"Straight" pipes

[KILLSHOTS]

Hey guys,

LOVE my Z, but it's far too quiet with the stock exhaust. The '87 that I traded had only Magnaflow cats and no mufflers and I miss the sound. I rarely drive my car and when I do, I LOVE it loud! Guys on the other forum were bitching about how loud muffler eliminators were but I tried them anyway and LOVED them! Might have liked it louder, in fact.

So, I'm really set on a Corsa system but just I'm trying my best to be pragmatic and give proper consideration to different options before pulling the trigger. Wondering about just modifying my stock system by replacing the resonator with an X-pipe and deleting the mufflers altogether...just straight black LT-1 tips out the back. The only "mufflers" would be the cats, just like on my '87. I see very little potential for resonance with this setup. VERY, VERY inexpensive system, good return of HP, lots of sound.

Remember, I like to HEAR my car. If I want quiet, I drive my Camry.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Chris

[mike100]

I've spent more money on exhaust than everything else outside of the purchase price of the car. My custom headers back with all emissions gear and custom C6 NPP valve treatment and I'm still scheming to change the muffler type.

The quest for the perfect exhaust is a long one it seems. Looking for the 'Goldilocks' system I guess.

[Kevin]

Go with headers x pipe and electric cut outs.

[WVZR-1]

I've run cats only on earlier cars but never on an LT5. It would be a very inexpensive "experiment" and if done by a competent installer the "insert" be it an X or H or just pipes could be done with properly expanded pipe and clamped for the initial attempt. You could also maybe just use a couple "chambered" inserts. I believe the important aspect of the attempt is "properly expanded" pipes for the attempt, it would be very easy once you were happy to complete a welded install.

[KILLSHOTS]

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

I've run cats only on earlier cars but never on an LT5. It would be a very inexpensive "experiment" and if done by a competent installer the "insert" be it an X or H or just pipes could be done with properly expanded pipe and clamped for the initial attempt. You could also maybe just use a couple "chambered" inserts. I believe the important aspect of the attempt is "properly expanded" pipes for the attempt, it would be very easy once you were happy to complete a welded install.

Thanks Dave...here you answered the question I asked in my email reply. Inexpensive was my thought, as well. If I don't like it, I go back in 3 to 6 months and do Corsa and headers and I'm only out a couple hundred. I appreciate your input!

[mike100]

Just changing the resonator for an x-pipe increases the rumble a good bit and takes out about 1/2 the restriction on a stock system.

[Hib Halverson]

An LT-5 with cats only and an X-pipe will sound awesome at high rpm but it will be seriously loud...basically one step short of open exhaust.

When you build the system, keep in mind that stock ZR-1 pipe is about 2.75-in. You're only going to find 2.5 and 3.0-pipe available through conventional sources so go to a 3" system. Given the choice, use an X-pipe rather than an H-pipe

For those liking loud or those who are partially deaf it will be delightful except for 1) exhaust going pop-popty-pop on decel and 2) the 1500-1800 rpm "drone" or "resonance" when cruising on the highway.

Lastly, you may need a different ECM cal to make that system work best and Haibeck has the best stuff.

[KILLSHOTS]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

An LT-5 with cats only and an X-pipe will sound awesome at high rpm but it will be seriously loud...basically one step short of open exhaust.

When you build the system, keep in mind that stock ZR-1 pipe is about 2.75-in. You're only going to find 2.5 and 3.0-pipe available through conventional sources so go to a 3" system. Given the choice, use an X-pipe rather than an H-pipe

For those liking loud or those who are partially deaf it will be delightful except for 1) exhaust going pop-popty-pop on decel and 2) the 1500-1800 rpm "drone" or "resonance" when cruising on the highway.

Lastly, you may need a different ECM cal to make that system work best and Haibeck has the best stuff.

Thanks Hib. I do have Marc's chip in my car currently...would it need to be recalibrated just to remove mufflers and resonator?

I appreciate the input!
Chris

[KILLSHOTS]

Originally Posted by mike100

Just changing the resonator for an x-pipe increases the rumble a good bit and takes out about 1/2 the restriction on a stock system.

Hey Mike,

I had actually thought about this as a potential "step 1". Will removing only the resonator lead to a big increase in drone?

Thanks!

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by KILLSHOTS

Thanks Hib. I do have Marc's chip in my car currently...would it need to be recalibrated just to remove mufflers and resonator?

I appreciate the input!
Chris

it will get rid of the poping if you have Marc redo the chip