New ARK Performance Exhaust - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

L99SS · 05-12-2011, 02:24 AM

Here is my review. I hope it covers well most of what you wish to know and ask regarding an aftermarket system for your V-8 Camaro.

ARK Performance of Montclair successfully installed their N-II cat-back system w/slanted tips on the SS today. I had my father tag along with his pickup so we could haul the stock unit home. Upon arriving at the correct address, the vehicle was required to sit a good half-hour to allow the exhaust time to cool sufficiently. In the mean time, we decided to go out for a quick bite; at least the thought of lunch could help curb some of my excitement.

By the time we returned (30-45min) the ARK Team already had the stock unit off and were attaching the new exhaust. The mirror polished stainless steel system looked quite at home beneath the Inferno Orange beast. I figured there would be a noticeable difference in sound from stock, but was not ready for it to be so striking. That's a good thing! The sound definition is deep, throaty, and certainly commands attention. According to ARK, it is not to exceed 97dB so it's safe for CA daily drivers wary of noise ordinances. As it has been mentioned about countless exhaust videos, digital footage sometimes can't capture the same nuances as experiencing it in person. However, the ARK Team is working to help bring some of that experience to the rest of the C5 family. Overall, I am happy with the sound, look, and feel of the system. On a side note, it just might improve on MPGs occasionally as it takes less pressure upon the accelerator to achieve desired levels of stereo V-8 rendering.

For a non-resonated unit, cabin noise seems well controlled. Remember, I drive an L99, AFM and all. Although 4-cyl. mode is not something that would be missed should it be tuned out, it is not overly burdensome. My phone has a decibel meter app (not professional, but a means to compare), and highway cruising shows no real increase in cabin noise over stock - still ~ 68dB. I had no problem listening to the radio on level 10, and it seems to ride with the AFM off more often than on. Cabin noise is more noticeable when climbing hills or maintaining speed on a steady grade. According to the decibel meter, it typically stays under 77dB - about on par with the reading taken while cruising 70mph on the freeway with stock exhaust. In addition, I come from driving a small commercial delivery truck and a diesel pickup, so to me cabin drone is a relative term. Given certain conditions of the road, road noise in a Camaro sometimes exceeds the noise of the cruising engine - this I noticed well during cross-country travel. Overall, if you are looking for that extra sporting edge without going overboard, then you will be pleased with the ARK unit.

In summary, I found the service to be quite personable, professional, and fast. Finally, I feel that my needs and concerns were well met. Stay tuned as installation pics and video (HD I believe?) are sure to follow in the next few days.

ARK Performance · 05-13-2011, 04:31 AM

Videos are going up tomorrow. My guy is finished up the editing.

ARK Performance · 05-13-2011, 08:39 PM

L99SS you have to listen to your car from the outside, it sounds so much better

L99SS · 05-13-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARKperformance

L99SS you have to listen to your car from the outside, it sounds so much better

Can't wait for the videos!

L99SS · 05-15-2011, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARKperformance

L99SS you have to listen to your car from the outside, it sounds so much better

Quote:

Originally Posted by L99SS

Can't wait for the videos!

OK guys, the wait is really starting to kill me! :upset:

:bangdesk:

ARK Performance · 05-17-2011, 02:57 PM

Great review. We will post the videos to show the community exactly what your talking about

Alex

L99SS · 05-23-2011, 03:22 PM

Here is some video I whipped up this morning. 1-man filming crew/amateur movie-maker project alert!

You'll have to excuse the wind noise - naturally it started picking up the moment I got everything set up and turned the key. The exhaust sound still comes through despite that difficulty. Until the GoPro footage is uploaded by ARK, at least this will give those hankering for video some idea on how the N-II system sounds coupled with the V8 Camaro. Thoughts/comments welcome

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/3794/kt3.mp4

ARK Performance · 05-26-2011, 02:39 PM

Just got our editing computer back. It will be done by tuesday.

05-12-2011, 02:24 AM	#1
L99SS Drives: '10 Camaro IOM Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Closing fast... Posts: 568 View My Garage	*New ARK Performance Exhaust (Update 1) Video added** Here is my review. I hope it covers well most of what you wish to know and ask regarding an aftermarket system for your V-8 Camaro. ARK Performance of Montclair successfully installed their N-II cat-back system w/slanted tips on the SS today. I had my father tag along with his pickup so we could haul the stock unit home. Upon arriving at the correct address, the vehicle was required to sit a good half-hour to allow the exhaust time to cool sufficiently. In the mean time, we decided to go out for a quick bite; at least the thought of lunch could help curb some of my excitement. By the time we returned (30-45min) the ARK Team already had the stock unit off and were attaching the new exhaust. The mirror polished stainless steel system looked quite at home beneath the Inferno Orange beast. I figured there would be a noticeable difference in sound from stock, but was not ready for it to be so striking. That's a good thing! The sound definition is deep, throaty, and certainly commands attention. According to ARK, it is not to exceed 97dB so it's safe for CA daily drivers wary of noise ordinances. As it has been mentioned about countless exhaust videos, digital footage sometimes can't capture the same nuances as experiencing it in person. However, the ARK Team is working to help bring some of that experience to the rest of the C5 family. Overall, I am happy with the sound, look, and feel of the system. On a side note, it just might improve on MPGs occasionally as it takes less pressure upon the accelerator to achieve desired levels of stereo V-8 rendering. For a non-resonated unit, cabin noise seems well controlled. Remember, I drive an L99, AFM and all. Although 4-cyl. mode is not something that would be missed should it be tuned out, it is not overly burdensome. My phone has a decibel meter app (not professional, but a means to compare), and highway cruising shows no real increase in cabin noise over stock - still ~ 68dB. I had no problem listening to the radio on level 10, and it seems to ride with the AFM off more often than on. Cabin noise is more noticeable when climbing hills or maintaining speed on a steady grade. According to the decibel meter, it typically stays under 77dB - about on par with the reading taken while cruising 70mph on the freeway with stock exhaust. In addition, I come from driving a small commercial delivery truck and a diesel pickup, so to me cabin drone is a relative term. Given certain conditions of the road, road noise in a Camaro sometimes exceeds the noise of the cruising engine - this I noticed well during cross-country travel. Overall, if you are looking for that extra sporting edge without going overboard, then you will be pleased with the ARK unit. In summary, I found the service to be quite personable, professional, and fast. Finally, I feel that my needs and concerns were well met. Stay tuned as installation pics and video (HD I believe?) are sure to follow in the next few days. __________________ Last edited by L99SS; 05-23-2011 at 03:25 PM.

05-23-2011, 03:22 PM	#7
L99SS Drives: '10 Camaro IOM Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Closing fast... Posts: 568 View My Garage	Here is some video I whipped up this morning. 1-man filming crew/amateur movie-maker project alert! You'll have to excuse the wind noise - naturally it started picking up the moment I got everything set up and turned the key. The exhaust sound still comes through despite that difficulty. Until the GoPro footage is uploaded by ARK, at least this will give those hankering for video some idea on how the N-II system sounds coupled with the V8 Camaro. Thoughts/comments welcome http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/3794/kt3.mp4 __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hawk Performance Brake Pad "Updated"	KILLER74Z28	Suspension / Brakes / Chassis	34	05-04-2016 12:11 PM
ARK PERFORMANCE INC: EXHAUST DESIGN EXPLAINED	ARK Performance	Camaro V6 LLT Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	70	09-28-2011 01:25 AM
______ARK Performance USA Type 1 DTS Catback Exhaust System Introductory Sale_____	ARK Performance	V8 Bolt-Ons & Tunes	65	04-27-2011 09:04 PM
ARK PERFORMANCE INC: L99 True Dual Exhaust System Prototype Video	ARK Performance	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	16	01-19-2011 10:20 PM
4th Annual GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout!!	nmcajeff	Dragstrip and Launch Techniques Discussion	3	07-30-2010 01:05 PM

05-13-2011, 04:31 AM	#2
ARK Performance Drives: Corvette C7 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ontario, CA 91761 Posts: 1,364	Videos are going up tomorrow. My guy is finished up the editing.

05-13-2011, 08:39 PM	#3
ARK Performance Drives: Corvette C7 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ontario, CA 91761 Posts: 1,364	L99SS you have to listen to your car from the outside, it sounds so much better

05-17-2011, 02:57 PM	#6
ARK Performance Drives: Corvette C7 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ontario, CA 91761 Posts: 1,364	Great review. We will post the videos to show the community exactly what your talking about Alex

05-26-2011, 02:39 PM	#8
ARK Performance Drives: Corvette C7 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ontario, CA 91761 Posts: 1,364	Just got our editing computer back. It will be done by tuesday.