Ls1 Exhaust, What Exhaust should I buy?? Options

[sknick]

I just had my cats go out on my 98. Luckily they are warrentied till 70,000 miles so GM is fixing them for me. Now, I think I want to run a cat back system on the car and wasn't sure which system to go with. I am looking to sell the car in the near future so don't want one of the high dollar corsa system (would prob never recupe that $$). Looks like Elderbrock, Hooker, and Flowmaster all have systems around the $300 range. Has anyone had experience with any of these? Any recomendations?

Also, like I said I may be selling the car if anyone is interested. 98 Z28 Hardtop 6 speed. 18 inch Z06 wheels, ss spoiler, lowered w/ 8 way adjustable shocks. Have all original parts too.

Thanks for the help!!

SK

[shortbus]

I had a Flowmaster on my SS and it was pretty loud.. sounded good though.

Here is what I got for my Z28:
http://www.vilipend.com/~brian/NewExhaust

A real good price for stainless steel.

there is a sound clip there too.

It sound nice and mello and it is not too loud that the cops take notice.

[bigshoe]

I also have a magnaflow, and i'm pretty happy with it. for a straight through muffler, there isnt much for rasp, just that fluttering noise that you can hear off of shortbus's video clip when the motor revs down.

Its stainless steel, and I got mine for 320shipped (new of course). if your interested in it, email me and i'll try to get you the contact info where i got it from.

In my opinion, its got to be the best bang for the buck catback for the ls1 cars.

miki
mikic@cox.net

[94bird]

SK, just curious, but if you're going to sell the car in the near future, why do you want to spend money on a cat-back exhaust? You won't get any of that money back when selling the car. If you're just looking for a better sound, I'd get a muffler put on your existing system and save the money. If you're looking for more performance also, and to keep the cost down, I think the Magnaflow cat-back would be good, as was suggested above. I run a Walker Ultra-Flo on my LT1 and love the sound. I believe an Ultra-Flo and Magnaflow are similarly designed.

BTW, since you're not very far from me, how much are you thinking of selling your car for?

[KeithO]

I liked my old SLP Loudmouth pretty well...

[y5e06]

That magnaflow clip sounds really good!
Was there anything else done to the car? did it have headers?
I was gonna have a good local shop build a 3" exhaust for me, single tip. But after hearing that clip I may just order that setup! I just really want a single tip though, its simple and weighs less.

[94bird]

If you really want something simple that weighs less, just replace your cat with a tube muffler like an Ultraflo or the like, and dump at your rear axle. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[TxAgZ28]

I've been running the Hooker cat-back for about 4 months now and absolutely love it. One of the better sounding catbacks I've heard on LS1 cars, save the double-the-cost Borla/Corsa, etc...

The cat-back runs about $290 but Hooker also sells the muffler by itself for about $80-$90. Might be a good option if you're thinking of selling the car soon. Though if I were about to sell my ride I wouldn't want to invest any more money in it I know I won't get back.

[NataSS Inc]

2 words for you......... BOOM TUBE (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Crazy Canuck]

electric cutout... cheaper.
Plus, you can always remove it and use it for your next car.

[TxAgZ28]

electric cutout... cheaper.
Plus, you can always remove it and use it for your next car.

Or even a plain wingnut cap cutout. $40 shipped from Summit Racing.

[00 Trans Ram]

I second the plain old cutout - best bang-for-buck exhaust you can get.

Whatever you do, DON'T get the Flowmaster. With a Flowmaster, 18" wheels, lid, and K&N filter, I put down 292 corrected rwhp. Then, 6 months later, with a cutout at the axle, 16" stock wheels, same lid and filter, put down 322 corrected rwhp! (Note - both runs on Mustang dynos, first in August, second in December. But, supposedly the "correction factor" removed variables such as temp, humidity and air density, right?)

[TxAgZ28]

I've heard that Flowmaster is the worst flowing muffler for 4th gens. Granted, this is all intarweb hearsay from LS1 message boards, but it's a well publicized fact. And I think 00 Trans Ram has added a real life experience to back it up, because I don't think cooler temps would add 30rwhp.

With a cutout and lid, I dyno'd 330rwhp in November in Texas. But November in Texas is still 95 degrees (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[trackbird]

I've been considering a Magnaflow, I just wish I could get it without the "ricer" tips. I've got no use for shiny 3.5" tips on my car. It's not like I'm going to keep them clean, and I don't think I can paint them black, I just wish they did it in a "normal" version, maybe something I can weld the stock tips back onto or something like that.

[robz71lm7]

I don't care for the ricer tips either. But for $315 shipped I'm not going to complain about a 409 system with 304 free-flow muffler and tips. Magnaflow (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

The loudmouth is appealing for cutting weight but it's too loud with LT headers and no cats.

Is anyone else scared that FRRAX now has a catback thread? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (help)

[trackbird]

Is anyone else scared that FRRAX now has a catback thread? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (help)

Yup..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[sgarnett]

I like the sound of my Magnaflow. I don't like the rice pipes either, but they aren't quite as bad now that they have a nice base coat of dirt. They do hide the hitch from the side though, so it isn't all bad (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

However, installing a Magnaflow catback along with a hitch is a major pain because the hangers and hitch want to share the same space. I made it work with fabricated brackets, but ....

[Absolut Speed]

www.ls1sounds.com Everyone's ear likes something a little different.

[shortbus]

That magnaflow clip sounds really good!
Was there anything else done to the car? did it have headers?
I was gonna have a good local shop build a 3" exhaust for me, single tip. But after hearing that clip I may just order that setup! I just really want a single tip though, its simple and weighs less.

sorry it took so long to see this...

The cat has a stock motor, manifolds, intake.

[sgarnett]

BTW, a little fine steel wool or wet-dry to dull the polish would probably help the Magnaflow rice pipes a LOT.

[98_1LE]

I have had the Hooker catback on my T/A for about 2.5 years. It sounds great, and flows well. With cats, it wasn't much louder than stock at idle, but has a nice rumble at WOT. With no cats, heads and cam, it sounds mean, while not tooo loud. For the $$$, you cannot beat it. And yes, the FlowMaster cross flow muffler does not flow very good.

[Bald54]

I speak to Paul at Thunder Racing quite often. One time I mentioned I was pretty dissapointed in my dyno numbers considering the mods on my car. He asked what had been done. After telling him he told me the 2 things holding back the numbers were the Flow Master and the K&N FIPK. He suggested the Hooker catback as an inexpensive alternative and go with a high flow type lid.

[Sam Strano]

There are a number of systems that are nice for the cars. We carry a lot of them, and so I've had the opprotunity to see/hear the systems in person.

My favorite's are (in no particular order):
SLP 2OTL & Loudmouth: The Loudmouth is light, and sounds mean. I don't have an issue driving it if I stay under about 78 mph where it gets a little boomy. But my car is not an everyday driver. The 2OTL just has a great smooth tone that isn't Loudmouth loud or harsh. It fits and flows really well. Has understated "who me?" tips. Considering that it's a full cat-back and stainless and under$400 I think it's a good deal.

Magnaflow: Great price for Stainless (though I think the $319 price is very old considering it's a lot less than I pay for it, or it could have been one of the older systems that was aluminized pipe with stainless muffler/tips). I like the fact they don't use a cross-flow muffler but turn the right side tip around to minimize restriction in the muffler. Not crazy about the tips though.....

Edelbrock: Not stainless, but just over $300. No tips that tell you anything (think V-6 dual muffler). But it sounds nice, while not being loud, ever. And the muffler is the best idea for a cross flow you can get. 3" in, then 4 1" straight perforated core tubes to a large open end on the driver's side. Air then turns right and T's to a 3" pipe and gets out whatever tip is the easiest. Makes good torque.....

Borla: Again, not a cross-flow. Tuneable for sound. I find if you think you want to run is capped the SLP 2OTL is a better deal as it sounds about the same and is less $$ (but not the cool tips). If you want to run it open, buy the less expensive Loudmouth. If you want to monkey with it, buy the Borla. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

StainlessWorks Chambered system: 3 chambered mufflers "turbo tubes" 1 after the y-pipe, 1 in each tailpipe. Very throaty but not the sharp edge of the Loudmouth. Similar to a GMMG, but with less piping (and less weight) and with an extra chambered muffler to kill resonance. Couple tip styles available.

I wouldn't use a Flowmaster on anything I own. I have one on my '91 and it sucks. Fit for shit, and worst the car doesn't rev as well as it did before with a home-made system and a Borla muffler. That is sad, because L98's with stock TPI's are already strangled to begin with.

[robz71lm7]

Magnaflow: Great price for Stainless (though I think the $319 price is very old considering it's a lot less than I pay for it, or it could have been one of the older systems that was aluminized pipe with stainless muffler/tips). I like the fact they don't use a cross-flow muffler but turn the right side tip around to minimize restriction in the muffler. Not crazy about the tips though.....

Nope $319 is from last year and for 409 SS pipes and 304SS tips and muffler. I ordered from the below vendor and it was 300 before shipping.

http://performanceintl.com/shop/products.c...ne=5.7L,%20LT-1

Evidently prices have increased this year. IIRC, the LS1 magnaflow catbacks have always cost more.

[sgarnett]

Edelbrock: Not stainless, but just over $300. No tips that tell you anything (think V-6 dual muffler). But it sounds nice, while not being loud, ever. And the muffler is the best idea for a cross flow you can get. 3" in, then 4 1" straight perforated core tubes to a large open end on the driver's side. Air then turns right and T's to a 3" pipe and gets out whatever tip is the easiest. Makes good torque.....

I had the Edelbrock on my 96 3.8. It is (or was) stainless, but it wasn't the mirror polish stuff. I really liked the sound - it had an exotic performance flavor (closer to Ferrari than Shelby Cobra). Of course, it was a V6....

[apexman]

Hooker. Sounds great and costs nil. I have heard them all more than once and it sounds great with cats, witout cats and with headers.all without rasp.

Derek

[tom97ss]

Is anyone else scared that FRRAX now has a catback thread?  (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)   (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)   (help)

I'm waiting for the " how much horsepower do I have" thread (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif)

[trackbird]

Is anyone else scared that FRRAX now has a catback thread?   (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)   (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)   (help)

I'm waiting for the " how much horsepower do I have" thread (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif)

So Tom, how much horsepower do you have?

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif)

[Trance]

Magnaflow:  Great price for Stainless (though I think the $319 price is very old considering it's a lot less than I pay for it, or it could have been one of the older systems that was aluminized pipe with stainless muffler/tips).  I like the fact they don't use a cross-flow muffler but turn the right side tip around to minimize restriction in the muffler.  Not crazy about the tips though..... 

Nope $319 is from last year and for 409 SS pipes and 304SS tips and muffler. I ordered from the below vendor and it was 300 before shipping.

http://performanceintl.com/shop/products.c...ne=5.7L,%20LT-1

Evidently prices have increased this year. IIRC, the LS1 magnaflow catbacks have always cost more.

I noticed that the LT1 MagnaFlow system looked just like the LS1 system, except you get the s-pipe for the pre-96 LT1 cars with the LT1 system.

Is the I-pipe the same length on the two systems? If that's the case, I'd order the LT1 & save a few bucks.

[Spooner]

The (SLP) 2OTL just has a great smooth tone that isn't Loudmouth loud or harsh. It fits and flows really well. Has understated "who me?" tips. Considering that it's a full cat-back and stainless and under$400 I think it's a good deal.

Is anyone running this SLP both pipes on one side system on a near stock LS1 car? I like the looks of it. Right now I have a Shadey Tree Design* Borla muffler catback and a big fat tail-pipe, which were the previous owner's idea of cool, and I hate how it looks and sounds... It's too rice and way too loud.

-John

*Its patented STD design--not my own, mind you--uses a 3-inch mid-pipe and a 3.5-inch muffler, filling in the gap between the two pipe sizes with weld slag, thus no adapter is required at the muffler entry.