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Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmicro_SS (Post 1493853)

Hey Caverman. Very creative. Not sure if it worth the savings, but to each his own.

I just want to point a few things out.

The biggest difference in what you did and the SOLO system is THE RESONATOR. Solo designed their own resonators due to the flaws in the Magnaflow and other brands product. Here are the differences:

- Solo's resonators have 4 chambers with individual packing material. due to the chambers being smaller, it stops the packing from moving around over time and the sound changing. They also use a Ceramic/Stainless Blend packing material that lasts longer and stays consistent sounding over time.

- The pipes in the resonator have NO SEEMS inside, unlike the Magnaflow.

- The Solo's X-pipe has a subtle wobble to it to further kill drone on the highway by adding the right amount of disruption to the flow.

- Solo has their own design of vent holes in the pipes. DIfferent shape and amount than other companies.

All this ads up to a very solid SMOOTH sounding system.

Not to mention, they KILLED themselves to get the system so that the pipes are perfectly MIRRORED side to side. Meaning the left side and right side have the EXACT bends in the exact places with NO Flat spots. MANDREL BENT. The factory system is completely different side to side and has numerous flat spots. This makes for perfectly even flow from one side to the other. Not to mention it looks sick!

I am not knocking what you did, I applaud your creativity, I am just saying, you get something for a few extra bucks. Not to mention Bolt-on ease.

well since this is the case, would solo be interested in selling their resonator/muffler/x-pipe deal by itself with no piping????? i'd go that route if possible. if not, i'll be going this way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmicro_SS (Post 1493853)

I agree that the SOLO system would be better and as I put in my review if you have the extra money I would go with SOLO. Actually, I might still buy the SOLO system in the next month or two. Hopefully I can hear it in person soon to help make that decision.

My biggest regret is that I didn’t think to jump on the muffler guy to use the sawsall instead of the torch to make my cuts cleaner. Although I don’t see how there is much of an effect on performance that is caused having the jagged edges. A little maybe but I doubt anything I would ever notice.

Otherwise here are questions I would have about going with SOLO vs this route.
1. The savings….for me it was less than ½ the cost. I was able to buy my Hurst Shifter for that difference.

2. You mention that the resonator in the SOLO has “No Seems” unlike the Magnaflow. I’m sure you’re correct but since I’ve never seen inside either one I’ll just have to take your word on it. Even so what difference does it make to have a Seem or not? If for some odd reason it came apart or something Magnaflow has a lifetime warranty and I would be able to get another one. Although that would be a PIA. What are the advantages of a “No Seem” resonator?

3. You mention the SOLO has extra wobble to rid the system of drone on the highway. I haven’t heard any drone from this system so far. I even took my neighbor for a ride today and he said his 300c with Borla has drone in it and he definitely didn’t hear any in mine. So…whatever Magnaflow did I assume they did what they needed to do to address drone as well.

4. SOLO has different holes in the pipes compared to other companies. What difference does the different size and amount make? I’m not trying to be a smart ass….I’m curious about what the difference it makes? To me the Magnaflow sounds good.

5. There are a couple flat spots in the factory system but you cut out all but one of them if you go this route. Yes is may not be perfect but I doubt very seriously that it’s going to make enough of a difference that you would ever hear or feel in performance.

6. Yes....bolting on any cat-back system on these cars is easy. However...I didn't even do that much. I just stood there and took pictures while someone else did all the work. Although I personally have no issue with putting on a cat-back on these cars. I have access to a lift but others may not.

7. The savings isn't a few bucks.....it's a few hundred bucks. Again, if you have it I would definately go SOLO, if you don't then this is a good alternative.

I’m not knocking or questioning the design of SOLO at all. I’m actually still strongly considering the SOLO system….I’m sure I can sell my current setup for a little bit of money and I’ll have to just chalk up the difference to learning curve. However ever for only $325 this will get me by for a little while.

i went with the X-pipe and two magnaflows bullets and its sounds bad ass :headbang:

meh, pipe is basically pipe as long as its mandrel bent (and stock is) it takes out the bad stuff just like the more costly pipe does. cat backs dont provide any performance anyway, even the costly ones... so if there is any gains to be made, i am sure this route does it just as well. i wont be payin extra for the same, so this will be my route. the xpipe might help with some gains though i think....right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSRSGTOTA (Post 1494207)

i went with the X-pipe and two magnaflows bullets and its sounds bad ass :headbang:

You need to get some video and post it up so we can hear it.

Ok….these aren’t the greatest and I hope to re-do them in over the weekend but I had my neighbor go with me to a dead end street to get a little video before it got to dark. I want to find a more secluded place where I can stay on it longer.

I’m new to making videos so hopefully these are to bad. I will say…as others have….the microphone on the camcorder doesn’t do it justice. It does sound better in person. I never really believed it when everyone else said it but it’s true. These are just for you to get a basic idea. If you can hear something like this in person you’ll be better off in your decision making.

sounds nice caverman, i'll post mine later

Quote:

Originally Posted by caverman (Post 1494273)

yeah buddy :thumbsup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by caverman (Post 1492579)

For a little more money $515 vs $750 you should consider going with the SOLO Mach-X. That will be a cat-back system and not just an axle-back. I'm not knocking LMII but the cat-back is easy to install...expecially if you have a helping hand. Even by yourself you can do it easily.

Thanks, is any welding required?

I will check it out, just stopping in for a second, gotta go now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEFF2010SSMANUAL (Post 1496051)

Thanks, is any welding required?

I will check it out, just stopping in for a second, gotta go now.

Nope....I don't believe so but you should check with SOLO on the install process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2kb6FDtU1Y here it is sorry for the delay

sounds real good Dude!

I ALWAYS loved the way Magnaflow sounds on chevys.

Sawzall would be nice, but what the heck,,,they were going inside and never to be seen.. :)..
Looks nice..I do like my bigger tips on my Solo.. and well as a overall unit....but I would do this.....
Only thing Id do diff if tips not sticking out so far ..if I did it like you..
but:
my opinion only.. and looks great!...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHart (Post 1493886)

well since this is the case, would solo be interested in selling their resonator/muffler/x-pipe deal by itself with no piping????? i'd go that route if possible. if not, i'll be going this way.

You can call Steve (their sales and customer service rep) at the number in the video and ask. I would imagine they would sell it separate. :iono:

Quote:

Originally Posted by caverman (Post 1494086)

2. You mention that the resonator in the SOLO has “No Seems” unlike the Magnaflow. I’m sure you’re correct but since I’ve never seen inside either one I’ll just have to take your word on it. Even so what difference does it make to have a Seem or not? If for some odd reason it came apart or something Magnaflow has a lifetime warranty and I would be able to get another one. Although that would be a PIA. What are the advantages of a “No Seem” resonator? Look at your picture, the X-Pipe has horizontal seems. The flow cannot be as smooth and the pressure would change going from the pipe to the resonator and back to the pipe. I am no engineer, but it is a cheaper way to make an x-pipe........ stamped.

3. You mention the SOLO has extra wobble to rid the system of drone on the highway. I haven’t heard any drone from this system so far. I even took my neighbor for a ride today and he said his 300c with Borla has drone in it and he definitely didn’t hear any in mine. So…whatever Magnaflow did I assume they did what they needed to do to address drone as well. I agree, their is more than one way to achieve the same result. I was just explaining how the owner of SOLO explained to me why their system is different. He felt over time their design was more stable and would keep the same tone.

4. SOLO has different holes in the pipes compared to other companies. What difference does the different size and amount make? I’m not trying to be a smart ass….I’m curious about what the difference it makes? To me the Magnaflow sounds good. The difference is in the depth and smoothness of the tone. I personally like the tone better out of the SOLO compared to the other systems I have heard in person. These are personal opinions, each person has to hear both in person and decide for themselves.

5. There are a couple flat spots in the factory system but you cut out all but one of them if you go this route. Yes is may not be perfect but I doubt very seriously that it’s going to make enough of a difference that you would ever hear or feel in performance. In theory it would, in reality, who knows for sure. I was just pointing out the fact that their are many differences in going your way or buying a complete and balanced system that was quality built and designed to work together. That doesn't mean that it is not good enough for you, it is all a matter of what you are looking for. I am not into Frankensteining things like this. I like a complete, cleanly manufactured product on my cars..........that is just me.

6. Yes....bolting on any cat-back system on these cars is easy. However...I didn't even do that much. I just stood there and took pictures while someone else did all the work. Although I personally have no issue with putting on a cat-back on these cars. I have access to a lift but others may not. - All you need is ramps to put on the SOLO system, not a lift. I have heard as little as $50 being charged fro installing the Mach X at one members local mechanic. It takes less than an hour.

7. The savings isn't a few bucks.....it's a few hundred bucks. Again, if you have it I would definately go SOLO, if you don't then this is a good alternative. To me, it is worth saving for quality built products, a few hundred dollars is peanuts when you are talking about a $37,000 car. But again, this is a personal decision and my opinion. I understand and respect yours as well.

I’m not knocking or questioning the design of SOLO at all. I’m actually still strongly considering the SOLO system….I’m sure I can sell my current setup for a little bit of money and I’ll have to just chalk up the difference to learning curve. However ever for only $325 this will get me by for a little while. I totally understand and think it was a pretty clever way of approaching your budget restraint. I did not read your thread and answer thinking you were knocking SOLO. Just that some people will read this and take it to the max as if it is "as good" as a complete balanced system. I am not knocking this set-up, but simply pointing out that "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR". This way may be OK for those that do not care about the things I pointed out, or what is hanging under their car. But their are those like me, who do, so I was just pointing out the difference. No disrespect was meant, just a point, counterpoint, discussion for others to read and hopefully benefit from. That is what makes these forums so great! Be well my friend and enjoy your new sound! :drinking:

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEFF2010SSMANUAL (Post 1496051)

Thanks, is any welding required?

I will check it out, just stopping in for a second, gotta go now.

SOLO's Mach X Cat back system is a Bolt on 45 minute process, and 25-30 of those minutes is taking down the damn heavy factory system.

Ok....so the length that the tips stick out and the torch job has really been eating at me ever since I got it back home. I talked around some more and found a muffler shop just down the street from ADM Performance. I took pictures of what was done and we got it up on on the lift. I also took a look at some of his work and I feel alot better about this guy having a clue as to what's going on.

We talked extensively about what was done, what I didn't like, and what would need to be fixed. Unfortunately he is only open 1/2 days on Saturday so I'm going to be taking my car back on Monday to have him basically re-do what I had done originally and to get the tips right this time. It's going to cost me another $150 to fix someone elses job and re-do it correctly but at least it should be done right this time.

So....everyone reading this and planning on doing a muffler delete.....learn from my mistake (or the muffler guys mistake)....NO TORCHES!!! :paddle: Only use a sawsall to cut the original exhaust. Also...go check out the shop in person and talk with the installer to make sure your comfortable with their ideas and work. Don't use the cheapest guy out there when you're only talking about a $20 - $40 difference.

Sad thing is the new guy said that the original guy didn't really do a bad job. In general the welds and everything were pretty good but he was pretty floored that someone that seemed to have an idea on how to work on mufflers would use a torch over a sawsall. :iono:

Also....since my secondary cat got damaged by something :rolleyes: ;) :D .....I'm going to have another exhaust trick done that he says will get me at least another 5hp (not much but hey anything is better), make it flow a little better, and more than anything he says it should make it 10%-15% louder which is fine because the current setup is not that loud at all in my opinion. He is going to remove the back two cats and put straight pipe there. The secondary ones are not monitored by the car so there are no codes that will be thrown and thus no need for a tune. I questioned this a bunch with him and I'm pretty comfortable about doing this. I would do the off-road down pipes but I don't feel like doing a tune on my car just yet. I will eventually but not till at least the end of the year. We'll see how this works out. Of course I'll get video and pics of the end product.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmicro_SS (Post 1502024)

2. You mention that the resonator in the SOLO has “No Seems” unlike the Magnaflow. I’m sure you’re correct but since I’ve never seen inside either one I’ll just have to take your word on it. Even so what difference does it make to have a Seem or not? If for some odd reason it came apart or something Magnaflow has a lifetime warranty and I would be able to get another one. Although that would be a PIA. What are the advantages of a “No Seem” resonator? Look at your picture, the X-Pipe has horizontal seems. The flow cannot be as smooth and the pressure would change going from the pipe to the resonator and back to the pipe. I am no engineer, but it is a cheaper way to make an x-pipe........ stamped.
The seems in the core of the Magnaflow resonators and mufflers doesn't affect flow, they've been flow tested and it sounds like a Marketing ploy to me... I'd love to see a picture of the internals on the SOLO.

3. You mention the SOLO has extra wobble to rid the system of drone on the highway. I haven’t heard any drone from this system so far. I even took my neighbor for a ride today and he said his 300c with Borla has drone in it and he definitely didn’t hear any in mine. So…whatever Magnaflow did I assume they did what they needed to do to address drone as well. I agree, their is more than one way to achieve the same result. I was just explaining how the owner of SOLO explained to me why their system is different. He felt over time their design was more stable and would keep the same tone.
Baffles and chambers affect airflow more so than seems on a tube. Magnaflow raps the core with stainless steel and they pack them with basalt, the sound quality is very consistent after 1500 miles or so. The systems such as Borla that use Fiberglass packing do blow out. I've NEVER blown a Magnaflow out even at over 1000 RWHP....

4. SOLO has different holes in the pipes compared to other companies. What difference does the different size and amount make? I’m not trying to be a smart ass….I’m curious about what the difference it makes? To me the Magnaflow sounds good. The difference is in the depth and smoothness of the tone. I personally like the tone better out of the SOLO compared to the other systems I have heard in person. These are personal opinions, each person has to hear both in person and decide for themselves.

The perforation quantity and size controls sound quality as does the packing. The more holes you have and the larger they are the quieter it will be. There are other factors to this as well including how tightly the muffler is packed, loser means quieter but it also means more turbulence.

5. There are a couple flat spots in the factory system but you cut out all but one of them if you go this route. Yes is may not be perfect but I doubt very seriously that it’s going to make enough of a difference that you would ever hear or feel in performance. In theory it would, in reality, who knows for sure. I was just pointing out the fact that their are many differences in going your way or buying a complete and balanced system that was quality built and designed to work together. That doesn't mean that it is not good enough for you, it is all a matter of what you are looking for. I am not into Frankensteining things like this. I like a complete, cleanly manufactured product on my cars..........that is just me.
The minor flat spots up front aren't going to cost you 2 HP unless we start getting into crazy power levels. I agree I'd prefer a cat-back but for the cost this is a good option for people. I know Magnaflow list price is higher than SOLO but our prices are cheaper than theirs so if you were going with a cat-back that shouldn't be a factor.

6. Yes....bolting on any cat-back system on these cars is easy. However...I didn't even do that much. I just stood there and took pictures while someone else did all the work. Although I personally have no issue with putting on a cat-back on these cars. I have access to a lift but others may not. - All you need is ramps to put on the SOLO system, not a lift. I have heard as little as $50 being charged fro installing the Mach X at one members local mechanic. It takes less than an hour.
This is true but it wasn't what caverman was going for...

7. The savings isn't a few bucks.....it's a few hundred bucks. Again, if you have it I would definately go SOLO, if you don't then this is a good alternative. To me, it is worth saving for quality built products, a few hundred dollars is peanuts when you are talking about a $37,000 car. But again, this is a personal decision and my opinion. I understand and respect yours as well.
The Magnaflow Comp Series is almost $100 cheaper than SOLO's system with our discount.

I’m not knocking or questioning the design of SOLO at all. I’m actually still strongly considering the SOLO system….I’m sure I can sell my current setup for a little bit of money and I’ll have to just chalk up the difference to learning curve. However ever for only $325 this will get me by for a little while. I totally understand and think it was a pretty clever way of approaching your budget restraint. I did not read your thread and answer thinking you were knocking SOLO. Just that some people will read this and take it to the max as if it is "as good" as a complete balanced system. I am not knocking this set-up, but simply pointing out that "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR". This way may be OK for those that do not care about the things I pointed out, or what is hanging under their car. But their are those like me, who do, so I was just pointing out the difference. No disrespect was meant, just a point, counterpoint, discussion for others to read and hopefully benefit from. That is what makes these forums so great! Be well my friend and enjoy your new sound! :drinking:

I will say I think Magnaflow makes a better product than SOLO. It's Made in the USA, it has a Lifetime Warranty and it's straight through with NO chambers. I've run chambered mufflers and I never will again.

I was simply posting my opinions here because there is some mis information regarding Magnaflow's design and I'd put money down that in real world testing the Magnaflow system will make more power. :headbang:

Kind regards,

Well....looks like I'm staying with Maganflow anyway. After I end up paying someone to fix the first round mis-haps then I don't see myself laying down money for another system until I buy some headers.

With the price JDP can get on a Magnaflow Comp Series...WOW...best prices I've seen by far. I've been trying to tell everyone to call JDP and this just proves that point.

I still say the resonated x-pipe with a muffler delete is a very good sound...no matter if you have a local guy do it, buy the Magnaflow Comp, or SOLO.

This sure is a long thread over something relativley simple and minor. I know we all like a throaty exhaust sound. Love my magnaflow and have it on all three of my cars. Caverman, when you adjust the tailpipes be sure you do not go forward too much. Several owners that did muffler deletes or axel back etc went short of factory tailpipe location and scortch/blistered the rear plastic facia. A little protruding, like factory, looks just right anyway. Glad you finally got your Red Camaro. As a side tip you might want to buy your products from the individual that will install the product. This gives you much satisfaction if rattles or problems appear later. Friendship is a two way street. Good Luck :chevy: :chevy:

i found the magnaflow pipe on summit for 102 shipped. i thought you said you got it for around 80 shpped or am i seeing things??

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHart (Post 1504453)

i found the magnaflow pipe on summit for 102 shipped. i thought you said you got it for around 80 shpped or am i seeing things??

www.magnaflowplus.com

JDP Motorsports

Remember....let them know you're from the Camaro5 forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDP Motorsports (Post 1502856)

All due respect, you sell Magnaflow. But I was not saying Magnaflow is total garbage, I was explaining why I like SOLO better, and why I think it is a better product, as a consumer. The Solo System is straight through. The Mach cat back systems are hand built in Upstate NY and Canada.

I own a Magnaflow Cat Back system on my SKY Redline and the sound changed a lot over 3 years and is to the point of droning on the highway now. I will be replacing it with a SOLO system when I get up some bucks. I am NOT a fan of Magnaflow after my experience.

As for a lifetime warrantee, SOLO backs their product 100%.

Warrantee's are BS anyway, To make a warrantee claim for my Magnaflow, I have to take the system down after 3 years and wait for it to ship two ways and then put it back up. In the meanwhile I cannot use my car.

These are just my opinions as a consumer.