make my exhaust a tad louder? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

jackievanzant · 10-29-2012, 11:57 PM

Hello everyone! I want to start by saying these forums are amazing! I am new to the world of fast cars. I have had my 2011 L99 Camaro 2SS/RS for two years, and love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot!

Now it is time to start muscling it up!
I apologize in advance for the elementary questions, so if they have already been asked, please just point me in the right thread/direction instead of making fun of me!

I have added a Hennessey Cold Air Intake, and debated for a while what to do with the exhaust. I am not wanting it to be irritatingly loud while I drive, but definitely want more punch. I was very close to purchasing the Borla Touring, as I figured it might be the extra oomph I needed. As a last minute decision, I bought the Borla S-Type axle back (initially afraid it might be too much sound). However, after adding it on, I am surprised how close it is to stock. I won't say I'm disappointed because I do like the new deep tone it added, but I was expecting it a little louder. I am trying to educate myself in these forums, and trying to learn about resonators, x-pipes/h-pipes/etc.
Given what I currently have, what would be the next step (addition or delete) to make the exhaust a little louder/throatier? I fully realize that everyone has their preference in sound. I am of the preference of loud with low tones at rev/accelerate, but not so much at idle speed. Not sure if that makes a difference, and I do realize that having the L99 somewhat hinders the possibilities of top performance.
Resonator delete? I believe this will make it louder, but will it be a loud growl, or sound like a high-pitch screech? Resonator delete and x-pipe (to deaden the screech, or would this just balance each other out and be pointless?) Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading my novel, and I look forward to learning from you all!

Juiced1 · 10-30-2012, 10:40 AM

You're on the right page. Having an L99 you have been stuck with a ton of resonators on that mid-pipe. They really limit the volume level on axle-back set ups. I would recommend ordering an x-pipe (cheap generic x) and having a local exhaust shop cut out our resonators and weld in the x-pipe. You'll add volume and the X-pipe will keep the sound pretty clean. Shouldn't be high pitched by any means and should keep a very similar tone.

ZeuSS2011 · 10-30-2012, 12:00 PM

I had some Flowmaster 40 series mufflers installed and like you wished for a deeper/louder tone. I had the large resonator removed and was very pleased with the result. No screech. Louder and deeper tone without the resonator. I recommend having that resonator removed.

Alot9439 · 10-30-2012, 01:58 PM

Loud is subjective, I recommend what Juiced1 said I Have a resonator delete(resonated x-pipe in its place) and straight pipe from their i personally like the sound. though you could always do a muffler delete first take the s type off and just do a muffler delete it would be slightly louder than the s-type that might be what your looking for if not just do the resonator delete with x-pipe.

Ventmaster · 10-30-2012, 02:03 PM

Better idea! Throw on the Solo high flow cats- exhaust will somewhat louder and definitely deeper. And you gain 20hp!

I put a set on my friends L99 and was very impressed. It's a win-win!

huitt06 · 10-30-2012, 03:16 PM

L99 sound is very disappointing....cats eat up all the sound...Solo cats are great and no codes...

jackievanzant · 10-30-2012, 03:16 PM

Damn! This site is freaking awesome! All these replies came quick! Thank you all! I think the resonator delete and the x-pipe install will probably be the next step. Thanks, Juiced1 and Zeus!
I agree with Alot3949 that loud is subjective. This is probably the one category that is most difficult to discuss in an online forum. Even the videos can't properly represent what the true sound will be. I do appreciate the feedback.
Does name brand matter when purchasing an x-pipe? Since I have Borla exhaust, should I try to purchase a Borla X-pipe to keep uniform, or does something like that even matter?

jackievanzant · 10-30-2012, 03:18 PM

What is an average price of solo-cats? Would I keep my Borlas? Sorry, I realize this is probably a really dumb question for gear-heads, but I'm learning! heehee.

Ventmaster · 10-30-2012, 03:50 PM

OK, the Solo HFC's are gonna run you $700... but you get what you pay for!

Your Borla's would stay, the Solo's bolt in closer to the engine, replacing the factory catalytic converters.

And there are no dumb questions- we all got started sometime.

Welcome to the obsession!!

jackievanzant · 10-30-2012, 11:43 PM

not to beat a dead horse, but what would be better (or pros/cons) of resonator delete/add x-pipe VERSUS adding Solo HFC?

Avenging Orange · 10-31-2012, 02:41 AM

Just get headers and call it a day.

Alot9439 · 10-31-2012, 10:33 PM

well going with the solo cats is going to give you noticeable power maybe 20 rwhp or slightly less the sound will also increase. I would recommend a tune due to AFM. if your gonna do headers down the road I would say just buy a set of headers with cats. The resonator delete will raise the sound with no added hp gain at least thats what i know.

in regard to the x-pipe any brand would be ok I honestly went with a generic brand had a shop order it for me.

HMX-1 · 11-01-2012, 07:04 PM

I did my X pipe resonator delete and I am very pleased! Definitely what I was looking for!! It's not "holy Jesus! what's that racket" loud, but more of a "yes I am FAST!"

Oh yeah, any decent muffler shop should be able to do it for well under $200...

BigRed585Lbs · 11-02-2012, 10:18 AM

One slight suggestion would be larger diameter exhaust tips. Ever wonder how that little blond cheerleader was able to make herself heard way up to the top of the stands? A megaphone with a larger outlet than inlet. Same idea with exhaust tips: 2 1/2" or 3" going in and 4 1/2" or 5" outlet and you get amplification of the exhaust sound.

Just an idea.

10-29-2012, 11:57 PM	#1
jackievanzant Drives: 2011 Black 2SS RS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sherman TX Posts: 16 View My Garage	make my exhaust a tad louder? Hello everyone! I want to start by saying these forums are amazing! I am new to the world of fast cars. I have had my 2011 L99 Camaro 2SS/RS for two years, and love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot! Now it is time to start muscling it up! I apologize in advance for the elementary questions, so if they have already been asked, please just point me in the right thread/direction instead of making fun of me! I have added a Hennessey Cold Air Intake, and debated for a while what to do with the exhaust. I am not wanting it to be irritatingly loud while I drive, but definitely want more punch. I was very close to purchasing the Borla Touring, as I figured it might be the extra oomph I needed. As a last minute decision, I bought the Borla S-Type axle back (initially afraid it might be too much sound). However, after adding it on, I am surprised how close it is to stock. I won't say I'm disappointed because I do like the new deep tone it added, but I was expecting it a little louder. I am trying to educate myself in these forums, and trying to learn about resonators, x-pipes/h-pipes/etc. Given what I currently have, what would be the next step (addition or delete) to make the exhaust a little louder/throatier? I fully realize that everyone has their preference in sound. I am of the preference of loud with low tones at rev/accelerate, but not so much at idle speed. Not sure if that makes a difference, and I do realize that having the L99 somewhat hinders the possibilities of top performance. Resonator delete? I believe this will make it louder, but will it be a loud growl, or sound like a high-pitch screech? Resonator delete and x-pipe (to deaden the screech, or would this just balance each other out and be pointless?) Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading my novel, and I look forward to learning from you all! __________________ ...it's the neeeeeew SStyle.

10-30-2012, 03:16 PM	#6
huitt06 Drives: 2011 L99 SS Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: West texas Posts: 319 View My Garage	L99 sound is very disappointing....cats eat up all the sound...Solo cats are great and no codes... __________________ TSP 1 7/8, CNT catback, VMAX, CAI intake, ADM scoop, 3.70s, Adm Tuned(374/391), SLP UDP, 18" nurbs/NT05r's , 3200 stall, Granatelli trailing arms....1/4 mi best 12.7

10-30-2012, 03:16 PM	#7
jackievanzant Drives: 2011 Black 2SS RS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sherman TX Posts: 16 View My Garage	Damn! This site is freaking awesome! All these replies came quick! Thank you all! I think the resonator delete and the x-pipe install will probably be the next step. Thanks, Juiced1 and Zeus! I agree with Alot3949 that loud is subjective. This is probably the one category that is most difficult to discuss in an online forum. Even the videos can't properly represent what the true sound will be. I do appreciate the feedback. Does name brand matter when purchasing an x-pipe? Since I have Borla exhaust, should I try to purchase a Borla X-pipe to keep uniform, or does something like that even matter? __________________ ...it's the neeeeeew SStyle.

10-30-2012, 03:18 PM	#8
jackievanzant Drives: 2011 Black 2SS RS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sherman TX Posts: 16 View My Garage	What is an average price of solo-cats? Would I keep my Borlas? Sorry, I realize this is probably a really dumb question for gear-heads, but I'm learning! heehee. __________________ ...it's the neeeeeew SStyle.

10-30-2012, 11:43 PM	#10
jackievanzant Drives: 2011 Black 2SS RS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sherman TX Posts: 16 View My Garage	not to beat a dead horse, but what would be better (or pros/cons) of resonator delete/add x-pipe VERSUS adding Solo HFC? __________________ ...it's the neeeeeew SStyle.

10-30-2012, 10:40 AM	#2
Juiced1 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 2SS CAMARO 45th Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: St. Charles, IL Posts: 18,648	You're on the right page. Having an L99 you have been stuck with a ton of resonators on that mid-pipe. They really limit the volume level on axle-back set ups. I would recommend ordering an x-pipe (cheap generic x) and having a local exhaust shop cut out our resonators and weld in the x-pipe. You'll add volume and the X-pipe will keep the sound pretty clean. Shouldn't be high pitched by any means and should keep a very similar tone.

10-30-2012, 12:00 PM	#3
ZeuSS2011 Drives: Black 2011 2SS/RS / Black 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 314 View My Garage	I had some Flowmaster 40 series mufflers installed and like you wished for a deeper/louder tone. I had the large resonator removed and was very pleased with the result. No screech. Louder and deeper tone without the resonator. I recommend having that resonator removed.

10-30-2012, 01:58 PM	#4
Alot9439 Drives: 2SS RS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 195	Loud is subjective, I recommend what Juiced1 said I Have a resonator delete(resonated x-pipe in its place) and straight pipe from their i personally like the sound. though you could always do a muffler delete first take the s type off and just do a muffler delete it would be slightly louder than the s-type that might be what your looking for if not just do the resonator delete with x-pipe.

10-30-2012, 02:03 PM	#5
Ventmaster Drives: 2017 1SS 6spd Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 3,024	Better idea! Throw on the Solo high flow cats- exhaust will somewhat louder and definitely deeper. And you gain 20hp! I put a set on my friends L99 and was very impressed. It's a win-win!

10-30-2012, 03:50 PM	#9
Ventmaster Drives: 2017 1SS 6spd Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 3,024	OK, the Solo HFC's are gonna run you $700... but you get what you pay for! Your Borla's would stay, the Solo's bolt in closer to the engine, replacing the factory catalytic converters. And there are no dumb questions- we all got started sometime. Welcome to the obsession!!

10-31-2012, 02:41 AM	#11
Avenging Orange Drives: 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clermont, IN Posts: 3,297	Just get headers and call it a day. __________________ 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS M6 Black Leather, Sun Roof, OBX Headers, Borla touring axle back, Cold Air Inductions CAI , non synthetic fluids, BMR total bushing upgrade/1" lowering springs, DSE 32mm rear sway bar. GM fe4 shocks/struts/LCA's, AAM 3.91 diff, Vertini RFS1.8 20x9 +30. Conti ExtremeContact Sport 275/35/20. sjm autoprod ABL dash kit. Mike Norris tuned 413/419. Avenging Orange: 43 years of not buying into the Hype........and damn proud of it!! https://youtu.be/9JD9it6SmB8 https://youtu.be/xmelTlEzI34 KICKING CANCERS ASS SINCE 2015!!

10-31-2012, 10:33 PM	#12
Alot9439 Drives: 2SS RS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 195	well going with the solo cats is going to give you noticeable power maybe 20 rwhp or slightly less the sound will also increase. I would recommend a tune due to AFM. if your gonna do headers down the road I would say just buy a set of headers with cats. The resonator delete will raise the sound with no added hp gain at least thats what i know. in regard to the x-pipe any brand would be ok I honestly went with a generic brand had a shop order it for me.

11-01-2012, 07:04 PM	#13
HMX-1 Drives: 2012 2SS Bumblebee Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: El Paso TX Posts: 13	I did my X pipe resonator delete and I am very pleased! Definitely what I was looking for!! It's not "holy Jesus! what's that racket" loud, but more of a "yes I am FAST!" Oh yeah, any decent muffler shop should be able to do it for well under $200... __________________ [SIGPIC] 2012 2SS : Flowmaster American Thunder axleback K&N Cold Air Intake X pipe & resonator delete pulled the 2nd set of cats ...makes me grin every time I see it!

11-02-2012, 10:18 AM	#14
BigRed585Lbs Drives: Sierra and Tahoe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: By Marion, MS Posts: 1,324 View My Garage	One slight suggestion would be larger diameter exhaust tips. Ever wonder how that little blond cheerleader was able to make herself heard way up to the top of the stands? A megaphone with a larger outlet than inlet. Same idea with exhaust tips: 2 1/2" or 3" going in and 4 1/2" or 5" outlet and you get amplification of the exhaust sound. Just an idea.