Questions...

[ESNITZ]

You seem to know a lot about this vehicle. I have a regular Matrix and was wondering about headers and springs. I wanted the TRD springs, but the amazing deal I had fell through. Which springs would you say are comparable, but more cost affective. And what headers are available that you know of? Do XRS headers fit on my Matrix?

I apoligize for this not being completly related to this thread.

[mistamatrix]

I moved your post and created a new thread.

FYI, the TRD springs are basically Eibach Prokits. Eibach makes the TRD springs for Toyota and just rebranded as TRD. If you're set on the TRD's than you'll save by buying the Eibach Prokits.

As for headers, what year is your Matrix? Base/XR or XRS?

[ESNITZ]

I have an '04 1zz. Also, what is the difference between a cat back and an axle back for this car?

[mistamatrix]

XRS header will not fit the 1ZZ.

Typically, an axleback is just a one piece exhaust (muffler). It's a simple bolt on by removing the existing muffler and replacing. "Axleback" is exactly just that...the exhaust pipes run from the rear axle of the car to the tailpipe.

A catback is a 2 piece exhaust system (muffler + midpipe or exhaust pipe that runs from the catalytic converter to the rear axle.)

[ESNITZ]

I was actually wondering how they compared in terms of performance. But thanks for the info anyway.

[mistamatrix]

A catback exhaust will yield you better gains than an axleback.