AWE axle back installation

Tannero · 06-17-2025, 11:03 PM

Hi everyone.
Just purchased AWE axle back for my ZL1.
Is it pretty easy to cut with an exhaust chain cutter vs a sawzall?
I had a heck of a time on my SS with a sawzall so picked up a chain cutter hoping that helps.

Also. Do you have to remove the NPP valves and plug them in and zip tie up to avoid check engine lights? I thought you just unplug the harness, tape it good and tuck and tie it up out of the way but read about people connecting the valves from the stock exhaust and zip tying it out of the way.

Txs for any insulation advice. Can’t wait to install the exhaust and hopefully enjoy a deeper and a little louder sound

cdb95z28 · 06-18-2025, 06:24 AM

I used this:

https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ter/111609_0_0

2023_ZL1-AUTO · 06-18-2025, 06:34 AM

Here is my post when I did mine... Quite Easy, cdb95z28 is spot on with the tool recommended!

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=611982&page=6

Megahurtz · 06-18-2025, 08:19 AM

Chain cutter makes it super easy.

Chutzpah · 06-18-2025, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tannero

Hi everyone.
Just purchased AWE axle back for my ZL1.
Is it pretty easy to cut with an exhaust chain cutter vs a sawzall?
I had a heck of a time on my SS with a sawzall so picked up a chain cutter hoping that helps.

Also. Do you have to remove the NPP valves and plug them in and zip tie up to avoid check engine lights? I thought you just unplug the harness, tape it good and tuck and tie it up out of the way but read about people connecting the valves from the stock exhaust and zip tying it out of the way.

Txs for any insulation advice. Can’t wait to install the exhaust and hopefully enjoy a deeper and a little louder sound

I used these plugs from Gen5dyi, then neatly tied up to harnesses.

Abubaca · 06-18-2025, 09:01 AM

The chain cutter works great!

....as for the plugs, I've installed TWO AWE systems on two different SS cars and I just wrapped 'em up and ziptied 'em up out of the way. No issues.

WhiteMale · 06-18-2025, 09:30 AM

Yes Ive taped up the harness and tucked it away without the valves attached, never been a problem.

Tannero · 06-18-2025, 07:42 PM

You guys are all awesome. Txs for the confirmation the chain cutter will work and that I don’t need to attach the valves then wrap and tie them up. I thought that sounded odd.

Can’t wait to get the AWE exhaust. Hope that it sounds as great as I have been reading and hearing online. I have a convertible so I wasn’t able to go cat back. Awe said only axle back will fit the convertible.

Hopefully in sat and some time under the car getting to know her!

Tannero · 06-25-2025, 01:12 PM

So, installed the AWE touring axle back on my ZL1.

Oh my goodness does it sound amazing and actually a little louder than I thought it might even turn out! No problem for me, I live rural and won't piss anyone off.

The chain cutter worked awesome and literally took like 90 seconds on each pipe to cut a very nice line!

The black tips look amazing.

No check engine lights (forget where I read that) with just tying up and taping the valve connectors. Thought that was odd someone thought it would turn on a check engine light.

Now, enjoy the sound, what's the next upgrade. Damn car is fast but we always want just a little more! I have to start researching the next upgrade.

I really want that sound of a nice cam but thinking that's probably a big job and nothing I'm comfortable doing and would have to pay someone.

2023_ZL1-AUTO · 06-25-2025, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tannero

So, installed the AWE touring axle back on my ZL1.

Oh my goodness does it sound amazing and actually a little louder than I thought it might even turn out! No problem for me, I live rural and won't piss anyone off.

The chain cutter worked awesome and literally took like 90 seconds on each pipe to cut a very nice line!

The black tips look amazing.

No check engine lights (forget where I read that) with just tying up and taping the valve connectors. Thought that was odd someone thought it would turn on a check engine light.

Now, enjoy the sound, what's the next upgrade. Damn car is fast but we always want just a little more! I have to start researching the next upgrade.

I really want that sound of a nice cam but thinking that's probably a big job and nothing I'm comfortable doing and would have to pay someone.

Congrats on doing the mod !!! PHOTOS !!!!!

06-17-2025, 11:03 PM	#1
Tannero Drives: 2018 SS / 2021 ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Lima, ny Posts: 40	AWE axle back installation Hi everyone. Just purchased AWE axle back for my ZL1. Is it pretty easy to cut with an exhaust chain cutter vs a sawzall? I had a heck of a time on my SS with a sawzall so picked up a chain cutter hoping that helps. Also. Do you have to remove the NPP valves and plug them in and zip tie up to avoid check engine lights? I thought you just unplug the harness, tape it good and tuck and tie it up out of the way but read about people connecting the valves from the stock exhaust and zip tying it out of the way. Txs for any insulation advice. Can’t wait to install the exhaust and hopefully enjoy a deeper and a little louder sound

06-18-2025, 06:24 AM	#2
cdb95z28 Drives: 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 3,747	I used this: https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...ter/111609_0_0 __________________ 2022 1SS 1LE A10 BCD WCT+PDR2014 1SS 1LE NPP RECARO SIM-SOLD1995 Z28 M6 GSC PGM-SOLD1975 NOVA COUPE 300HP 350 TH350 FLASH RED-SOLD "KEEP THE FAITH"-Fbodfather

06-18-2025, 06:34 AM	#3
2023_ZL1-AUTO Drives: 2023 ZL1 - All Bolt On's Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 1,187	Here is my post when I did mine... Quite Easy, cdb95z28 is spot on with the tool recommended! https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=611982&page=6 __________________ 2023 ZL1 A10-Stainless Works 2" Long Tubes & Legend NPP Axle Back•GESI UHO 4.5" CATs•RF BigGulp•Kong 103mm & X-Ported Blower•Griptech 2.30" Upper•ATI Super Damper w/9.45" Lower•THPSI Port Injection w/875cc Injectors•FI Interchillers Stage 2•Brisk RR14S Plugs•Granatelli Malevolent Coils•Katech Low Profile Billet Valve Covers•Katech Duel Fuel Pump•MM Wild 1000HP•DSX Flex Fuel Kit•DSX Billet Lid•DMS 2gal Fender Tank•BMR Cradle Lockout•Weld Solana 18x8 Fronts/17x10 Beadlocks MT ET ST R's•Unlocked TCM•E85=785rwhp/691rwtq +21psi \| 1/4=10.5005 @134.21 60ft=1.6182, 1/8=6.8373 @106.11

06-18-2025, 08:19 AM	#4
Megahurtz Snackbar Tuning Drives: 2023 SGM ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 1,513	Chain cutter makes it super easy. __________________ GM Gen V Calibrator

06-18-2025, 09:01 AM	#6
Abubaca Drives: 2016 SS Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Sophia, NC Posts: 620	The chain cutter works great! ....as for the plugs, I've installed TWO AWE systems on two different SS cars and I just wrapped 'em up and ziptied 'em up out of the way. No issues.

06-18-2025, 09:30 AM	#7
WhiteMale Drives: 23 ZL1 A10 Rapid Blue Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: MO Posts: 2,243	Yes Ive taped up the harness and tucked it away without the valves attached, never been a problem.

06-18-2025, 07:42 PM	#8
Tannero Drives: 2018 SS / 2021 ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Lima, ny Posts: 40	You guys are all awesome. Txs for the confirmation the chain cutter will work and that I don’t need to attach the valves then wrap and tie them up. I thought that sounded odd. Can’t wait to get the AWE exhaust. Hope that it sounds as great as I have been reading and hearing online. I have a convertible so I wasn’t able to go cat back. Awe said only axle back will fit the convertible. Hopefully in sat and some time under the car getting to know her!

06-25-2025, 01:12 PM	#9
Tannero Drives: 2018 SS / 2021 ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Lima, ny Posts: 40	So, installed the AWE touring axle back on my ZL1. Oh my goodness does it sound amazing and actually a little louder than I thought it might even turn out! No problem for me, I live rural and won't piss anyone off. The chain cutter worked awesome and literally took like 90 seconds on each pipe to cut a very nice line! The black tips look amazing. No check engine lights (forget where I read that) with just tying up and taping the valve connectors. Thought that was odd someone thought it would turn on a check engine light. Now, enjoy the sound, what's the next upgrade. Damn car is fast but we always want just a little more! I have to start researching the next upgrade. I really want that sound of a nice cam but thinking that's probably a big job and nothing I'm comfortable doing and would have to pay someone.

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