Best setup with these goals in mind

[1slowcamaro]

Before everyone jumps on me:wavey:

I have read the FAQ's, done searches, etc. I undertsand that there is no single best exhaust system, period. BUT, with the following goals in mind, what should I go with?

1) This car is a daily driver, so it can't be so loud that it is annoying. It's also got to be reasonably durable; I don't want to have to replace it a few years down the road.

2) The car is a 3.8l manual, and I do a fair bit of driving around town. So, I can't lose my balls down-low.

3) I don't plan on seriously racing it, so I don't need a setup with racing as its primary goal.

4) Must be emissions legal. By that I mean, it can't trip any codes. No visual inspection in my state, but my computer has to be clean.

Here is what I was thinking:

SLP Intake
Pacesetter headers
Which Cat, and what size?
Which Catback, and what size? I listened to the clips, and the only thing I really learned from them is that I don't like magnaflow, and SLP seems too loud. And obviously, I don't want it to sound ricey.

Thanks for any help you can give me,
Frank

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

Personally, I would not bother with headers since leaks are a problem.
Do not get a cat because you will have emission issues and if a sim for the post cat sensor doesn't work or fails the day before your inspection is due, you'll be ****ed.

I would just focus on a catback. I would get the flowmaster catback and have the resonator removed during install.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

^hahaha....alot of things could fail the day before your inspection is due, so I'd hardly consider that a reason not to get something.

But, I do agree if the OP is not looking for a serious race setup, a catback would be sufficient...2.5" w/ whatever brand muffler you fancy...borla if you got the scrilla, magnaflow if you're on bit of a budget

[1slowcamaro]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

But I should still probably get an intake, shouldn't I?

[1slowcamaro]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

Also, what about Edelbrock? Or should I avoid the 3", since I value my low-end. I think the sound is similar to a flowmaster, isn't it?

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

Also, what about Edelbrock? Or should I avoid the 3", since I value my low-end. I think the sound is similar to a flowmaster, isn't it?

still get the intake.

You'll still have stock manifolds, so you'll have plenty of back-pressure for your "low-end." Only reason i suggested 2.5" is cuz you're not building for a race application(there are alot of fast NA V6's that have 3" pipes, contrary to popular belief), and it's cheaper

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

I still stand by what I say not to do the cat. for sound, he'll be better off.

and yes, for you, I would get the 2.5 so you do not fell like you lost the low end power.

[5_spd_pewter_v6]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

the intake is a no brainer, get one. for the catback, i have a b&b triflo because i wanted something that wasn't too loud and wasn't ricey sounding. i really like it, so i would suggest it, but of course try to find a sound clip before you make any final decisions. (by the way i agree with you on the magnaflow and the loudmouth) also, about the headers, i have pacesetters, and i'm not sure you would like them. they definitely made my car a little bit louder, but they also made it sound better (even throatier). the only leaking issue i have is because i need locking bolts, one consistently backs out very slowly (and i know why, it has nothing to do with the headers themselves). and i don't have any advise on the cat because i don't have one. good luck, hope that helps.

[rdrr96]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

Also, what about Edelbrock? Or should I avoid the 3", since I value my low-end. I think the sound is similar to a flowmaster, isn't it?

sound is considerably different.:wavey: my friend has an 02 3800 camaro with the flowmaster cat back... i have a 96 3800 cmaaro with the edelbrock cat back and they sound COMPLETELY different. flowmaster gets raspier faster and the edelbrock is lower toned... its a great exhaust system. the low end torque even with the 3 inch is great... ive got a 2 1/2 inch in and out cat... kinda creates a bottle neck but it keeps the back pressure up high enough that i actually have more low end power now. its pretty sweet. if you havent heard my cars exhaust you can just do a search and have a listen. i like it. im still working on getting a drive by movie as well as getting a revving video.

[93threefour]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

QTP QTEC (electronic cutout) and keep your stock muffler. best of both worlds. this can/will allow you to still run a cat but still straight through if you wanted.



I swear by mine. I loved my loudmouth but neighbors threatening with the PO made me decide to go back to the stock muffler with the 3"QTEC. Ladies like the quiet, but also like the loud at times so best of both worlds.

[black95maro]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

I have a SLP muffler off of a SLP SS camaro with 2.75in. piping and no cat...I love the sound of it...very nice and deep but not too loud its just right...if you are worried about emmisions id just go with a high flow cat....and headers would definately top its sound and performance off....

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

i really like it...they definitely made my car a little bit louder, but they also made it sound better (even throatier).

its a great exhaust system...its pretty sweet...i like it.

I love the sound of it...very nice and deep but not too loud its just right...

Notice a pattern? Three different posts about three different exhaust systems, all with the same opinion...Point is, everyone thinks their exhaust system is the best sounding exhaust, so asking "how will this sound" or "will this sound good" is too subjective.

[1slowcamaro]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

sound is considerably different.:wavey: my friend has an 02 3800 camaro with the flowmaster cat back... i have a 96 3800 cmaaro with the edelbrock cat back and they sound COMPLETELY different. flowmaster gets raspier faster and the edelbrock is lower toned... its a great exhaust system. the low end torque even with the 3 inch is great... ive got a 2 1/2 inch in and out cat... kinda creates a bottle neck but it keeps the back pressure up high enough that i actually have more low end power now. its pretty sweet. if you havent heard my cars exhaust you can just do a search and have a listen. i like it. im still working on getting a drive by movie as well as getting a revving video.

Heard the clip, that sounds great! What brand of cat did you use? Did it throw a code? If it doesn't kill your low-end, I might just use that setup. Where'd you find the edelbrock, by the way? What'd you pay?

Thanks,
Frank

[homedog119]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

Before everyone jumps on me:wavey:

I have read the FAQ's, done searches, etc. I undertsand that there is no single best exhaust system, period. BUT, with the following goals in mind, what should I go with?

1) This car is a daily driver, so it can't be so loud that it is annoying. It's also got to be reasonably durable; I don't want to have to replace it a few years down the road.

2) The car is a 3.8l manual, and I do a fair bit of driving around town. So, I can't lose my balls down-low.

3) I don't plan on seriously racing it, so I don't need a setup with racing as its primary goal.

4) Must be emissions legal. By that I mean, it can't trip any codes. No visual inspection in my state, but my computer has to be clean.

Here is what I was thinking:

SLP Intake
Pacesetter headers
Which Cat, and what size?
Which Catback, and what size? I listened to the clips, and the only thing I really learned from them is that I don't like magnaflow, and SLP seems too loud. And obviously, I don't want it to sound ricey.

Thanks for any help you can give me,
Frank

I have magnaflow and the sound clips for it SUCK BALLS believe me i love mine im gonna get my sound clip from a completely stock car

[RadRacer]

Re: Best setup with these goals in mind

I've got Magnaflow, and it sounds awesome IMO. My clip sounds better than others I've heard, but it still sounds better in life.

HERE'S MY CLIP


Going down the road, you can just barely hear it, but if you get on the gas, it comes to life.