What Exhaust- Stock Tips
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 267
From: Birmingham, AL
What Exhaust- Stock Tips
I've been considering getting exhaust on my 97 Z28 ( I have a CAI and airfoil so far).
However, I do not like most aftermarket tips and want to keep the stock tips.
What are my exhaust options for keeping the stock tips?
One thing to note is that price is a BIG concern! I'm not going to spend $800 on an exhaust system, given that the one i have now sounds decent. But I'm wanting a little more "roar", and performance as well.
I've thought about gutting the cat but it's illegal (don't have to pass an emissions test tho so i might be able to be convinced to do that...)
I dunno. I'm just throwing the idea of changing my exhaust around. Let me know what yall think,
Jay
However, I do not like most aftermarket tips and want to keep the stock tips.
What are my exhaust options for keeping the stock tips?
One thing to note is that price is a BIG concern! I'm not going to spend $800 on an exhaust system, given that the one i have now sounds decent. But I'm wanting a little more "roar", and performance as well.
I've thought about gutting the cat but it's illegal (don't have to pass an emissions test tho so i might be able to be convinced to do that...)
I dunno. I'm just throwing the idea of changing my exhaust around. Let me know what yall think,
Jay
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 614
From: Tallahassee, Fl
Tips are not a problem. I feel the same way as you in that I like the stock tips. I have whats called the dynomouth(its like the SLP loudmouth but with a dynomax resonator). Do a search on it if you are interested. There are plenty of threads on it. Pretty much just select your cat-back and tell the exhaust shop that you want to to keep your stock tips and then sell the aftermarket tips on the board. 
Good luck.
EDIT-I would leave the cat alone. #1-Its there for a good reason and #2-Your car will be very raspy and very loud without it.
Bo
Good luck.EDIT-I would leave the cat alone. #1-Its there for a good reason and #2-Your car will be very raspy and very loud without it.
Bo
Last edited by brandboZ28; Jan 31, 2003 at 05:27 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 588
From: Indiana
You can keep the tips and it won't affect performance. Gutting the cat will introduce some high frequency rasp and make the car much louder. The shell will resonate badly as well. I'd leave it or replace it with a high-flow unit.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 825
From: Houston, TX
3 years ago I just bought a Flowmaster catback and used the stock tailpipes up until now. I guess a shop could have welded the stock tips to the Flowmaster tailpipes, but since the stock tips are offset, they wouldn't have lined up right.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 603
From: I-L-L-I-N-O-I-S
If your just looking for a simple muffler replacement change for a better sound, Flowmaster, Hooker, Magnaflow, and Dynomax can all be used with the stock tailpipes and tips off a Z28.
If you want the added performance from a full cat-back, you'll have to have a good muffler shop weld your stock tips up to the tailpipes of the cat-back system you choose. They shouldn't have any problem doing this but getting the tips to align or center properly could be a problem because of how the stock exhaust is shaped from the factory.
Thats why I'd just recommend a good sounding muffler(Flowmaster/Hooker) and putting a cutout on the I-pipe for the added flow of a full cat-back when you need it.
Mike
2002 M6 Z28
If you want the added performance from a full cat-back, you'll have to have a good muffler shop weld your stock tips up to the tailpipes of the cat-back system you choose. They shouldn't have any problem doing this but getting the tips to align or center properly could be a problem because of how the stock exhaust is shaped from the factory.
Thats why I'd just recommend a good sounding muffler(Flowmaster/Hooker) and putting a cutout on the I-pipe for the added flow of a full cat-back when you need it.
Mike
2002 M6 Z28
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
From: Langley, BC Canada
I have dual stage 2 flowmasters... 1 being elegal, 2 being loud, and 3 being quiet stock. I love the sound put out by my Flowmasters. I totally recommend Flowmaster.
One problem, so far all the exhaust install companys like Budget Brake and Muffler claim that they cant make the pipes straight out the back with a straight tip added. I cut the pipes and added pollished stainless steel 3 inch tips from my 2 1/2 inch stock pipes. Looks and sounds good but now that I have another camaro I have to do this all over again. Why dont they make them straight out! Geez its not that hard...
One problem, so far all the exhaust install companys like Budget Brake and Muffler claim that they cant make the pipes straight out the back with a straight tip added. I cut the pipes and added pollished stainless steel 3 inch tips from my 2 1/2 inch stock pipes. Looks and sounds good but now that I have another camaro I have to do this all over again. Why dont they make them straight out! Geez its not that hard...
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 267
From: Birmingham, AL
ok well looks like if I do this, I'll replace the muffler.
a few questions:
1) is it a weld-on thing or could i swap it out myself?
2) what brand and type is the best?
- I'm looking for a louder sound than stock, but not raspy or farty, and not obnoxious
- I want a sporty sound that's noticeable, but not from a mile away.
Thanks,
Jay
a few questions:
1) is it a weld-on thing or could i swap it out myself?
2) what brand and type is the best?
- I'm looking for a louder sound than stock, but not raspy or farty, and not obnoxious
- I want a sporty sound that's noticeable, but not from a mile away.
Thanks,
Jay
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 67
From: Canada
Someone posted this link a while back. www.exhaustproslinc.com/ansa.html They have stock looking exhaust tips there that are either chrome or high polish but they have them in the factory offset, as well as centered so that if you only decide to change the muffler you can get some nice looking stock like tips that will be centered properly.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 614
From: Tallahassee, Fl
Jay, I had a flowmaster muffler welded in the stock location for well over a year and I loved it. The only reason I got rid of it was because I ran over something while driving and it knocked all the "guts" of the muffler loose so it rattled like no other. I was louder than stock but didnt make me too loud. That was a big reason why I liked it. As far as doing it yourself, sorry. Unless you are a welder, you gotta pay someone to do it. Just to weld the muffler in place shouldnt cost more than $50-$60 buck depending on where you go. It might be a little more since you are having your old tips put back on your car. I hope this isnt too long and boring for you. Good luck.
Bo
Bo
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
From: Langley, BC Canada
Hey Jay,
My 97 V6 camaro sounded sweet with flowmaster on it. It was deep and somewhat loud but not overly loud. There is only three stages that you can get that I am aware of. My 96 was welded on but my 96 Z28 that I own now is "horse shoe" or U clamped on which makes tweeking/adjusting, and replacing a dream. Just as long as your system dosent get stolen, thats the only down side I could see but thats the least of my worries.
The cost for me in Canadian dollars for the single 3 inch in to dual 2 1/2 inch out, was $100 to buy and $100 to install. I later cut the welds and lowered the pipes a bit and added 3inch straight pipes. (helps being a welder in the trade)!
I DONT recommend crome pipes because the gas and moisture from the exhaust penitrates and rusts fast. For this reason I went to stainless steel straigh pipes. 316 I believe resistes salt water and pretty much any acid basted chemical you can throw at it or soak it in.
If you have any more questions ask away
My 97 V6 camaro sounded sweet with flowmaster on it. It was deep and somewhat loud but not overly loud. There is only three stages that you can get that I am aware of. My 96 was welded on but my 96 Z28 that I own now is "horse shoe" or U clamped on which makes tweeking/adjusting, and replacing a dream. Just as long as your system dosent get stolen, thats the only down side I could see but thats the least of my worries.
The cost for me in Canadian dollars for the single 3 inch in to dual 2 1/2 inch out, was $100 to buy and $100 to install. I later cut the welds and lowered the pipes a bit and added 3inch straight pipes. (helps being a welder in the trade)!
I DONT recommend crome pipes because the gas and moisture from the exhaust penitrates and rusts fast. For this reason I went to stainless steel straigh pipes. 316 I believe resistes salt water and pretty much any acid basted chemical you can throw at it or soak it in.
If you have any more questions ask away
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 267
From: Birmingham, AL
Sounds great. So the general consensus is Flowmaster muffler for the best sound (not obnoxious), and have it welded on.
Where's the cheapest place to get FM mufflers?? I'll check my local shop (there's only one) and see what their price is and decide. Thanks again guys,
Jay
Where's the cheapest place to get FM mufflers?? I'll check my local shop (there's only one) and see what their price is and decide. Thanks again guys,
Jay
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,026
From: Ohio
i also have a 97 z28 and am also considering replacing only the muffler.
you asked if it is easy...i did this on my 94 Z before i totalled it and it did not require any welding. you just jack up the rear, set the jack stands and unbolt the muffler clamps and the hanger on the driverside tailpipe. if you have a northern car like my 94 then it may be tough to get the muffler off the i-pipe but it will come.
i'm a complete dumb@$$ and i did it in like 10 minutes.
now for muffler choice. the dynomax suber turbo is what i used. it was the ONLY mod i had done to that car and i got dozens of complements on the sound of my car. and that was even with a muffler made for a 3.1 v6 (i pulled it off my old firebird) so i imagine it was restrictive.
i plan on buying a new dynomax super turbo and doing the same thing with this 97 and i also plan on doing stock tips which should work fine considering the mufflers are dimensionally the same (stock vs super turbo)
look in summit racing, these mufflers are pretty much straight through flow. they're not terribly loud at idle/cruise but at WOT they sound real good.
Michael.
you asked if it is easy...i did this on my 94 Z before i totalled it and it did not require any welding. you just jack up the rear, set the jack stands and unbolt the muffler clamps and the hanger on the driverside tailpipe. if you have a northern car like my 94 then it may be tough to get the muffler off the i-pipe but it will come.
i'm a complete dumb@$$ and i did it in like 10 minutes.
now for muffler choice. the dynomax suber turbo is what i used. it was the ONLY mod i had done to that car and i got dozens of complements on the sound of my car. and that was even with a muffler made for a 3.1 v6 (i pulled it off my old firebird) so i imagine it was restrictive.
i plan on buying a new dynomax super turbo and doing the same thing with this 97 and i also plan on doing stock tips which should work fine considering the mufflers are dimensionally the same (stock vs super turbo)
look in summit racing, these mufflers are pretty much straight through flow. they're not terribly loud at idle/cruise but at WOT they sound real good.
Michael.