Solo Performance Mach X-LFX Cat-Back V.S. MRT 2.0 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

aaaccc10 · 07-10-2014, 11:55 PM

Hi everyone!
I am a long time reader, first time poster.
I know this has been asked and discussed a few times, but I am currently researching an exhaust system to put on my 2013 2LS. I have decided that I want either the MRT 2.0 or the Solo Mach X. I know both of these exhausts sound good and both have a cult following but I was hoping for some concrete facts to compare if anyone has anything to offer.

So here is what I think I know.
The Solo is deeper, has almost no drone and is more expensive
The MRT may or may not drone depending on who you ask, and it is much less expensive.

My largest concern/question is about volume. I know the MRT has a higher tone but is it louder than the cat back? I saw it mentioned passively once that it was but I am unsure. Listening to video clips it seemed to me (at first) that the Solo was louder, it seemed that you could hear it from farther down the road. The more I listen it seems that the MRT sounds meaner and louder, but doesn't travel as far. I may be able to hear some in person this weekend but was looking for some information from you guys if you have any. Anything you could offer would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

theragtopguy · 07-11-2014, 12:17 AM

I just had the MRT V-2 installed and drove to NC. It's pretty loud and there is drone. Personally, I don't care, I like how it sounds, especially when I drop it down into second gear and nail it. I also have a CAI and ported TB, when it all comes together, she screams.

dmginc · 07-11-2014, 07:57 AM

MRT v2 is nice as is the Solo exhaust. I like my exhaust, was cheaper and you can easily hear me for over a 1/4 mile away.

Kessler · 07-11-2014, 09:27 AM

j-pipes kill drone on MRT.

aaaccc10 · 07-11-2014, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theragtopguy

I just had the MRT V-2 installed and drove to NC. It's pretty loud and there is drone. Personally, I don't care, I like how it sounds, especially when I drop it down into second gear and nail it. I also have a CAI and ported TB, when it all comes together, she screams.

Actually that's really excellent information! I want to add on a CAI aswell , amd I am always worried it will change the sound of a new exhaust too much. What would you say the effect was on sound when you put on the CAI? Or did you never hear it without?

aaaccc10 · 07-11-2014, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmginc

MRT v2 is nice as is the Solo exhaust. I like my exhaust, was cheaper and you can easily hear me for over a 1/4 mile away.

That does sound awesome! But unfortunately a muffler delete isn't quite for me :/

KaBoom1701 · 07-11-2014, 10:20 AM

Well I've been down the road with my MRT 2.0 (see sig below) so I now it well.

If your on a budget get the MRT 2.0. Great sound, especially after you punch it above 2k rpms. I had to have a shop install the j-pipes to tone down the highway drone. The mangnaflow x-pipe is a must a well. So I'm around $600-700 all in on the MRT 2.0 route. Now I'm looking at getting some dual exhaust tips and a new rear diffuser installed which will push to total investment to around $1000.

If you can afford it I'd say go with the Solo route. It has adjustable j-pipe to fine tune you exhaust note. Has no highway drove from what I've read. Not sure if you can get a dual exhaust tips but you may not want those so meh.

Don't get me wrong. I love my MRT's and I have too much invested to swap out at this point but in the long run you'll end up send the same amount or more to "fine tune" your MRT's.

Just my two cents.

911medic · 07-12-2014, 10:24 AM

OP, I think if you go the Solo route you want the Mach X LLT. Solo's naming convention is confusing, but the Mach X LFX isn't just for the LFX Camaro. It's for the V6 convertible Camaro. The Mach X LLT, similarly, isn't just for the LLT Camaro, it's for the V6 hardtops.

aaaccc10 · 07-12-2014, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911medic

OP, I think if you go the Solo route you want the Mach X LLT. Solo's naming convention is confusing, but the Mach X LFX isn't just for the LFX Camaro. It's for the V6 convertible Camaro. The Mach X LLT, similarly, isn't just for the LLT Camaro, it's for the V6 hardtops.

On their site (the page where they list all the exhausts for the camaro) it says the llt is for 2010-2011 camaros and the lfx is for 2012-present convertibles and coupes. I believe the llt will not fit a vert but the lfx fits both. After doing more research I am now leaning more towards the mrt , possibly even the 1.0 version and using the extra cash for a CAI.

dmginc · 07-12-2014, 11:44 AM

the MRT 1.0 is raspy and has a lot of drone compared to the v2. either way you will want the magnaflow resonated x-pipe.

aaaccc10 · 07-12-2014, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmginc

the MRT 1.0 is raspy and has a lot of drone compared to the v2. either way you will want the magnaflow resonated x-pipe.

Yeah that's what makes me think the solo would be easiest. Went to the dealer I bought the car from today to see if they would do the install when i got the parts and they told me they wouldn't touch aftermarket parts, so I went to another Chevy dealer and they said the would but their hourly rate is $100.

moE_09 · 07-12-2014, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaaccc10

Yeah that's what makes me think the solo would be easiest. Went to the dealer I bought the car from today to see if they would do the install when i got the parts and they told me they wouldn't touch aftermarket parts, so I went to another Chevy dealer and they said the would but their hourly rate is $100.

If your installing just the exhuast it shouldn't take more than an hour, I have solo and it's awesome,

aaaccc10 · 07-12-2014, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moE_09

If your installing just the exhuast it shouldn't take more than an hour, I have solo and it's awesome,

Yeah I thought so too, they told me two hours but I'm going to get a few other quotes before I decide.

911medic · 07-12-2014, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaaccc10

On their site (the page where they list all the exhausts for the camaro) it says the llt is for 2010-2011 camaros and the lfx is for 2012-present convertibles and coupes.

The individual product pages state differently. Solo needs to be less confusing to it's customers.

Mach X-LFX: 2012 - Present V6 Convertible "All of us at Solo Performance are proud to announce our MACH X-LFX free flow stainless steel Cat-Back exhaust kit for the 2012 V6 Camaro Convertible. This exhaust kit has been meticulously designed to maneuver around the extra braces that the Convertible V6 Camaro has on its undercarriage. Fits all V6 convertible Camaro’s [sic]"

Mach X-LLT: 5th Generation Camaro 2010 – Present Application: 2010 – Present Camaro V6 Standard and Automatic

I realize you have apparently moved on from considering this exhaust, but want to clear up any misinformation.

07-10-2014, 11:55 PM	#1
aaaccc10 Drives: 2013 Camaro 2LS Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: United States Posts: 67	Solo Performance Mach X-LFX Cat-Back V.S. MRT 2.0 Hi everyone! I am a long time reader, first time poster. I know this has been asked and discussed a few times, but I am currently researching an exhaust system to put on my 2013 2LS. I have decided that I want either the MRT 2.0 or the Solo Mach X. I know both of these exhausts sound good and both have a cult following but I was hoping for some concrete facts to compare if anyone has anything to offer. So here is what I think I know. The Solo is deeper, has almost no drone and is more expensive The MRT may or may not drone depending on who you ask, and it is much less expensive. My largest concern/question is about volume. I know the MRT has a higher tone but is it louder than the cat back? I saw it mentioned passively once that it was but I am unsure. Listening to video clips it seemed to me (at first) that the Solo was louder, it seemed that you could hear it from farther down the road. The more I listen it seems that the MRT sounds meaner and louder, but doesn't travel as far. I may be able to hear some in person this weekend but was looking for some information from you guys if you have any. Anything you could offer would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

07-11-2014, 12:17 AM	#2
theragtopguy Lifetime Philly Fan Drives: 2015 Spring Edition 2SS M-6 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: South Central Florida Posts: 1,862 View My Garage	I just had the MRT V-2 installed and drove to NC. It's pretty loud and there is drone. Personally, I don't care, I like how it sounds, especially when I drop it down into second gear and nail it. I also have a CAI and ported TB, when it all comes together, she screams. __________________ 2015 Green Flash, Delivered 4/10/15 CAI, NPP Exhaust, Short-throw shifter BBK LT HEADERS 1 7/8” Tune by DynoSteve via SCTx4 Tuner One of 82 GF Ragtops built in '15 out of 811 Total [/SIZE]

07-11-2014, 07:57 AM	#3
dmginc Drives: In Circles Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,433 View My Garage	MRT v2 is nice as is the Solo exhaust. I like my exhaust, was cheaper and you can easily hear me for over a 1/4 mile away. __________________ CAI Cold Air Intake, BMR Strut Tower Brace, BMR 1.2" Lowering Springs Gen5DIY Fog Lights, Big Worm Third Brake Light/Side Marker Tint (Charcoal) GTS Tail Light Covers, Purple Under Hood Lighting Magnaflow Resonated X-Pipe w/ Muffler Delete Black Plasti Dipped Wheels, Z/28 Spoiler

07-11-2014, 09:27 AM	#4
Kessler Drives: 2012 IOM 2LT RS A6 w/ BA Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Central Valley, Ca Posts: 123	j-pipes kill drone on MRT. __________________ ToDones - Apex Scoop & Washer Relocate - CAI cai - Elite CC - Elite Clean Side Separator - MRT v1 Axle Back customized w/ J-Pipes - Black Out Headlight/Tail Light - Black Out BowTies - Black Out 'camaro' - Black Out Brake Light Chrome Bezel - JL Audio XD400/4 - Sub Thump Sub Box 2 DVC 10"s - HIFONICS ZEUS 1000.1 Escort Redline - VIOFO Dash Cam - Continental Extreme Contact Tires Gary's Customs ZL1 Front Bumper, ZL1 Rockers, & ZL1 Spoiler - Paint matched IOM OverKill 80mm T-body - JacFab Ported Intake Manifold - JacFab Extendolator 3/4" Spacer ToDos - Tune?

07-11-2014, 10:20 AM	#7
KaBoom1701 KaBoom1701 Drives: 13' ZL1 Red M6 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: I.E. SoCal (Yucaipa) Posts: 8,630	Well I've been down the road with my MRT 2.0 (see sig below) so I now it well. If your on a budget get the MRT 2.0. Great sound, especially after you punch it above 2k rpms. I had to have a shop install the j-pipes to tone down the highway drone. The mangnaflow x-pipe is a must a well. So I'm around $600-700 all in on the MRT 2.0 route. Now I'm looking at getting some dual exhaust tips and a new rear diffuser installed which will push to total investment to around $1000. If you can afford it I'd say go with the Solo route. It has adjustable j-pipe to fine tune you exhaust note. Has no highway drove from what I've read. Not sure if you can get a dual exhaust tips but you may not want those so meh. Don't get me wrong. I love my MRT's and I have too much invested to swap out at this point but in the long run you'll end up send the same amount or more to "fine tune" your MRT's. Just my two cents. __________________ Mods: Roto-Fab Intake, WW Res. kit & Big Gulp Air Scoop, Elite Catch Can, ATI Super Damper & 18% OD Pulley, LF Idler pulley bracket, Metco CC breather, ID850 Injectors, Stainless Power Headers w/ ceramic coating, TR71X Spark Plugs, JMS Fuel Pump Booster, Bo White TB, Tuned by Ted @ Jannetty Racing, Ron Davis HX, D3 Reservoir, Pfadt 1" Springs, Moreno Camber Plates, ZL1 Addons Splitter guard washers, Tow Hook kit & rock guards, Hurst Shifter Billet Plus 6 Speed Short Shifter, ZL1 DRL lighting harness, ZL1 Recaro Seats.

07-12-2014, 10:24 AM	#8
911medic Drives: 2012 SIM 2LT/1970 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Near Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,578	OP, I think if you go the Solo route you want the Mach X LLT. Solo's naming convention is confusing, but the Mach X LFX isn't just for the LFX Camaro. It's for the V6 convertible Camaro. The Mach X LLT, similarly, isn't just for the LLT Camaro, it's for the V6 hardtops. __________________ All bleeding stops eventually -- 2012 2LT Auto w/sunroof -- My journal thread Roto-Fab Intake & W/W Relocate Kit -- ADM Race Scoop -- Dynomax VT Axle-Back Exhaust -- Vitesse Throttle Controller RX Catch Can -- Drake Bowtie Delete -- JacFab Radio Face Cover -- LED Fog Lights -- LED Dome/Trunk/Plate Lights -- Gen5DIY Dash ABL -- Diode Dynamics Cupholder Lighting Wishlist: ACS T5 Splitter -- Hood Vent Mod -- Footwell/Door Pull/Homelink Button Lighting

07-12-2014, 11:44 AM	#10
dmginc Drives: In Circles Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,433 View My Garage	the MRT 1.0 is raspy and has a lot of drone compared to the v2. either way you will want the magnaflow resonated x-pipe. __________________ CAI Cold Air Intake, BMR Strut Tower Brace, BMR 1.2" Lowering Springs Gen5DIY Fog Lights, Big Worm Third Brake Light/Side Marker Tint (Charcoal) GTS Tail Light Covers, Purple Under Hood Lighting Magnaflow Resonated X-Pipe w/ Muffler Delete Black Plasti Dipped Wheels, Z/28 Spoiler