[Keko]

Originally Posted by ST1LE

The below thread talks a lot about this, and also ends with a great solution which is a Jones X-Pipe mid-muffler that helps quiet down the exhaust for people who have added headers and wanted to tame it down.

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576096

OP - You're right the cost of exhaust is ridiculous now. That isnt going to change though, so I decided to just accept it and make sure I like whatever I spend money on.

Like you, I dont love the stock suitcase, but for me it is sound and not looks. When I get my car next year I plan to either add the Borla S-Type Axleback marketed for the SS(yes it fits the ZL1 pefectly) or AWE's touring edition axle-back exhaust. AWE doesnt offer valves, but it is $1,000 cheaper at $1400 and has NO drone, it's a great option.

I will add headers later once I have put 5k miles or so and ready to tune the car, but I already know without a doubt I will need to add the mid-muffler at the same time as the headers.

What is the difference with the SS version of the S-Type?


I really like the S-Type but I think it's just not quite loud enough, and ATAK seems a little too loud. I'm hoping the S-Type catback with x pipe would make it a little louder than axleback only.

[SJFGTO]

I have the 2 inch ARH LTs and the full system including mufflers, but catless. Vengeance Racing did the install and they said this system is one of the easiest to install. The fit is excellent from headers to tail pipes. Keeping in mind that I am catless, the idle is a nice noticeable rumble. It turns into a growl at part throttle and roars beyond that. It is not “quiet” at any RPM, but it is far from a straight pipe sound. I do like the tone of this system, even at higher rpm’s it keeps a nice tone, it does not default to garbage truck tone like some systems do. Bottom line, very happy with the system, fit and finish and nice muscle car sound. Beware it is not as quiet as the suitcase nor would it be if I had cats.

[ST1LE]

Originally Posted by NG329

The thing that scares me about AWE is that even the Touring version might be a tad loud. I just don't want to do that to my neighbors since I live in the sticks.

I hear you. I do cold starts in a closed garage myself to be a better neighbor. After that, its fine if youre not giving it a ton of gas.

Originally Posted by Jeauxy

Ahh ok, good to know. Thank you for the clarification! I will probably do that then and go LTs then see how loud it is.

Waiting on CSP to get their 2" LTs and ultra cats back in stock in September

Good choice! So far the Gen II cats seem to hold up to high power levels too.

Originally Posted by Keko

What is the difference with the SS version of the S-Type?


I really like the S-Type but I think it's just not quite loud enough, and ATAK seems a little too loud. I'm hoping the S-Type catback with x pipe would make it a little louder than axleback only.

I dont think there is any difference, they just dont market the axle-back for the ZL1. Plenty of ZL1 owners have the axleback, works just fine.

Sounds great too:

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by Jeauxy

Could you fill me in (if you don't mind), on why keeping the stock suitcase is a beneficial route to take if you go just headers?

As answered above, because it sounds good. You also retain NPP for those times when you want to be a good neighbor or not wake the baby. And you don't have to spend kilobucks to replace it.

[zig_zag]

Good advice - thanks

Originally Posted by ST1LE

I think he recommends this because most people are not aware how loud the exhaust becomes when you add headers, a lot of the aftermarket systems are great until you add headers, and then it is too loud for a lot of people's taste.

Stock suitcase is the quietest option, best to start there and if still not loud enough you can add a new axleback etc.

Going the other way has caused lots of regret.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by Jeauxy

Ok so I have been debating this as well. Could you fill me in (if you don't mind), on why keeping the stock suitcase is a beneficial route to take if you go just headers?

I've seen opinions back and forth saying to keep it and to not keep it and go full exhaust.

It's the cheapest route to allowing you to control the sound. However, its pretty debatable if you actually like the sound with headers and the stock suitcase muffler, most don't.

[SATINSTEEL1LE]

If you plan to do headers, keep your stock NPP if you get an axle back first.

I have a set of brand new 2" ARH with offroad X on the shelf waiting to be installed by my local shop. They are the best headers money can buy for these cars.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by SATINSTEEL1LE

If you plan to do headers, keep your stock NPP if you get an axle back first.

I have a set of brand new 2" ARH with offroad X on the shelf waiting to be installed by my local shop. They are the best headers money can buy for these cars.

Best is 100% subjective.

[Chrome383Z]

2” CSP headers with ultra cats into stock NPP. Love it. My only complaint may be that I would like a little more volume open, but it definitely screams. It’s sounds good and can get really quiet even with headers with valves closed. Zero drone.

No CATs is a different story I believe. Never heard it personally, but consensus on here is headers+cat delete and stock NPP doesn’t sound great.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by Chrome383Z

No CATs is a different story I believe. Never heard it personally, but consensus on here is headers+cat delete and stock NPP doesn’t sound great.

That's what I'm running now and honestly it sounds pretty good. The local mechanics that work on my car love the sound and I got some compliments at the race track.

[ST1LE]

Originally Posted by Chrome383Z

2” CSP headers with ultra cats into stock NPP. Love it. My only complaint may be that I would like a little more volume open, but it definitely screams. It’s sounds good and can get really quiet even with headers with valves closed. Zero drone.

No CATs is a different story I believe. Never heard it personally, but consensus on here is headers+cat delete and stock NPP doesn’t sound great.

Originally Posted by NG329

That's what I'm running now and honestly it sounds pretty good. The local mechanics that work on my car love the sound and I got some compliments at the race track.

I think it just comes down to what tone you like. Some like a raspy exhaust, some dont. Headers no cats and the NPP is a real raspy combo, but its still pure muscle car so it sounds great haha. I prefer something cleaner, like Borla S-Type but damn thats expensive.

[Smokin19]

I like my current exhaust setup and get compliments on it all the time the way it sounds. Was it loud in the car, yes. Noticed I said loud inside the car. After spending money and wasted gray matter I decided I like the sound outside the car. So, do something inside and this is what I did. Applied 80 mil Killmat and then Noico 315 mil strategically. Reduced inside sound level by half as measured by my ear.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by Smokin19

I like my current exhaust setup and get compliments on it all the time the way it sounds. Was it loud in the car, yes. Noticed I said loud inside the car. After spending money and wasted gray matter I decided I like the sound outside the car. So, do something inside and this is what I did. Applied 80 mil Killmat and then Noico 315 mil strategically. Reduced inside sound level by half as measured by my ear.

Now this is a high IQ individual.