07-28-2015, 10:30 AM | #1 |
Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 63
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Headers/Exhaust dilemma - need help
I'm looking for some info and advice on headers and exhaust. I've already decided I'm going to go with Stainless Works headers. I'm not sure what to do (if anything) about the exhaust. I've read a lot of posts that say the car sounds great with headers and the stock cat-back exhaust. However, most of those posts are early (2011-2012) before there were a lot of cat-back systems available for ZL1. Now there are several systems available and there are more posts about people replacing their exhaust. My thought is I'd like to just do headers for now and see if I like the sound. SW has a connection option for that - factory connection. Now, what if I decide I want to add their retro cat-back exhaust later? Would I need to switch my headers to their performance connection to make it all fit, or could I do the exhaust with a factory connection to mate up with the factory connection on the headers? I don't want to pigeon hole myself with the headers first. Also, if I go factory to factory on the connection (if this is possible), will that hurt performance (I think the factory connections are smaller)?
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07-28-2015, 01:13 PM | #2 |
Drives: 2013 AGM ZL1 BELLA* Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: VA
Posts: 370
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I did 2" headers and no cats to factory exhaust. I will not waste my money on aftermarket exhaust put that $1000 plus towards other upgrades... it sounds amazing and it is LOUD! I actually put my fuse back in it was so loud(good loud, just did it not to attract cops when I just cruising) and waiting for my mild to wild to come in.
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Roto Fab CAI, Roto Fab Big Gulp, Jokerz ported SC/Snout, LS7 TB ported, ATI Balancer, 28%(10") Lower Pulley, 2" Headers, No Cats,Forza 3way, E85 Flex Fuel sensor , ID850 injectors,, BTR Stage 3, Ron Davis HX, Mighty Mouse CC, APR Splitter, Aero Sports Concepts Splitter Kit, Showstoppers CarbonFiber wicker bill, MRR Wheels. 720rwhp/690tq on 93, 762rwhp E85.
2013 AGM ZL1 Bella* 2010 MGM Toyota Tacoma 2010 CGM SS (Traded) 1996 Black SS (Sold) |
07-28-2015, 01:31 PM | #3 |
PURBRED
Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1, 2007 Gmc Duramax Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Sherwood Park Alberta
Posts: 279
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I did kooks 1 7/8 long tubes with cats and it sounds great with factory exhaust. Also is really loud when you get I to it.
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07-28-2015, 02:56 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS L99 Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 659
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do headers/high flow cats with an axle back exhaust, its cheaper and sounds great. On mine I have SW Headers/cats, factory resonator, SLP Loudmouth exhaust. Sounds aweosome.
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Stainless Power Headers, High Flow Cats, CAI intake, SLP Loudmouth 1 exhaust, Dyno tune from Alternative Performance |
07-28-2015, 03:17 PM | #5 | |
Drives: 2016 1SS Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,815
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Quote:
As the other members above stated, I would do the headers first and see how you like it that way. The sound you get out of just the headers and the dual mode exhaust is great on a ZL1. I actually prefer just headers with the dual mode exhaust. As for the connection question. The SW exhaust usually necks down to the factory connection. The factory clamp is used with most exhaust systems to make the sealing connection between the header and exhaust. Thank you, Ricardo |
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07-28-2015, 03:49 PM | #6 | |
Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,290
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Quote:
There is your answer. This sounds great and this is exactly what I would do. |
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07-28-2015, 04:33 PM | #7 |
Drives: 2013 ZL1 A6 #7860 Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: CO, USA
Posts: 1,279
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Can't comment on sound yet but I just swapped my entire exhaust system. 2" headers and full 3" exhaust with cats and 3" connections. The stock exhaust sounds great but the 3" looks like it flows a lot better and is much better quality.
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07-28-2015, 04:33 PM | #8 |
Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012
Location: Mechanicsville, VA
Posts: 6,808
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Stainless works headers fit great...two sets installed and a big thumbs up!
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'21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60'
'17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold) |
07-28-2015, 05:23 PM | #9 | |
GuitarmageddonZL1
Drives: ‘13 ZL1, ‘17 TT ZL1, ‘17 Silverado Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 432
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Quote:
I've heard a few aftermarket catback exhaust systems (Corsa, Billy Boat, Borla) and all of them were just as loud, if not quieter, as the stock catback. I'm getting ready to put on Kooks LT and catless connectors to the factory exhaust. I have my headers in the shop right now being ceramic coated. Save yourself at least $1500 and do the headers first.
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07-28-2015, 06:27 PM | #10 |
Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 63
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Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like headers and stock exhaust might be the way to go.
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08-02-2015, 11:51 AM | #11 |
Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 106
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Sorry to hijack, but his question is along the line of what I'm also wondering but I also have wanted to know if long tubes require modifications to the plastic body pan under the motor? I think I want full SW exhaust as long as I don't have to cut into that.
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08-02-2015, 01:56 PM | #12 |
Drives: 02 Z06, 95 Trans Am, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast
Posts: 1,838
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You have to cut it.
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Bryan 2018 ZL1 M6
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08-02-2015, 04:03 PM | #13 |
Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 63
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Mine is a 2014 year model and it doesn't need cut. I believe from 2014 on there is ample room for headers and the pan doesn't need to be cut.
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08-02-2015, 08:54 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2013 ZL1 A6 #7860 Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: CO, USA
Posts: 1,279
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