axle back change just sound ? CAI good Addition ?

[larietrope]

According to some posts. it's stated the axle back change doesn't provide any more performance just a change in sound and that the LS3 mufflers flow pretty good without being very pretty.
Is that a fairly true statement ?
If that's the case, I'm better off saving my money on exhaust unless I plan a full headers back system.

Is the CAI worth the investment other than looking cool ? I sometimes wonder about the after market money we spend on our cars. Is it money well spent or, are we sometimes being sold eye and ear candy ?

[drtwo]

with the LS3 some have noted that it is already quite straight and open and would be only minimal difference even with an axle back. So just get a new exhaust if you want to change the sound.

[SSTony]

it does help with the flow of the exhaust. someone did a dyno of removing the muffler and gained like 12- 14 hp. I assume the mufflers i just installed probably bumped me up around 10 hp. i installed slp loudmouth II axle back.

[HorsePowerAddicts]

CAI will definatly pick up power.One of the first mod a new camaro should have.
Axleback exhaust will have minimal gains alone but also do headers and midpipes and see a big improvement. Full exhaust, CAI, and a tune on a LS3 camaro will be around 415rwhp.

[OminouSS]

Originally Posted by larietrope

Is the CAI worth the investment other than looking cool ? I sometimes wonder about the after market money we spend on our cars. Is it money well spent or, are we sometimes being sold eye and ear candy ?

Isn't that exactly what this car is; eye candy? Certainly it is not an investment with expected return. Afterall, we did just pay $40K on an american car from a manufacture in dire straits. Was any of that money 'well spent'? I say yes, if your idea of value is pure thrill and enjoyment. Most of the money you will spend on aftermarket performance will provide you with minimal noticeable gain: couple HP & torque numbers here & there - so you better like the way it looks, feels, sounds or impresses. Now a S/C? yeah, different argument.

For me, this car is my hobby so, every dollar I spend needs to accomplish the 'fun' objective. In the end, I am not likely to see anything but a negative $$ return on this investment. Has not stopped me from purchasing CAI, Short throw, GMPP exhaust, etc.

[SGOS252382]

Axle back = better sound, better looks, less weight

When my car was brand new, I just had to get those ugly stock mufflers off the car. Whether its an axle back or catback, those stock mufflers need to go.

[NAHURRY]

Will a catback provide any more gains/sound over axle back?...assuming
everything else is stock on the car.

[axis]

Originally Posted by NAHURRY

Will a catback provide any more gains/sound over axle back?...assuming
everything else is stock on the car.

More/less sound, depending on the systems compared. HP gains would be VERY minimal if any, if only replacing the stock system with a aftermarket one of similar design.