Headers & Cat Back Exhaust

[SamSS]

So if I change the headers and put a cat back exhaust system on my car, what happens to the catalytic converters?
Do you recommend I change them too?
What kind of HP gain am I looking at?

What about the price? And I don't want shit quality products.
Magnaflow competition series cat back: $1000
Header: $???

[BLK2SS]

Originally Posted by SamSS

So if I change the headers and put a cat back exhaust system on my car, what happens to the catalytic converters?
Do you recommend I change them too?
What kind of HP gain am I looking at?

What about the price? And I don't want shit quality products.
Magnaflow competition series cat back: $1000
Header: $???

You'll need to get high flow cats or offroad pipes with the headers. The stock cats will not work with the headers. I went with Kooks and couldn't be happier.

[caverman]

ARH makes a setup that will hook to a cat-back (factory or not). Don't quote me but I think $1,400 - $1,500 with cats maybe $1,200 w/o cats. Start shopping around.

As for the Magnaflow Comp Series Cat-back....one thing you might consider is to go to a local muffler shop and have them do a Muffler Delete and Magnaflow X-pipe. I think it's p/n 11386 x-pipe that Magnaflow uses on their systems. Just have that put in place of the factory h-pipe and resonators, do a muffler delete and you'll have basically the same thing. I was quoted $350 for that setup and I've seen others getting it done in the $250-$275 range.

[HeavyD]

Long Tube headers the factory cats are gone. If you install shorties the factory cats stay and you don't have to worry about programming the car and keeping your warranty.

[SamSS]

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Long Tube headers the factory cats are gone. If you install shorties the factory cats stay and you don't have to worry about programming the car and keeping your warranty.

Wait, so if I install long tube headers I'll have to program the car and that voids the warranty?

[SamSS]

Originally Posted by caverman

As for the Magnaflow Comp Series Cat-back....one thing you might consider is to go to a local muffler shop and have them do a Muffler Delete and Magnaflow X-pipe. I think it's p/n 11386 x-pipe that Magnaflow uses on their systems. Just have that put in place of the factory h-pipe and resonators, do a muffler delete and you'll have basically the same thing. I was quoted $350 for that setup and I've seen others getting it done in the $250-$275 range.

Which x-pipe does the Magnaflow comp series cat back use? 11386 or 14379? I'm confused.

And does anyone have a video of a custom cat back just like Caverman described?

[RCPW]

Originally Posted by SamSS

Which x-pipe does the Magnaflow comp series cat back use? 11386 or 14379? I'm confused.

And does anyone have a video of a custom cat back just like Caverman described?

It's doesnt,.. That was just an Added Recommended Performance Feature to remove the Resonators and H-Pipe.
Get the 2.50" Tru-X X-Pipe Made by Maganflow. Most places have Free Shipping on that product.

When you buy the Magnaflow Comp Series Catback, I think your just paying for the Stainless Steel and the 5" Tips, It would be nice if you could find the Tips separately.

{EDITED}
LMAO,.. I Just went to Magnaflow Website to see if they sell those 5" Tips and I watched the Video on the Magnaflow Comp Series Catback and in the Video they have For More Info Call This # 1-900

Arent 1-900 Numbers the Numbers they use for like Porn and Money Making Phone #'s? Man why would Magnaflow be using a 1-900 #? That Surprises me. Weird.

[SamSS]

So how bad is the drone gonna be if I get the complete Magnaflow comp series 2.5" cat back system? I have the L99.

[caverman]

The Magnaflow Comp Series DOES come with an X-Pipe. It’s the piece at the front of the system that looks like a muffler. http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...one=all&id=123

It’s the resonated/muffler style X-Pipe that from what I've heard is to help to quiet down the exhaust more than the Tru-X type. I believe someone mentioned it was the 11386. I think the 14379 is the same thing but in polished from. Not needed unless you plan on showing it with mirrors under the car. I would call Magnaflow and ask them the difference in the X-pipes and see what they recommend using on an L99.
http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/02xypipes.asp

This is probably an LS3 but you can get an idea of the sound.


I couldn’t tell you about the drone because I don’t have my Camaro yet and when I do get it mine will be an LS3. You’ll have the same issue no matter if you go with the Magnaflow Comp or have one made by a local muffler shop. From what I’ve read I think you’ll have more of an issue with the AFM than the drone. When in the 4 cylinder mode it will more than likely sound like a ricer.

Now…you can (and probably should) have a tune to remove the AFM, make it shift stronger, and pick up 10 or so rwhp. Technically the tune could void your drive train warranty but more than likely you’ll probably not have an issue with it. I would talk to the dealer that you would have work on the car and see what their service manger says about the warranty if you have a basic tune done on the car.

Keep looking around until you know you’ve found the right setup for yourself. You might also consider MBRP and SOLO. Both make systems specific for an L99. I was just trying to give you an in-expensive alternative. It's the route I'll probably go with untill I save up the money to do a complete exhaust system.

[chappy48]

Originally Posted by SamSS

Wait, so if I install long tube headers I'll have to program the car and that voids the warranty?

You don't have to, but you'll throw codes from the O2 sensors. And a tune will get you the most power out of your setup.

[eynigush]

I have the system. The enclosed x-pipe takes care of the drone. It's not too loud, only at WOT and even then I would hope for more. I'm gonna go with Kooks headers w/high flow cats, probably from MarylandSpeed. You definitely want to tune for a number of reasons.

Tuning will allow you to adjust air/fuel ratio and will not only improve throttle response, but also how all your mods work together; intake, headers, and catback exhaust.

Hope this helps, Eddie.

Originally Posted by SamSS

So how bad is the drone gonna be if I get the complete Magnaflow comp series 2.5" cat back system? I have the L99.

[IPS Brandon]

Originally Posted by SamSS

So how bad is the drone gonna be if I get the complete Magnaflow comp series 2.5" cat back system? I have the L99.

With a 2.5" system I have installed and tuned them on L99 cars, including Kooks long tubes. With that said I also may be biased in terms of sound, but I thought it was incredibly tame sounding for a full exhaust, and still produced good numbers, and increased fuel economy post tuning. Magnaflows mufflers are a fantastic product that last and last, and will not deteriorate sound quality and or fit and finish!

If your looking to do exhaust this is the combo that we like to use in our packages for dealerships and our clients.

-Kooks 1 7/8ths long tube headers and cattted connecting pipes, with the 2.5 " magnaflow cat back, additionally add an air intake a thermostat and a tune and your set

If you have some questions dont hesitate, we also can certainly help you get a economical deal via PM or our webpage.

Good luck

[HeavyD]

Originally Posted by SamSS

Wait, so if I install long tube headers I'll have to program the car and that voids the warranty?

The debate of aftermarket mods and their effect on warranty kinda goes on and on. Generally the dealer would have to prove your add-on caused the failure should something break. With Long Tube headers because you are eliminating the factory Cats, either all together, or installing high flow aftermarket ones, the engine computer won't get the expected O2 readings from the O2 sensors. The ECM thinks something is wrong and sends out the "Check Engine Light", and I believe it derates the engine power too. The only way to get around this is to reprogram the engine with a custom, NON-GM, program. If you power train has some kind of problem and you then go the dealer they are required by GM to include the ECM programming version in order to get the claim approved for warranty. OOOps, your ECM doesn't have a GM program anymore, therefore, no warranty! Ultimately in the end, it is up to the dealer on how they will handle this. If you have a custom tune, it is too easy for the dealer to turn their back on you. Personally, for me, I want my warranty. The powertrain is the most expensive section of the car. Part of the price you paid for the car is for the warranty. I won't be throwing that away just to get an extra 20 hp. I also have a L99. I will be installing a Roto-Fab intake, Borla or Thorley shorty headers and MBRP catback system that is designed for the L99. You can do all this and keep your stock program and still get respectable hp gains and awesome sound! If you have problem then the dealer would have to prove the bolt on caused it!

[caverman]

Originally Posted by IPS Brandon

-Kooks 1 7/8ths long tube headers and cattted connecting pipes, with the 2.5 " magnaflow cat back, additionally add an air intake a thermostat and a tune and your set

Which Magnaflow cat-back? The Comp series or the Street series?