Hey everybody-
just got my 98 z28 not too long ago and am looking ofr some good first mods. I would like to do an air lid and a catback system first. THe only thing is, theres sooo many exhaust systems available i dont know what to do! What are your opinions on these, as far as sound, looks, quality and performance-

Borla

Hooker

Random Technologies

SLP

SLP Loudmouth

Corsa

And any othres i might have forgotten.
Also, what are the cheapest places to get these?
Thanks

 

cough *search* cough

 

new or used?

 

I'm fairly certain Thunder Racing is running a sale right now for the Hooker Exhaust and a Whisper Lid for like 450.

The best exhaust is GMMG, but that is a lot more than these. Sound and performence, but will cost you a pretty penny. 700 I think.

Borla and Corsa sound amazing but I would never spend that much and not get a GMMG.

The Loudmouth is basically a 350 dollar cut out (in other words, nothing is louder. There is not muffler, only a resonator).

Mangaflow is also a really good choice. If I'm not mistaken, it is stainless steal and only like 350 for brand new.

Flowmaster sounds good, but I've heard rumors of performence issues.

Hooker isn't the loudest of them, but also has a really good sound. The tips are known to rust, though. I had a Hooker on my LT1 and it really did sound great, and you could still get on the gas with out attracting too much attention around town.


Here are some sights:

www.ls1speed.com
http://www.thunderracing.com
http://www.texas-speed.com/
http://www.ls1f-body.racenet.net/

...and I can't remember where you can get the GMMG. Someone here should know.

Good luck!

 

if you want ultimate cheap, just go for a $40 cutout and be done with it.

but if you want a catback i highly reccomend the magnaflow. it is all stainless (wont rust out), the muffler and tips are polished so it looks nice. it flows great so you get good performance. it sounds badazz on the car and you can find it on ebay brand new for $285 plus shipping.

 

I agree. I spent big bucks on the Corsa when I got my car - sounds great but last year I installed the QTEC and very seldom close it.

 

I think the borla and corsa are more loud than quality deepness. And they are very expensive. However they flow pretty well supposedly. It comes down to whether you want sound or performance. I recently have just decided to buy the flowmaster or blowmaster depending on who you are talking to. I rather have sound because I have a SS and so its fast and I never plan to drag at a strip so I will sacrifice the couple horses for the bada$$ sound of Flowmaster. Look for sound cllips and pictures of what they look like and

 

mufflex sounds good, nice deep sound.

 

Thanks for the advice. Does the magnaflow have dual outlets? I like those better as far as looks go. Does anyone have dyno tests to compare catback systems this way?

 

Why, do you have something for sale?
Used would be great if I coud find one

 

Just my stock SLP exhaust that came with the 99 Camaro SS soon ...

 

heres a pic

pic

dunno if its quite what your looking for ...

 

either a cutout or a hooker catback

 

Here's my recommendations for you by order of price:

1. Cutout welded in. It's great for power, but not convenience if you want to open and close it a lot.
2. Electric cutout. Great for power, as convenient as flipping a switch when you want it open.
3. Hooker cat-back. A lot of people like it, it's one of the cheapest cat-backs, but isn't stainless steel.
4. SLP Loudmouth. Cheap and light, makes great power, but is VERY loud. Lots of these show up for sale after people get sick of them being too loud (especially after adding headers or Y-pipe).
5. Magnaflow. Many people love this kit. It's stainless steel, sounds good, flows really well, and can be purchased for around $350. Cons: Big chrome cannons hanging under the back of the car. I personally don't like the tips on a Camaro since there are no ground effects to cover them up on the sides.
6. SLP 2otl (2 on the left). Also flows great, is a little quieter than the Magnaflow, it's stainless steel and runs about $390 or so. Some people don't like the look of two tips on the driver's side with nothing on the pass. side, but I think it looks pretty cool as long as the pipes are tucked up close to the rear fascia and/or polished. Besides, we don't have a dual exhaust and I think it's odd that a "fake" tip is added to the right side just to balance out the looks of it. This is the exhaust I'm planning to buy for my car.
7. Above this price point is your preference. You have GMMG, Corsa, Borla, Bassani, and several others to pic from.

I would recommend doing searches on all of the popular LS1 sites and Google and listen to a bunch of clips. Try to find local car shows or meets, go to the drag strip, etc. and listen to them for real too.

BTW, Flowmasters usually get terrible reviews for the LS1's! They typically rob horsepower on most setups from what I've read. Good luck!

 

I have the hooker exaust with an electric cut out. The hooker is way to quiet for normal use but great when you're cruising on the highway because you can actually hear the radio. I have pics of the tips on a hooker in my sig. I've had my hooker for a year and a half and no rust yet. I keep it clean though so that might help in rust prevention.