Exhaust and Intake- help me spend my money wisely - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

79chevy396 · 09-11-2015, 11:30 AM

I picked up a 3000 mile 2011 SS with the Hurst shifter, 6-speed manual, and black on black. I want to put a little more power down and a little more rumble out of the back. Until the factory powertrain warranty runs out and I supercharge it... I am looking to put a cold air intake and either a cat back or axle back exhaust. I have about a $1000 budget and don't want junk. I want something that rumbles and sounds good out back, but not much noise or droan in the interior, been down that road a while ago. I guess its true (if its too loud, you're too old! ha ha). Let me know your thoughts on a nice stout combo.

Thanks

DRKS1D3 · 09-11-2015, 11:39 AM

Here you go!

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21289

Welker2 · 09-11-2015, 11:41 AM

You will get many opinions...here's mine...I am very happy with the sound, quality & improved performance/response I've noticed with the K&N CAI & Flowmaster Force II axel back exhaust. I've had the Flowmasters on since a week after buying my '13 & the CIA has been on for about 5 months. Like you, at this point I don't want chance voiding/impacting my warranty.

Red2014SS · 09-11-2015, 12:10 PM

Many forum members have been very pleased with the sound of a simple muffler delete. Get an exhaust shop to replace your factory mufflers with straight pipe and weld the tips on. Costs about $100-$150. The factory cats and resonator do about 85% of the muffling of noise on these cars. It might be something to look into, and save some money for other mods.

As for a cold air intake, there is the Z-28 intake from GM, Roto-Fab, CAI brand, etc. They are all good. Search the forum and read up. Take your pick.

Demon War Horse · 09-11-2015, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79chevy396

I picked up a 3000 mile 2011 SS with the Hurst shifter, 6-speed manual, and black on black. I want to put a little more power down and a little more rumble out of the back. Until the factory powertrain warranty runs out and I supercharge it... I am looking to put a cold air intake and either a cat back or axle back exhaust. I have about a $1000 budget and don't want junk. I want something that rumbles and sounds good out back, but not much noise or droan in the interior, been down that road a while ago. I guess its true (if its too loud, you're too old! ha ha). Let me know your thoughts on a nice stout combo.

Thanks

For Cold Air, you might look at RotoFab or CAI. They are really popular here. They will run around $400 unless you catch a sale, or a used one in the for sale sections.

Catback with not give you gains other than sound. Headers and cats are where the gains are. Now, if you want to ditch the factory quiet suitcase mufflers for an Axleback, I would look into Borla, Flowmaster, Magnaflow, or even a muffler delete. Keep in mind when you do headers later, you may have to change your muffler set up as it will be very very loud if you go longtubes and no cats.

I broke the mold and do not have the typical CAI on my car or typical catback, but I have about $600 total in mine. My cold air is an older G5CR unit (pics in my build thread in my sig pic) that I got from ebay and the axle back I have is Cherry Bomb Extreme (not glasspacks but small single chamber mufflers) I got from another member here. Muscle car sound, but it does drone, but I love it.

For the $1K you talked about you could do CAI or Rotofab and likely Borla or Flowmaster axlebacks and be in that range.

Synyster · 09-11-2015, 01:42 PM

Roto Fab or CAI intake and a muffler delete.

Should be about $600.

Rainbow1616 · 09-11-2015, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red2014SS

Many forum members have been very pleased with the sound of a simple muffler delete. Get an exhaust shop to replace your factory mufflers with straight pipe and weld the tips on. Costs about $100-$150. The factory cats and resonator do about 85% of the muffling of noise on these cars. It might be something to look into, and save some money for other mods.

As for a cold air intake, there is the Z-28 intake from GM, Roto-Fab, CAI brand, etc. They are all good. Search the forum and read up. Take your pick.

He can't, In PA that won't pass our State inspection. I checked.

JLSuperfly · 09-11-2015, 01:52 PM

Make sure you get a few catch cans along the way.

jdrop01 · 09-11-2015, 01:54 PM

For the pricing look at Solo Exhaust and Roto-Fab or CAI combo through one of the vendors here on the forums. I know they do bundle deals and this may get you under the price tag. Since you need mufflers for your state inspection I suggest the Solo Catback as it sounds great and will end up in your price range if you go with a combo deal. I have the Stainless Retro Chambered exhaust installed and I love the sound but it cost a little more.

SSeniorMoment · 09-11-2015, 02:46 PM

Welcome to C5.....

First bolt on mod I did was Tri-Y headers with hi-flow cats, then CAI cai, just a little throttle and you have a sound and performance gain. The axle back Flowmaster mufflers didn't do it for me, so it was SW retro chamber exhaust time and that sets the Camaro apart from Mustangs and Challengers.

I don't street race, but paddling up and down has a muscle car rumble that is intimidating to other drivers.

Apex Motorsports · 09-11-2015, 03:09 PM

CAI Inc intake and a Stainless Works muffler delete is what I would recommend. Even leave a little money in your pocket.

Snoman · 09-11-2015, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRKS1D3

Here you go!

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21289

You mean we have sub-forums ? wt_ !?

PalmerGA · 09-11-2015, 04:08 PM

I have the CAI, Inc intake with air scoop and Solo axle-backs with J-pipes. Zero drone and they sound great on the outside. Moderately loud cruising but will roar pretty good when you punch it. Close to $1000 for all - easy installs.

Rainbow1616 · 09-11-2015, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

I have the CAI, Inc intake with air scoop and Solo axle-backs with J-pipes. Zero drone and they sound great on the outside. Moderately loud cruising but will roar pretty good when you punch it. Close to $1000 for all - easy installs.

Why did you go axle back and not cat back? Just curious. I am planning on solo cat back as soon as I can get up to Buffalo. Just wondered why you decided that way.

Ah nevermind, now I remember axle back is a muffler delete thats why I can't do that.

09-11-2015, 11:30 AM	#1
79chevy396 Drives: 2011 SS 6-speed Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Irwin, PA Posts: 3	Exhaust and Intake- help me spend my money wisely I picked up a 3000 mile 2011 SS with the Hurst shifter, 6-speed manual, and black on black. I want to put a little more power down and a little more rumble out of the back. Until the factory powertrain warranty runs out and I supercharge it... I am looking to put a cold air intake and either a cat back or axle back exhaust. I have about a $1000 budget and don't want junk. I want something that rumbles and sounds good out back, but not much noise or droan in the interior, been down that road a while ago. I guess its true (if its too loud, you're too old! ha ha). Let me know your thoughts on a nice stout combo. Thanks

09-11-2015, 11:39 AM	#2
DRKS1D3 Drives: '17 Corvette Grand Sport M7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,748	Here you go! http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21289 __________________ MY RIDE: 2017 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT--TRIPLE BLACK, 7 SPEED MANUAL, VARARAM TCR-7 INTAKE, BORLA CATLESS X-PIPE, CARBON FIBER STAGE 2 AERO, MGW SHORT-THROW SHIFTER SOLD2011 TRIPLE BLACK SS CONVERTIBLE--6 SPEED MANUAL, MANY MODS, 455 RWHP/435 RWTQ DAD'S RIDE: 2012 ZL1 #1866--BLACK, 6 SPEED MANUAL, EXPOSED CF HOOD, POLISHED WHEELS, SUNROOF, ROTO-FAB INTAKE "Silly Americans, taking from the rich and giving to the poor only works in fairy tales. Success is earned here!".

09-11-2015, 11:41 AM	#3
Welker2 Ret AF, cancer survivor Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/RS & 2006 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Mesquite, NV Posts: 2,741 View My Garage	You will get many opinions...here's mine...I am very happy with the sound, quality & improved performance/response I've noticed with the K&N CAI & Flowmaster Force II axel back exhaust. I've had the Flowmasters on since a week after buying my '13 & the CIA has been on for about 5 months. Like you, at this point I don't want chance voiding/impacting my warranty. __________________

09-11-2015, 12:10 PM	#4
Red2014SS Drives: 2014 2SS/RS Camaro Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,421	Many forum members have been very pleased with the sound of a simple muffler delete. Get an exhaust shop to replace your factory mufflers with straight pipe and weld the tips on. Costs about $100-$150. The factory cats and resonator do about 85% of the muffling of noise on these cars. It might be something to look into, and save some money for other mods. As for a cold air intake, there is the Z-28 intake from GM, Roto-Fab, CAI brand, etc. They are all good. Search the forum and read up. Take your pick. __________________ 2014 2SS/RS, L99, SW LTH w/HF Cats, GMPP Ex. Z/28 CAI, FR41s in PVD Black Chrome, Recaros, Pfadt Sway 377hp, 383tq 12.739@110.44 MPH

09-11-2015, 04:08 PM	#13
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 8,755 View My Garage	I have the CAI, Inc intake with air scoop and Solo axle-backs with J-pipes. Zero drone and they sound great on the outside. Moderately loud cruising but will roar pretty good when you punch it. Close to $1000 for all - easy installs. __________________ 2013 1SS/RS Coupe L99, Stainless Power Works LT Headers, SCT X4 Custom Tune from RDP, CAI Inc. Air Intake w/ Apex Scoop, VMAX CNC Ported Throttle Body, Solo Axle-Back Exhaust w/ J-pipes, Apex Catch Can, Husky Splash Guards, Heritage Grille, 3D Carbon Rear Spoiler, Oracle Chrome Turn Signal Bulbs, GM Reverse Light Trim Billets, Gorilla Black Locking Lugs, Emblem Pros Retro SS Badges/Custom Retro SS Kickplates/Under-hood Bowtie, 35% window Tint, Nitto Motivo Tires (6-8-18)

09-11-2015, 01:42 PM	#6
Synyster Drives: 2006 F150 Lariat Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 1,665	Roto Fab or CAI intake and a muffler delete. Should be about $600.

09-11-2015, 01:52 PM	#8
JLSuperfly Drives: 2014 Red Hot LS3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 4,267	Make sure you get a few catch cans along the way.

09-11-2015, 01:54 PM	#9
jdrop01 Drives: 05 GTO Join Date: May 2015 Location: Weatherford, Texas Posts: 390	For the pricing look at Solo Exhaust and Roto-Fab or CAI combo through one of the vendors here on the forums. I know they do bundle deals and this may get you under the price tag. Since you need mufflers for your state inspection I suggest the Solo Catback as it sounds great and will end up in your price range if you go with a combo deal. I have the Stainless Retro Chambered exhaust installed and I love the sound but it cost a little more.

09-11-2015, 02:46 PM	#10
SSeniorMoment Drives: 2010 2SS/RS LS3 A6 IOM Join Date: May 2013 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,190	Welcome to C5..... First bolt on mod I did was Tri-Y headers with hi-flow cats, then CAI cai, just a little throttle and you have a sound and performance gain. The axle back Flowmaster mufflers didn't do it for me, so it was SW retro chamber exhaust time and that sets the Camaro apart from Mustangs and Challengers. I don't street race, but paddling up and down has a muscle car rumble that is intimidating to other drivers.

09-11-2015, 03:09 PM	#11
Apex Motorsports Drives: 2000 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky. Posts: 25,179	CAI Inc intake and a Stainless Works muffler delete is what I would recommend. Even leave a little money in your pocket.