How will you modify your exhaust?

[GRRRR8]

We all have an opinion and a budget on how we will mod our exhaust. Lets hear it!

[GeorgeInNePa]

Check sig...

[SFC]

you forgot the poll part of your poll :D

Kooks for me.

[wreckwriter]

Full set of Kooks soon to be in da house.

[GRRRR8]

you forgot the poll part of your poll :D

Kooks for me.

??? Huh ???

[SFC]

??? Huh ???

There was no poll visible before ;) Vbulletin posts the thread before the poll shows up.

[GXPaycheck]

SF axle back with H-pipe for now. Magnaflow street (quiet) system on horizon. maybe shorty headers and high flow cats.

[PostalCherokee]

I'm leaning towards a full Kooks setup. I'd like to get someone's opinion on it once they get it and see if there is too much drone when cruising. Didn't sound too bad in their video.

[Steve]

SF Axle-Backs & H-Pipe for now
DYing for some ARH's.. gonna try'm with the SF Axle-Backs ::D:headbang:

[SFC]

I'm leaning towards a full Kooks setup. I'd like to get someone's opinion on it once they get it and see if there is too much drone when cruising. Didn't sound too bad in their video.


Don't look at me, my other ride is a cummins diesel powered dodge :D

[-Ray-]

American Racing long tubes and Magnaflow axle backs.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

American Racing Headers....Installed....Kooks mufflers......next week.....Corsa mufflers.....As soon as they get the damn things done! Lol!

[GRRRR8]

Looks like long tubes is the popular choice.

[-Ray-]

This is the gear head site. :first:

[EcoBrick Bob]

Thinking about straight pipes and ear plugs.....

RRM

currently have SF Axlebacks & his H-pipe. And... I think it sounds great!

[GeorgeInNePa]

Thinking about straight pipes and ear plugs.....

RRM

currently have SF Axlebacks & his H-pipe. And... I think it sounds great!

Then you can remove all the radio stuff. Speakers, amp, wiring...


Think of the weight you'll save!

['02 ws6]

As with many others after seeing the kooks vid I have no choice but to go with the full kooks system. Just sounds too bad ass, and even better the wife approved of it too!!

[GRRRR8]

As with many others after seeing the kooks vid I have no choice but to go with the full kooks system. Just sounds too bad ass, and even better the wife approved of it too!!

That always makes the decision. My wife wants the ARH on now! She said I need to be able to growl at people! I guess I finally warped her just enough.

[Crazy Paul]

Turn your sound way up and listen to the drone at 5:15 into this Kooks video.
You wouldn't want to be sitting at those RPM for more than a second each day.
:puke:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVsbU93OOx4

[-Ray-]

As with many others after seeing the kooks vid I have no choice but to go with the full kooks system. Just sounds too bad ass, and even better the wife approved of it too!!

Did you see the video I added?

[GRRRR8]

Did you see the video I added?

Did you ever do a sound clip with muffs?

[Chewy]

I would love to have headers but I've seen to many people have issues with them and stock is best for reliability IMO so I was thinking the stock manifolds and maybe some high flow cats to go along with my MF exhaust.

My car is a daily driver and quiet and comfy are high on my list of things. Manifolds offer the quiet that I need and the MF adds a bit of bark too.

Plus mine is a lease...:blink:

[EC-Ryder]

I think a lot of problems with the headers can be substantially reduced or maybe eliminated by having or getting them coated before hand. I believe a lot of it is heat related and this should go a long way towards a trouble free mod.

It would be nice if those that get them for the G8 would report back to us with issues\answers to them.

Just :twocents:

Cheers!

[GRRRR8]

Soon! We will know all!

[-Ray-]

Did you ever do a sound clip with muffs?

Not yet, I did get the batteries though. After seeing the Kooks video all the way through, I'll make a couple videos. I'm currently working on a house project, so it'll be later.

[EC-Ryder]

Heck!

Even if there's an improvement I would be tempted to try wrapping some thick high temp insulation outside only. Of course that will probably cause other unforeseen consequences! LOL!

:popo:

Cheer!

[-Ray-]

My headers now have that beautiful gold color. No bluing anywhere yet.

[EC-Ryder]

That's good to know Ray...:thumbsup:

Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of some sort of metal shield with air in between to cool things down if heat should become an issue still with coated headers.


Cheers!.

[-Ray-]

I've been watching my underhood temps, and they aren't much different. Using my Dashhawk to monitor IAT shows about the same with idle in stopped traffic.

[GTPaul]

I just going to do shorties. I really want to keep the volume level down on this car. Right now with the stock manifold and magnaflows it's just where I want it. I would love to LT's, but the noise and cost is deterring me.

[NWOG8]

I'm leaning towards a full Kooks setup. I'd like to get someone's opinion on it once they get it and see if there is too much drone when cruising. Didn't sound too bad in their video.

Would also love to hear from someone who has a full Kooks setup. I agree the video sounded good but wondering about sound at cruising speeds.

Still stock except 20x8.5 front and 20x10 in the rear.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Trust me the drone and twang are unacceptable. Rumble and loud, fine, I can deal with that. Sitting in my car thinking I'm in the dentists chair......No!:weak:

[todds87ss]

Any one just remove mufflers? looking to see if it becomes too loud.

[Mav]

to be honest, I have no idea. I know I want to do something to the exhaust, but Im a newb when it comes down to it.

I dont want that "drone" some people are talking about, but I do want the aggressive sounding car. Im assuming the electronic is the best of both worlds, but probably the most expensive.

[GRRRR8]

MagnaFlow cat back if you are not going to do headers. ARH and stock muffs if you are.

[Chewy]

I don't think you can have both... Great rumble and ZERO drone. You're going to have some no matter what you do.

[Mav]

well then; whats the cheapest, best sounding option? :D

[Chewy]

well then; whats the cheapest, best sounding option? :D

Magnaflow... Also one of the only right now... lol

Cheapest would be to buy some muffs and have a shop weld them on but I wanted a bit more performance so I went the way of a full 2.5" system.

I may get some MF high flow cats when they start selling them.

Cheers,
Chris

[todds87ss]

I don't think you can have both... Great rumble and ZERO drone. You're going to have some no matter what you do.

they said the same thing about the LS1 Camaro. My Magnaflow fixed both, the drone, and a nice rumble.

[Badger Boy]

Should have waited to see what everyone else did.

Jumped the gun and slapped on the first thing that was louder. Now I can't install the long tubes.

So, if you were going to do it right..best bang for the buck i guess. What would you do from the block to the back? Keeping the cat's for MD emmissions reasons.

Lay it on me.

[GRRRR8]

I guess it all depends on if you have to be emission tested on a dyno. No dyno, ARH Long tubes and choose your muffs. I use the stock ones and it sounds real good. The factory cats are the restriction in the system.

[-Ray-]

I'm getting stock mufflers next weekend. Hopefully, I'll be set up to make axle backs soon.

[RamJet]

Nothing done yet, but the plan calls for ARH Longtubes w/ stock mufflers. Probably next year.

[jbradsh1]

Not to belabor the point, but how about a category of "shorty headers with high flow cats" and then another one "X pipe".

[GEE8GEETEE]

I'm probably gonna wait for the Borla System to come out. I love the sound of their systems (always have).

[Crazy Paul]

Looks like you guys are still playing catch up.
Finding a twin 2 1/2" system with no drone will get easier with more development there.

Most here run twin 3" from the header collectors all the way back......it's difficult getting 3" drone free especially with an auto.
Sedans are also a lot easier than wagons, the cargo space acts like a huge boom box.

[G8H8]

I am having a custom exhaust done. We had it up on the lift today. We saw no reason to get rid of the factory piping. We are gonna add either an X or H pipe and two aero mufflers utilizing the factory tips.

[-Ray-]

Looks like you guys are still playing catch up.
Finding a twin 2 1/2" system with no drone will get easier with more development there.

Most here run twin 3" from the header collectors all the way back......it's difficult getting 3" drone free especially with an auto.
Sedans are also a lot easier than wagons, the cargo space acts like a huge boom box.

I'm going to be testing some things. Which reminds me I need to get my SLPM out.

[Crazy Paul]

get my SLPM out.

What's that for people who don't have to abreviate everything ?

[-Ray-]

LOL, I had it backwards anyway, and didn't edit.
Sound pressure level meter.
SPLM. I'm a home audio buff. My wife hates me. LOL

[R.Penguin]

I don't think you can have both... Great rumble and ZERO drone. You're going to have some no matter what you do.
There is a solution, but it's kinda pricey.
1) Replace large center resonator with H or X pipe.
2) Install dual electric servo cutouts pointing straight back where the rear pipes make the sharp turn to go to the stock mufflers/tips.
3) Bolt on Cherry Bomb/Purple Hornie glasspaks straight back and mount up tight under the spare tire well. You must put reflective aluminum faced adhesive insulation on the underside of the spare tire well.
4) Add exhaust tips cut to the same angle as the stock tips if you wish, and end them wherever you think looks best. I hung the ends from the inside of the spare tire well with anti vibration pipe hangers. Also spray painted everything from the cutouts back dark grey metallic to stealth the system.
5) With cutouts wide open you are pretty much running straight pipes with glass paks at the end. You also get a little exhaust thru the stock tips, so in effect there are 6 active tips with a very low and throaty rumble. No drone, almost no backpressure as the cats are the only restriction left.
6) With cutouts fully closed all exhaust is routed thru the stock system and is stock quiet.
7) As this system uses servo motors to simultaneously control the dual butterfly valves on the cutouts, you have a rocker switch on the center console that you tap to open/close the cutouts thru a full 90 degrees. http://racereadyperformance.com/storefront/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=60

This mod will run about $1200 +/- with full installation. Find a really GOOD exhaust shop that has a master welder and mandrel bending capabilities. The wiring harness must be properly installed also. :p

P.S. The Y pipes that come with the kit will not fit this configuration. We decided to cut into the stock pipes at the sharp bend and welded custom built short straight pipes with flanges that face the rear of the car. So, in effect, a custom built Y pipe x 2 with a straight shot back to the cats.

[-Ray-]

....of course, this is after the $66 mod. :D

[todds87ss]

....of course, this is after the $66 mod. :D

OK, I'll bite. What is the $66 mod?

[-Ray-]

It wasn't my mod so I'll let someone else cover this one. :)

[SRG963]

High Flow Cats is a must....Who's got them? I'm leasing, so the less money I spend the better. A possible X pipe to replace the center muff also if the price is right.

[-Ray-]

I picked up a set of stock mufflers today. Soon, I'll own a tig welder.

[G8H8]

Well got my custom exhaust done today. Started out by removing the stock mufflers and adding Aero mufflers. Was almost stock sounding. Removed the straight thru resonator underneath and put in an x pipe and the tone was just enough. Nice and deep, no raspiness, and no back pressure (some say back fire) sounds. I will get a vid up by this weekend. If anyone has an exhaust shop nearby that utilizes aero mufflers I highly recommend them.

Forgot to add: whole setup cost $160 installed. Thats 2 aero stainless steel mufflers utilizing the factory tips and a custom x-pipe.

[R.Penguin]

....of course, this is after the $66 mod. :D
Of course! There was only one way to go after the world famous $66 exhaust mod. :p

[R.Penguin]

OK, I'll bite. What is the $66 mod?
Way back in March when I got #748, I replaced the stock monster center resonator with straight pipes, only to find out later that the resonator IS straight pipes with a blond wig stuffed in it. The resulting sound was acclaimed by everyone on the forum as being somewhere between a sick lawn tractor and a hippo with terminal gas. :p

Try it! You'll hate it.

[R.Penguin]

The final result however, is the coolest exhaust system on any G8 GT and perhaps the world. http://www.forum.grrrr8.net/showpost.php?p=12227&postcount=51

I hope to pay off the 2nd mortgage I took out to pay for it before I die. :p

[todds87ss]

Way back in March when I got #748, I replaced the stock monster center resonator with straight pipes, only to find out later that the resonator IS straight pipes with a blond wig stuffed in it. The resulting sound was acclaimed by everyone on the forum as being somewhere between a sick lawn tractor and a hippo with terminal gas. :p

Try it! You'll hate it.

what's with the damned blond wigs in these exhausts...?
Thanks for the info.

[G8GTlawride]

what's with the damned blond wigs in these exhausts...?
Thanks for the info.

Maybe Aussies like blonds!

[todds87ss]

Maybe Aussies like blonds!

Olivia Newton John is in my muffler!!!:offtopic:

[Tops200]

Think I'll go JBA Long Tubes and a Magnaflow 16795 Cat back with a modified connection to adapt to the LT's. My better half has actually already got me to order the MF for my Christmas present. Guess I'll be installing the JBA's at the same time...... Next will be the ProCharger.

[kj217]

which headers are best for G8GT?

[GM_Fan]

which headers are best for G8GT?


I believe many people have American Racing Headers or Kooks. Dynamax is supposed to be releasing a set as well.

[steve b.]

cat back is my choice but what is the best for my needs

[PUGS]

I am going with the Magnaflow cat back

[steve b.]

not fair i cant put on long tubes because i live in ca.

[barr1340]

Anyone have an opinion on how the Pypes axle back system is?

[G8-4-Speed]

Went the cheep route and built my own stainless exhaust, then modified it to make it louder. Had a 4" Magnaflow muffler on the center pipe at first to help keep it quiet with the Flowmasters but removed it since it was too quiet. Current mufflers are 2 1/2" Stainless Flowmaster Delta 40's and cats are high-flow 3" that were laying around the shop. All flanges are in stock locations so things can be changed around with other bolt-on's. Sounds perfect!:nah: So far it runs 12.50's thru the manifolds on stock tires.

[jhi15]

Just don't want to get too loud with drone.....gotta keep wife happy! Thinking about Magnaflow axlebacks. I just want to hear it when I want to hear it. Should I leave stock GXP mufflers on and add X-pipe? Just don't know. Too many options. Probably add CAI soon.

[Devilish34]

Just don't want to get too loud with drone.....gotta keep wife happy! Thinking about Magnaflow axlebacks. I just want to hear it when I want to hear it. Should I leave stock GXP mufflers on and add X-pipe? Just don't know. Too many options. Probably add CAI soon.

Magnsflows have a little drone with the AFM. LT Headers with stock muffs has no drone

[jhi15]

Are you getting good sound from the LT's? Easy install?

[todds87ss]

no, and yes. If you use the stock muffs, there will be no sound. Period. You will have to find a setup that has the sound you desire. Look to the axle back, though, for sound changes.

[barr1340]

I am looking at a set of headers made by Doug Thorley. They have the shorty header witch is steel with ceramic coating it bolts to the stock catback no change. Or they have the long tube wich eliminates the cats but bolts to stock catback. I am not sure wich way to go. anyone out there can help me out. What are the pro's and con's with each style?
also anyone know witch is better pypes or magnaflow?

[Devilish34]

Are you getting good sound from the LT's? Easy install?

Pre cam very quiet after cam different animal and no drone or cabin noise except at WOT :). Install not bad if done on a lift with a ase mech and his tools
BlackBerry8330/4.5.0.77 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105

[POPSG8GT]

Will complete my cat back system this coming week.

[desertg8]

one and seven eighths kooks shortie headers. x pipe to stock g8 mufflers

[Stryker Blue GT]

Full Catback

[testical_blister]

SF Axle-Backs & H-Pipe for now
DYing for some ARH's.. gonna try'm with the SF Axle-Backs

[Eidolon]

My ideal? ARH 1-7/8" LT headers with high-flow cats, plus Magnaflow Axelbacks. Oh, and this would require a tune, and an intake, and an HSRK, and a uh...

Can I just mortgage my soul?

[texn884]

Got my Corsa Exhaust installed today at Hennessey Performance.

They sound so good.

[jeff]

Does anybody know what to expect with the 16887 magnaflow exhaust?How bad is the drone?Will the stock axle backs bolt up to it if I decide it is to annoying?I am already committed to the magnaflow so changing to corsa is not a option.Thanks for any feedback.....

[SuperBikeXXX]

So this guy in a G8 GT shows up at my work yesturday with a pretty nice sounding exhaust. I ask him what exhaust system he has and he said its STOCK! What he did is leave the stock rear mufflers in place and cut out the middle chamber, wleding in an X pipe in its place. The middle box in the stock exhaust is some sort of resonator. Sounds pretty sweet for only spending $75 at a muffler shop. Has anyone else heard of this? I want to do it to mine!

[cerealjoe]

I love modifying the Cat back. For me it is advisable to mod it for a newer one. :D

[Slizzo]

So this guy in a G8 GT shows up at my work yesturday with a pretty nice sounding exhaust. I ask him what exhaust system he has and he said its STOCK! What he did is leave the stock rear mufflers in place and cut out the middle chamber, wleding in an X pipe in its place. The middle box in the stock exhaust is some sort of resonator. Sounds pretty sweet for only spending $75 at a muffler shop. Has anyone else heard of this? I want to do it to mine!

That's know as the "mid-muffler". It's an exhaust mixing center muffler, after that are two resonators. Generally when you buy an X-pipe for the G8 you replace both.

The Mid-Muffler, if memory serves, has a perforated X-pipe going through it, obviously there's some packing material in there as well. Others may correct me if I'm wrong on that.

[86cutlass350]

big resanator cut out and xpiped 2 small ones straight piped and gxp axle backs with stock manifolds and cats for now, will see how the gf likes how that sounds.
unless i can find a smoking deal on 1-7/8 kooks and cat or catless mid pipe.

[nifong08iom]

Solo Mach Unbalanced catback installed. Sound clip here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqVcV4kpFDM
14957

[pir4te]

The best, cheapest mod you can do to an L76 / L77 exhaust is to replace it with an HSV try-y header: The benefit from D-Shaped exhaust port transition to round is managed entirely by the L92 head, the crappy port match of the stock manifold restricts flow in a big way:
15779
Is better seen close up:
15780
Apart from the obvious restriction of size mismatch, the main flow area when scavenging works is severely blocked with clumsy porting:
15781
With HSV headers there is no restriction and exhaust gas scavenging effect of the tuned length header tubes:
15782
work to maximum effect:
15783
So the HSV headers and hi-flow cats cost AUD$100 second hand, modify the connecting pipe from flange to cat to 2.5" connecting:
15784
and it doesn't matter which brand 2.5" catback you get - that's all personal taste bullshit (read exhaust engineering theory 101 on silencers and back pressure).
BOTTOM LINE: I have L77 A6 SSV Wagon Mainline 253rwkw before headers, paid $350 all up HSV headers fitted and would've gladly paid $4k for the performance and no-drone sound improvement.
Raced my friend with Porsche GT3 over various stretches of the Monaro Highway NSW Snowy Mountains and German joke couldn't keep up WOT accel and torque shootout up them snowy hills (don't rate dyno's and 400m times *real world*).

[C6/G8]

I want to add headers, middle muffler and Borla in the rear, my concern is drone. Will my desired configuration eliminate drone, I can spend upwards of $2k on the setup but would like to spend less than 1.5K, comments suggestions??

[Tuclis]

Have access to a borla catback system. I have stock exhaust. Want to increase the exhaust note by about 20-30% over stock. Would just taking the axleback portion of the borla give me what im looking for?

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[BODYSHOPG8]

Corsa cat back for now

[pir4te]

Americans are off the dial when it comes to straight out noisy, droney, exhausts... that Kooks G8 promo video is hilarious, fair dinkum!
When you're in the saddle 1000 miles a week you get picky about the note... the exhaust note that is.. and the one Mr Enforcer :cops: hands out for being too loud. Think about it, this is a video of my legal pipes in Oz - too soft?

youtube_share video (http://youtu.be/OuDtjAuZJfM)

The total exhaust mods cost less than $1000 and allow the SSV / G8 to breathe properly without the drone... of the Domestic Authority :bop:

[snibbets]

Not bad, like you said 1000 miles a week you better have a proper exhaust hahaha
I just like loud and reckless but the cops don't. I used to get loud exhaust (malfunctioning) tickets all the time in my cobalt, probably gonna start again when I get my mbs midpipe on

[1gr8ate]

1.75 LT's, 3"x, 2.5" mids, and straight out the back with dual 3.5" ss tips no cats no resignators no mufflers loud obnoxious and free flowing!!

[todds87ss]

Americans are off the dial when it comes to straight out noisy, droney, exhausts... that Kooks G8 promo video is hilarious, fair dinkum!
When you're in the saddle 1000 miles a week you get picky about the note... the exhaust note that is.. and the one Mr Enforcer :cops: hands out for being too loud. Think about it, this is a video of my legal pipes in Oz - too soft?

youtube_share video (http://youtu.be/OuDtjAuZJfM)

The total exhaust mods cost less than $1000 and allow the SSV / G8 to breathe properly without the drone... of the Domestic Authority :bop:

I think it's fair to say that each owner has to find an exhaust that they can live with. I've had 4 setups, each very different. Each might be fine for a different person. The straight pipes were great for the track and occasional street abuse, but not everyday for me. The modded stock cans were fine for everyday and did not drone at all, but not enough startup noise. The 3" turbo setup is nice and deep at low throttle positions and a little too tame at WOT.
This is with Kooks LT's, and catted X.
You can see that it is very difficult finding the exact setup. The "perforated tube" setups seem to flow the best, and the offset ones tend to have the best note for most (straight through ones pop and burble alot more). Add drone pipes, and for 350 or so, you would have a nasty sound at idle and WOT. They are the loudest with the lowest power loss, while providing some sound attenuation.
The chambered muffs have a nice deep tone, tend to drone a good bit, and have significant power loss - think echo chamber.
The turbo muffs have a nice deep tone, more muffled than the chambered design (longer pipe run internal), and less restriction (in most cases) than the chambered design. They do not flow as well as the perforated tube design, and still drone at about 50%.


...still trying to figure out what "fair dinkum" is...:)

[usuallyatnight]

I have pacesetter headers ceramic coated inside and out.
I have open exhaust right now but I'm tryingto figurte away to make a X pipe into the cats. Thsi way I can have a couple of baffle valves that will open or block the exhause going into the cats. This way while racing I'll basiccally have an X pipe and then open exhaust. With baffles/vlaves close i'll have my curent exhaust which is just muffler delete but with cats.
Anybody with any ideas or a place to send me to get such a valve(s) please hit me up! Thanks

[GXPaycheck]

Does anybody know what to expect with the 16887 magnaflow exhaust?How bad is the drone?Will the stock axle backs bolt up to it if I decide it is to annoying?I am already committed to the magnaflow so changing to corsa is not a option.Thanks for any feedback.....

Which drone? I had that system on my GT. You can hear the AFM changeover (tuned mine out). Never had the dreaded 1800 rpm drone. A J-pipe would have fixed that if I did.

[Jae]

What would it take to put on the bimodal mufflers from the ss

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[-Ray-]

You need to find out the case size for the muffler. The G8's use a really short case length.

[Jae]

Or even have a set of electric cutouts before the mid muffler set to open at like 3 grand... I just don't know what I could hook them up to to get them to open at that speed.

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[2nice2slow]

Went with the custom route/quick.



21248

[closecalig8gt]

i went with the ARH system and pypes violater axle backs no cats sound great!!!!!

[mot76]

I had a set of Magnaflow axelbacks but sold them. The drone was just too much for me.