to 2.5" to be able to matte up to the stock mid-pipe and axle-back?

***VSGTS14*** · 12-07-2005, 07:45 AM

catless, you won't have a problem with creep.

***BoostJunkie*** · 12-07-2005, 07:51 AM

Quote:

catless, you won't have a problem with creep.

that's a pretty bold statement, considering I get creep (albeit minor) with a CATTED APS exhaust when the temps get down there. And Rac10000 lives in NY so he will no doubt be driving in cold temps.

dsupermansti · 12-07-2005, 08:11 AM

Cool, I decided on the Cobb tbe too-catted though

. IMO I don't think that you are going to notice 5-7hp. I added the Typhoon and have seen it dynoed at 12hp, but hardly even feel it. So IMHO, 5-7 is worth losing to help us keep this world a little longer. Bit of a tree hugger ya know.

Plus, living in CA, I might not have to deal with "big brotha". I have also read that a catted with the proper EM will pass emissions.

***VSGTS14*** · 12-07-2005, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostJunkie

that's a pretty bold statement, considering I get creep (albeit minor) with a CATTED APS exhaust when the temps get down there. And Rac10000 lives in NY so he will no doubt be driving in cold temps.

i've seen very few 05's with creep on any setup.
i'm in jersey with no creep.

btw - can you feel when it creeps??

***Rac10000*** · 12-07-2005, 10:14 AM

AHH! Thanks for the help so far but I still have no idea what I am going to do. Some of the things said make me want to get the APS others make me want to go with the Catted Cobb. If I am not going to get the Cobb, I am going to get the APS.

VSGTS14, as far as boost creep goes, you should definitely know if your getting it, you will hit fuel-cut and get a CEL.

***BoostJunkie*** · 12-07-2005, 10:24 AM

Quote:

i've seen very few 05's with creep on any setup.
i'm in jersey with no creep.

btw - can you feel when it creeps??

I don't hit fuel cut or anything but I can see the boost spike on my gauge. I actually set a warning light/buzzer on my boost gauge at 1.4 bar and it hits it constantly, although when it was warm out this never happened.

aspensti05 · 12-07-2005, 10:36 AM

Catted unless you have plans to put on big injectors and big turbo in the future.

pantag · 12-07-2005, 10:56 AM

I vote for catted. I was between these two exhausts and eventually went with APS. Click HERE. The quality is amazing, you can remove the cat any time and install the cat-delete pipe (comes with the exhaust), it is a straight 3'' pipe. Cobb tapers down to 2 1/2 and then goes to 3'' again. Not really important if you keep the stock turbo/injectors but definately something you need to consider.
BTW, the APS has a deeper sound.

View Poll Results: Cobb TBE: CATTED or CATLESS ??
CATTED (Street version)	25	64.10%
CATLESS (Race version)	14	35.90%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll

12-06-2005, 11:16 PM	#1
*Rac10000* ADMIN Car: 2005 BMW COMP ///M3 Location: Westchester, NY Posts: 8 IWSTI Addict since: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (13)	Cobb TBE: CATTED or CATLESS ?? I know I have been saying for a while now that I am going to pick up an APS 3” TBE, well, I have recently changed my mind. I have decided on Cobb’s 3” TBE system instead (Thanks to Ben for convincing me). Besides the fact that it’s slightly cheaper I like the fact that Cobb made their AP maps with it, I like their DP design more, it’s a little quieter than the APS, plus a few other small things. Now this is the hard decision and the reason for this thread: Catless or Catted. Here are some pro’s and con’s I came up with to try to help me make my decision: Noise: Catless is slightly Louder… PRO (IMO) Price: Catless is Cheaper (by $150)… PRO HP: Catless gets 5-7 more HP than Catted… PRO (clamed by Cobb on 12/6/05) MPG: Catless gets 2 mpg better than Catted… PRO Smell: Catless smells more than Catted… CON (not that big of a problem for me) Emissions: Catless wont pass emissions, but Catted might not either… CON Boost Creep: Catless is slightly more likely to cause boost creep…BIG CON The main issue I am concerned with, really my only concern, is boost creep. I have read tons of info from past threads and it seems like boost creep is a random thing. It happens more often in catless cars, it is less common among the 2005 STi’s, and the AP does a good job of “preventing” it. Cobb said I should have NO problems a long as I am using the AP with one of their maps. Also, porting the wastegate is not an option I am willing to pursue. Right now I am leaning towards CATLESS (about 75%). What do you guys think I should go with, CATLESS or CATTED?? If you have a serious opinion, please vote in the poll and post your comments. Thanks a lot, Alex This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by Rac10000; 12-06-2005 at 11:20 PM.

12-07-2005, 10:56 AM	#15
pantag Spec C Club Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: My right foot... Location: Waterford CT Posts: 1,989 IWSTI Addict since: Nov 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	I vote for catted. I was between these two exhausts and eventually went with APS. Click HERE. The quality is amazing, you can remove the cat any time and install the cat-delete pipe (comes with the exhaust), it is a straight 3'' pipe. Cobb tapers down to 2 1/2 and then goes to 3'' again. Not really important if you keep the stock turbo/injectors but definately something you need to consider. BTW, the APS has a deeper sound. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

New To Site?	Need Help?	More
REGISTER FOR FREE! IWSTI Rules/Signature Rules Create a Member Journal Bookmark IWSTI Tell your friends about IWSTI	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Make a suggestion or report a bug Mark Forums Read Contact Us	Member Journals Forum Pictures & Photography Forum GR Series (08+) Marketplace GD Series (03/04-07) Marketplace Hot eBay Deals Forum Beyond Off Topic

12-06-2005, 11:51 PM	#2
ride_the_pony69 Spec C Club Car: 04 Blue STi Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 1,416 IWSTI Addict since: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Go catless! Just get EM, it helps with boost creep.

12-07-2005, 04:03 AM	#3
wi77iam Grassroots STI Racer Car: 04 PSM STi Location: Hatfield, PA Posts: 566 IWSTI Addict since: May 2003 Trader Rating: (2)	Catted - better for all of us who have to breathe.

12-07-2005, 06:19 AM	#4
*BoostJunkie* Sold My Soul For Mods Car: '05 CGM STi Fav Mod: Track Time Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 6,762 IWSTI Addict since: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (14)	I have the APS exhaust and I'm running it with the cat right now. One of the big selling points of the APS for me was the fact that you can swap the cat in and out. I like using the cat, it's quieter, doesn't smell, and you surely won't notice the difference in power.

12-07-2005, 06:20 AM	#5
AdamBlitzer Spec C Club Posts: 1,109 IWSTI Addict since: Jan 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	agreed... go catted. no real reason to go catless unless you want to use leaded fuel. for next to no power gains, if any, go catted so we can drive our cars longer without having more restrictions put on by the gov because we are polluting.

12-07-2005, 07:14 AM	#6
Nachos Libres Moderator Elite Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Underglows Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 8,939 IWSTI Addict since: Jul 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Catted is better. Less fuel smell.

12-07-2005, 07:15 AM	#7
91TB78 S204 Racer Car: 06 IX MR Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 3,666 IWSTI Addict since: Mar 2002 Trader Rating: (12)	Honestly, I would look into the APS or TurboXS or other modular exhausts. The Cobb is a nice piece, but you're stuck with catted or no-cat DP. The other ones you can swap the cat in and out for certain applications or if you have a preference or your priorities change. The Cobb TBE looks really nice, but doesn't offer as much flexibility. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the catted Cobb DP narrow down to 2.5" to be able to matte up to the stock mid-pipe and axle-back?

12-07-2005, 07:45 AM	#8
*VSGTS14* Muller Chevrolet Car: 09 DGM STi Fav Mod: beastly fenders Location: Milford, NJ Posts: 10,383 IWSTI Addict since: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (11)	catless, you won't have a problem with creep.

12-07-2005, 08:11 AM	#10
dsupermansti Grassroots STI Racer Car: 06 AW STI Fav Mod: WRX trunk Location: FarNorCal Posts: 556 IWSTI Addict since: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	Cool, I decided on the Cobb tbe too-catted though . IMO I don't think that you are going to notice 5-7hp. I added the Typhoon and have seen it dynoed at 12hp, but hardly even feel it. So IMHO, 5-7 is worth losing to help us keep this world a little longer. Bit of a tree hugger ya know. Plus, living in CA, I might not have to deal with "big brotha". I have also read that a catted with the proper EM will pass emissions.

12-07-2005, 10:14 AM	#12
*Rac10000* ADMIN Car: 2005 BMW COMP ///M3 Location: Westchester, NY Posts: 8 IWSTI Addict since: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (13)	AHH! Thanks for the help so far but I still have no idea what I am going to do. Some of the things said make me want to get the APS others make me want to go with the Catted Cobb. If I am not going to get the Cobb, I am going to get the APS. VSGTS14, as far as boost creep goes, you should definitely know if your getting it, you will hit fuel-cut and get a CEL.

12-07-2005, 10:36 AM	#14
aspensti05 Spec C Club Car: BMW M5 993 Turbo Location: Southwestern, CT Posts: 1,293 IWSTI Addict since: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (5)	Catted unless you have plans to put on big injectors and big turbo in the future.