Complete Exhaust System...HELP ME!!

[electlatino]

planning on getting the complete package soon (probably in the next week or two) and need some opinions as to quality

i've narrowed it down to two choices:

1. BBK Brothers CAI, LT headers (hypothetically, since this is california), and x-pipes. would also add the SLP loudmouth II axle back

2. SLP CAI, LT headers (again, hypothetically, since this is california), x-pipes and the Loudmouth II axle back

basically, i'm either going all SLP or all BBK. SLP is more expensive for all the components, even with their 10% off all january purchases.

here's where i need help: i've already listened to many videos of both companies' products, and i think i know which i prefer. but i was curious if any of you had any comments as to quality: quality of the parts, quality of the install, quality of the customer service....good experiences or bad.

and let's assume i'm getting my car tuned too (since i think most would agree that if i'm putting this many parts on, to do so without a tune would be a waste of money)

any opinions or advice is welcome!!

[caverman]

Don't limit yourself to SLP.

First off I believe they are 1 3/4" if I remember and even though you are only talking a few HP most tuners will agree that 1 7/8" is the way to go.

Second....the sound is going to be basically the same no matter what LT you use. The exhaust however will be different. So you could use say a KOOKS LT and still use the SLP LMII. Should sound the same as all SLP.

You should be able to find a less expensive but as good quality header. Do some more research. Look at all of the more popular Mfgs.....like:
LG Motorsports
KOOKS
ARH
BFE
TX Speed
Stainless Works

Those are just a few off the top of my head.

I would also recommend having them ceramic coated. Not as much for performance but more for the looks. They'll be nice and shiney for many years.

When I did my research and compared everything equal....Maryland Speed was hard to beat. It's been a while though and I'm sure prices have changed some.

Agree with a tune. Get one when you put on your headers.

[CamaroCowboy]

stainless works man!

[Badger]

[electlatino]

Originally Posted by caverman

Don't limit yourself to SLP.

First off I believe they are 1 3/4" if I remember and even though you are only talking a few HP most tuners will agree that 1 7/8" is the way to go.

Second....the sound is going to be basically the same no matter what LT you use. The exhaust however will be different. So you could use say a KOOKS LT and still use the SLP LMII. Should sound the same as all SLP.

You should be able to find a less expensive but as good quality header. Do some more research. Look at all of the more popular Mfgs.....like:
LG Motorsports
KOOKS
ARH
BFE
TX Speed
Stainless Works

Those are just a few off the top of my head.

I would also recommend having them ceramic coated. Not as much for performance but more for the looks. They'll be nice and shiney for many years.

When I did my research and compared everything equal....Maryland Speed was hard to beat. It's been a while though and I'm sure prices have changed some.

Agree with a tune. Get one when you put on your headers.

thanks for the advice, i'll look for some 1 7/8"

so you know, i was actually leaning towards BBK Brothers, not SLP.

as for ceramic coated, i thought stainless steel was better? lasts longer. is ceramic coated better? or just looks nicer?

[orange-prince]

ceramic coated is better and cooler

[Buffnshine]

if your looking for sound, hit me up and I will let you hear the new prototype flowmaster cat back system they did on my car (much throater and deeper than AT series). Sounds amazing, im in HB/FV area.

[electlatino]

Originally Posted by Buffnshine

if your looking for sound, hit me up and I will let you hear the new prototype flowmaster cat back system they did on my car (much throater and deeper than AT series). Sounds amazing, im in HB/FV area.

awesome. actually, i'm going to be at guillermo's b-day at k1 speed on saturday, just like you, so i'll get to listen to them there.


also, if 1 7/8 is better than 1 3/4, is 2 better than 1 7/8? because i'm seeing those too.

[MileMAN402]

Originally Posted by electlatino

also, if 1 7/8 is better than 1 3/4, is 2 better than 1 7/8? because i'm seeing those too.

Yes...but not necessary unless you plan on pushing a lot of power like FI. If you're only going for sound you could stick with 1 3/4" and save a couple bucks but the bigger size will give you better flow and more power. With a proper tune of course.


Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Hesh]

Originally Posted by MileMAN402

Yes...but not necessary unless you plan on pushing a lot of power like FI. If you're only going for sound you could stick with 1 3/4" and save a couple bucks but the bigger size will give you better flow and more power. With a proper tune of course.


Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

With the testing that was done by Ted it showed that even without the tune the 2" were the best. More power up top and no power loss down low. The price difference is around $200 between them all. So if power is what you are after 2" is the way to go. If you just want better exhaust and sound then 1 3/4" is fine.

[J-Rod6410]

If you order from Maryland speed call him, dont order online. He'll give you a Camaro 5 discount

[2010 4 DW]

I have the full JBA system and it sounds mean and made 49rwhp with a tune.

The link below is not my car but mine sounds exactly the same.



Maryland Speed carries this package and Branden is great.

DW

[electlatino]

Originally Posted by jrrod6410

If you order from Maryland speed call him, dont order online. He'll give you a Camaro 5 discount

bitchin!! thanks for the headsup!!

Originally Posted by 2010 4 DW

I have the full JBA system and it sounds mean and made 49rwhp with a tune.

The link below is not my car but mine sounds exactly the same.



Maryland Speed carries this package and Branden is great.

DW

i saw this one and thought it sounded great! which is why i'm thinking of JBA! i noticed on JBA's website they also recommend getting their ignition wires. did you get those as well?

looks like JBA is in the lead!!

[caverman]

Originally Posted by electlatino

as for ceramic coated, i thought stainless steel was better? lasts longer. is ceramic coated better? or just looks nicer?

You want stainless steel headers and then have those ceramic coated. It you don't coat them then the color will change to a yellowish/blue/purple. Coating keeps them nice and shiney for years. My coated Hooker headers on my '69 look basically the same as the day I put them on over 10yrs ago.

Keep researching and asking around. Try to hear as many in person as you can because video cameras don't always capture the sound like they should. Also, everyone is going to have their own opinion as to what is too loud or quiet and what sounds good or not.

Example.....I've heard the JBA full exhaust in person and it was too loud/rhaspy for me but the guy that had it loved it.

I really like my setup KOOKS/3" Magnaflow but others think it's a little on the quiet side.

I also really like LG Motorsports setup.....it just wouldn't fit in my budget though.

+1 on the recommendation to call Maryland Speed and Apex. Don't always go by their prices on the site because alot of these guys have a minimum advertised prices they have to post.

2" will give you a little more HP and will be there for you if you ever decide to add more. If you're willing to pay the extra money for them you'll probably be good to go. Otherwise the middle of the ground....1 7/8"....is what most recommend for power/money/HP pay out.

Talk to Jannetty Racing as well. Good bunch of guys and big contributors to the forum.

BTW: here is a pic of some that are coated vs not