To change or not to change.. that is the ? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rjs2010SS · 07-15-2015, 10:47 AM

So as I continue to do upgrades to the Bella, I am coming up to getting the LT headers and no cats installed next month. My dilemma is replacing the factory exhaust. I was wondering if I can get some thoughts from you guys on whether it is actually worth it. $1200+ for exhaust in my mind would work better towards another upgrade. I currently just have the factory exhaust system on it. But I was wondering from a sound perspective if I would even need it? I seriously can’t wait for this thing to actually have some more sound to it but was wondering if you guys preferred to update the catback or leave it stock. I have heard Corsa in person and I didn’t like it (he has LTs and no cats) to me it sounded too high pitched. What brands would you suggest? On my ss I put the Flow Master full 3” on it and eventually just cut the mufflers off and put on the outlaws in place of the 2 chambers, and that was loud with just the cat back. Thanks!

BigBlock427 · 07-15-2015, 03:48 PM

I just got the 2" dynatech long tubes with the cat deletes. I am leaving the stock exhaust. You will see zero to 1-2 hp from a cat back. The gains come from the headers. Personally I would do the lts... Decide on your cat options (cats/no cats) and go from there. If you want more sound go with either a cat back but go 3 inches others wise your replacing the same pipe pretty much with a new pipe... Or simply do a outlaw axel back. That's what I am leaning towards.

Smittty · 07-15-2015, 05:24 PM

I would just stick with the factory exhaust along with headers and no cats. I dont think it is worth the money to replace the whole thing. I like the way mine sounds and runs.

ZL W0N · 07-15-2015, 05:57 PM

Hearing other aftermarket cat back systems have pretty much made my decision that I will keep the stock exhaust. Not lying, I've heard some aftermarket systems that were just as loud, if not quieter, than the stock NPP system. The only thing aftermarket systems are going to do is shed a couple pounds (maybe) and change the sound a bit.

I also have an install scheduled for Kooks 1 ⅞ long tubes and catless pipes. I heard a zl1 with no cats, stock headers and exhaust, and it was way louder just with that. Then I heard another one with a BB catback, stock headers and cats, and it was deep and quiet. My advice to you would be to save your money for something else and go pull your NPP fuse to keep the flaps open all the time. I call it the "free aftermarket exhaust."

rjs2010SS · 07-16-2015, 06:41 AM

I have been leaning towards just doing the LTs with no cats the entire time. To be honest I have grown to not like hot quite the Z is even with the fuse pulled. Actually when I bought it that was the first thing I did was pull the fuse. So you guys running stock exhaust on LTs and No cats... Is it LOUD but sounds good? I want it loud but I want it to also sound good as well.

ZL W0N · 07-16-2015, 05:50 PM

I've talked to a few guys running that setup and they've all said its loud and sounds great. Some have installed an X pipe to "refine" the sound a bit. I'm going to do a before and after video once I get mine installed.

AGM 1LE · 07-16-2015, 07:24 PM

I have kooks and the stock npp fuze pulled (and a cam) and i love how it sounds. Loud with good tone, no drone and i get compliments on it almost every where i go. I would suggest you try npp with headers and see how you like it before you change the cat back set up. If you like it, you're good if you don't then you can change it out.

rjs2010SS · 07-17-2015, 04:23 AM

Did you keep your cats or get rid of them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGM 1LE

I have kooks and the stock npp fuze pulled (and a cam) and i love how it sounds. Loud with good tone, no drone and i get compliments on it almost every where i go. I would suggest you try npp with headers and see how you like it before you change the cat back set up. If you like it, you're good if you don't then you can change it out.

AGM 1LE · 07-17-2015, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjs2010SS

Did you keep your cats or get rid of them?

I am running the kooks high flows right now

07-15-2015, 10:47 AM	#1
rjs2010SS Drives: 2013 AGM ZL1 BELLA* Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: VA Posts: 370	To change or not to change.. that is the ? So as I continue to do upgrades to the Bella, I am coming up to getting the LT headers and no cats installed next month. My dilemma is replacing the factory exhaust. I was wondering if I can get some thoughts from you guys on whether it is actually worth it. $1200+ for exhaust in my mind would work better towards another upgrade. I currently just have the factory exhaust system on it. But I was wondering from a sound perspective if I would even need it? I seriously can’t wait for this thing to actually have some more sound to it but was wondering if you guys preferred to update the catback or leave it stock. I have heard Corsa in person and I didn’t like it (he has LTs and no cats) to me it sounded too high pitched. What brands would you suggest? On my ss I put the Flow Master full 3” on it and eventually just cut the mufflers off and put on the outlaws in place of the 2 chambers, and that was loud with just the cat back. Thanks! __________________ 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)

07-15-2015, 05:24 PM	#3
Smittty Drives: 2013 ZL1 Camaro 2000 SLP Camaro Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ruther Glen, VA Posts: 357	I would just stick with the factory exhaust along with headers and no cats. I dont think it is worth the money to replace the whole thing. I like the way mine sounds and runs. __________________ 2013 ZL1 748rwhp & 733 rwtq ( 93 tune )

07-15-2015, 05:57 PM	#4
ZL W0N GuitarmageddonZL1 Drives: ‘13 ZL1, ‘17 TT ZL1, ‘17 Silverado Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 432	Hearing other aftermarket cat back systems have pretty much made my decision that I will keep the stock exhaust. Not lying, I've heard some aftermarket systems that were just as loud, if not quieter, than the stock NPP system. The only thing aftermarket systems are going to do is shed a couple pounds (maybe) and change the sound a bit. I also have an install scheduled for Kooks 1 ⅞ long tubes and catless pipes. I heard a zl1 with no cats, stock headers and exhaust, and it was way louder just with that. Then I heard another one with a BB catback, stock headers and cats, and it was deep and quiet. My advice to you would be to save your money for something else and go pull your NPP fuse to keep the flaps open all the time. I call it the "free aftermarket exhaust." __________________

07-16-2015, 06:41 AM	#5
rjs2010SS Drives: 2013 AGM ZL1 BELLA* Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: VA Posts: 370	I have been leaning towards just doing the LTs with no cats the entire time. To be honest I have grown to not like hot quite the Z is even with the fuse pulled. Actually when I bought it that was the first thing I did was pull the fuse. So you guys running stock exhaust on LTs and No cats... Is it LOUD but sounds good? I want it loud but I want it to also sound good as well. __________________ 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)

07-16-2015, 05:50 PM	#6
ZL W0N GuitarmageddonZL1 Drives: ‘13 ZL1, ‘17 TT ZL1, ‘17 Silverado Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 432	I've talked to a few guys running that setup and they've all said its loud and sounds great. Some have installed an X pipe to "refine" the sound a bit. I'm going to do a before and after video once I get mine installed. __________________

07-15-2015, 03:48 PM	#2
BigBlock427 ConceptZer0 Drives: 68 427 Camaro, 11 2SS/RS, 13 ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: nj Posts: 1,096	I just got the 2" dynatech long tubes with the cat deletes. I am leaving the stock exhaust. You will see zero to 1-2 hp from a cat back. The gains come from the headers. Personally I would do the lts... Decide on your cat options (cats/no cats) and go from there. If you want more sound go with either a cat back but go 3 inches others wise your replacing the same pipe pretty much with a new pipe... Or simply do a outlaw axel back. That's what I am leaning towards.

07-16-2015, 07:24 PM	#7
AGM 1LE Drives: 14 SS/ 1LE Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: parts unknown Posts: 922	I have kooks and the stock npp fuze pulled (and a cam) and i love how it sounds. Loud with good tone, no drone and i get compliments on it almost every where i go. I would suggest you try npp with headers and see how you like it before you change the cat back set up. If you like it, you're good if you don't then you can change it out.