ZL1 Exhaust Options

EastHoosier · 10-10-2022, 07:59 PM

I’m sure this topic has been played out, but I’ve yet to find my answer.

I’m looking for a little more volume and depth than the stock exhaust can offer.
I’ve listened to clips of all the popular cat and axle back systems, but it seems like they all still have the “tractor” sound at idle.
Does anyone have any ideas on what setup might be less tractor-esque at idle? Is it possible with the stock cam?

I don’t mind cutting and hacking to do it, it doesn’t have to be a defined system.

JBones81 · 10-10-2022, 09:21 PM

I'm in the same boat. I want something that operates almost like the stock system, but just louder and more pronounced so people know there's some real power under the hood. I've listened to sooo many clips online but I really can't make up my mind

Reddy1LE · 10-10-2022, 09:59 PM

Cobb NPP sounds good. It is louder when the valves open but just as quiet as stock NPP in Stealth

Smokin19 · 10-11-2022, 05:51 AM

Like paint colors exhaust sound is subjective. What each person likes can be completely different and to try and say this particular exhaust is what you want may not be what you like. You need to hear different exhaust setups so you can make your own conclusions. Of course my exhaust sounds the best.

WhiteMale · 10-11-2022, 06:50 AM

When I was going through this, it's about money than most anything else, IMHO. THere's little to no real reason to go catback, axle back is much more cost effective, again, IMHO.
I used the MBRP axle back and for a basically a muffler delete I'm not totally loving it, it's loud as hell, but then it's not, I think a muffler would refine the sound a bit.
I had an AWE touring AB on my 18 1LE and it was pretty great, lots of compliments but I wanted louder and nastier and I kind of got it. It's all so subjective to your ears.

I don't know what tractor-esque is though. :Shrug:

Firecaptain · 10-11-2022, 07:54 AM

I didn't see anything for Camaro on the Cobb site....

https://www.cobbtuning.com/search?q=camaro

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddy1LE

Cobb NPP sounds good. It is louder when the valves open but just as quiet as stock NPP in Stealth

JSH · 10-11-2022, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastHoosier

... a little more volume and depth... less tractor-esque at idle...

Your requirements are very subjective. Each owner would define them differently. You'll need to ride in a few more cars with different exhaust in order to make a choice. Maybe join the local Camaro Club.

USAFS197 · 10-11-2022, 01:20 PM

I personally loved the AWE Touring exhaust on my Camaro and Corvette. It was classy, albeit loud but, not obnoxious as hell like some other setups. I don't necessarily subscribe to the idea that louder=better. That's the direction I'd go if I were ever buying exhaust for a GM vehicle again. Granted, you'll lose the exhaust valve functionality but, it's not that big of a deal.

Another system that I've heard personally that sounds similar and retains the functionality of the valve was the aFe Mach 1 exhaust.

Gunkk · 10-11-2022, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastHoosier

Does anyone have any ideas on what setup might be less tractor-esque at idle? Is it possible with the stock cam?

Raspy harshness seems pretty common with stainless and GDI. It does calm down a bit after a couple thousand miles (I presume due to buildup dampening the higher pitch stuff???).

Headers + stock catback = really good sound.

Otherwise without headers: Borla S-type w/ NPP. Step up to ATAK if you want it really loud. Keep the stock suitcase for when you get headers, because the aftermarket stuff is often too loud loud w/ headers.

ZLRob · 10-11-2022, 01:58 PM

Stainless pipes and this big old pushrod style single cammed direct injected monster are a recipe for rasp. Stainless piping runs a thinner wall over traditional tubing so there is a lot of resonance that comes associated with that.

Definitely keep the OE suitcase just in case. Once headers are bolted on all hopes of sound management potentially goes out the window if using aftermarket exhaust post headers. This is especially true given the lack of deadening insulation and matting that the ZL1 seems to lack straight from the factory hence the amplified road noise that occurs as you run through poor roads.

NYTMARE23 · 10-12-2022, 11:38 AM

Sounds like you're wanting what I was looking for on my 2023. A guy in my neighborhood has the Flowmaster American Thunder Axle-Back system on his SS with NPP and it sounds GREAT! I have ordered the same system and is supposed to ship 10/28. I think alot of people overlook Flowmaster. They build quality products, have been around a long time and prices are pretty good. This current system is $1,297 on the Holley website.

SOCAL.M6.ZLE · 10-12-2022, 01:02 PM

If you just want more volume and deeper tone, i'd suggest the AWE touring.

If you want more power and volume, then id do headers and HF cats and keep the stock cat back.

WhiteMale · 10-12-2022, 02:45 PM

People don't overlook Flowmaster on the forum it's just known to drone like crazy so no one uses it.

NYTMARE23 · 10-12-2022, 03:59 PM

Oh, sorry. I am new to the Camaro6 forum so I wasn't aware that was known. FWIW I did text the guy in my neighborhood that has it and asked about drone. His reply back was "not that much and not any more than any other brand of axle-back". So I guess we can take that for what it's worth??? He's the only person I know or have talked to about this particular system. He seemed really happy with it which is why I went ahead and got this one. ��

10-10-2022, 07:59 PM	#1
EastHoosier Drives: 2022 ZL1, 2018 F150 5.0 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Indiana Posts: 8	ZL1 Exhaust Options I’m sure this topic has been played out, but I’ve yet to find my answer. I’m looking for a little more volume and depth than the stock exhaust can offer. I’ve listened to clips of all the popular cat and axle back systems, but it seems like they all still have the “tractor” sound at idle. Does anyone have any ideas on what setup might be less tractor-esque at idle? Is it possible with the stock cam? I don’t mind cutting and hacking to do it, it doesn’t have to be a defined system.

10-10-2022, 09:21 PM	#2
JBones81 Drives: 22 ZL1, 18 RS3, 22 M3P Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Walnut Creek, CA Posts: 936 View My Garage	I'm in the same boat. I want something that operates almost like the stock system, but just louder and more pronounced so people know there's some real power under the hood. I've listened to sooo many clips online but I really can't make up my mind __________________ 2022 ZL1 - M6, Wrapped, Tinted, Rotofab intake, MBRP AxleBack, Lots of BMR rear suspension components 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance 2018 Audi RS3 - Many mods & e85 Instagram - @JBsCars

10-10-2022, 09:59 PM	#3
Reddy1LE Drives: 1SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: NY Posts: 172	Cobb NPP sounds good. It is louder when the valves open but just as quiet as stock NPP in Stealth __________________ What this car really needs is a notification eliminator. There's a wi-fi notification. Bluetooth notification. Parking brake disabled notification. Always some annoying notification popping up. - Navigator post

10-11-2022, 05:51 AM	#4
Smokin19 Drives: 19' ZL1 A10, w/pdr Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: S.W. ohio Posts: 1,551	Like paint colors exhaust sound is subjective. What each person likes can be completely different and to try and say this particular exhaust is what you want may not be what you like. You need to hear different exhaust setups so you can make your own conclusions. Of course my exhaust sounds the best. __________________ BTR Stg II cam w/ 38% fuel lobe, ARH 2" headers into 3" w/cats, AWE Touring, Kong X port, Weapon X triple ht exchangers, NW 103, Rotofab big gulp, DSX lowside, TCM tune, BMR Lockout, Mustang dyno 720 rwhp, 634 rwtq on 93 pump.

10-11-2022, 01:20 PM	#8
USAFS197 Drives: 2018 Audi TT RS Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Navarre, Florida Posts: 1,915	I personally loved the AWE Touring exhaust on my Camaro and Corvette. It was classy, albeit loud but, not obnoxious as hell like some other setups. I don't necessarily subscribe to the idea that louder=better. That's the direction I'd go if I were ever buying exhaust for a GM vehicle again. Granted, you'll lose the exhaust valve functionality but, it's not that big of a deal. Another system that I've heard personally that sounds similar and retains the functionality of the valve was the aFe Mach 1 exhaust. __________________ 2018 Audi TT ▊RS 2.4X 0-60, 1.6X 60', 120+mph 1/8th, 4.XX 60-130, 150+mph traps on 255/35/18 R888R tires on the street (unprepped). 2019 Audi RS3 About as fast as the TT RS 2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE Sold 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Sold 2019 Corvette Z06 Sold 2021 Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody Sold

10-11-2022, 06:50 AM	#5
WhiteMale Drives: 23 ZL1 A10 Rapid Blue Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: MO Posts: 1,990	When I was going through this, it's about money than most anything else, IMHO. THere's little to no real reason to go catback, axle back is much more cost effective, again, IMHO. I used the MBRP axle back and for a basically a muffler delete I'm not totally loving it, it's loud as hell, but then it's not, I think a muffler would refine the sound a bit. I had an AWE touring AB on my 18 1LE and it was pretty great, lots of compliments but I wanted louder and nastier and I kind of got it. It's all so subjective to your ears. I don't know what tractor-esque is though. :Shrug:

10-11-2022, 01:58 PM	#10
ZLRob Drives: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: May 2022 Location: Concordia Posts: 437	Stainless pipes and this big old pushrod style single cammed direct injected monster are a recipe for rasp. Stainless piping runs a thinner wall over traditional tubing so there is a lot of resonance that comes associated with that. Definitely keep the OE suitcase just in case. Once headers are bolted on all hopes of sound management potentially goes out the window if using aftermarket exhaust post headers. This is especially true given the lack of deadening insulation and matting that the ZL1 seems to lack straight from the factory hence the amplified road noise that occurs as you run through poor roads. __________________ 2017 Red Hot ZL1 A10 - Apex ARC-8's, 305/ 325 PS4's, DSX 9.06 12% Pulley, NGK HR7 Ruthenium spark plugs, Katech Oil Pump, LME tensioner, DOD delete, Cam, MPI lid, Soler ported 87mm (91mm effective) TB, Granatelli SS plug wires, Cordes LTR reservoir, DMS T-stat housing, Borla X pipe, AFe NPP exhaust, Black Widow Angry Housewife/ Venom 250 mufflers, BMR engine mounts, Banks iDash, Lithium Battery, Course Motorsports phone mount, AEM X- Series, HP Tuners, JMS, E85, 13.6 psi 737 HP/ 779 TQ

10-12-2022, 11:38 AM	#11
NYTMARE23 NYTMARE23 Drives: Black 2023 Chevrolet ZL1 A10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Nebraska Posts: 427	Sounds like you're wanting what I was looking for on my 2023. A guy in my neighborhood has the Flowmaster American Thunder Axle-Back system on his SS with NPP and it sounds GREAT! I have ordered the same system and is supposed to ship 10/28. I think alot of people overlook Flowmaster. They build quality products, have been around a long time and prices are pretty good. This current system is $1,297 on the Holley website. Attached Images

10-12-2022, 01:02 PM	#12
SOCAL.M6.ZLE Having FUN in the SUN... Drives: 2022 M6 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 1,052	If you just want more volume and deeper tone, i'd suggest the AWE touring. If you want more power and volume, then id do headers and HF cats and keep the stock cat back. __________________ 2022 M6 ZLE: Katech CNC Ported Blower + Ported Heads + 103mm TB + Oil Pump + C5R Chain + Valve Covers + Coil Relocation TSP VVT and DoD Delete Covers + LME Chain Guide + DSX Billet Lid + ATI Damper + 9.17" Lower + 2.4" Upper + MM Wild CC Coated ARH + AWE Touring + Magnaflow Center X + E85 + MSD Coils + Banks iDash + JMS Booster + Synergy Fender Tank ALL the RED Rear End BMR Goodies + JRE Terminator Cam Package + Remote Tuning and Moral Support from TED @ JRE BMR Motor Mounts + DMS Front HX + FIC 30's + APEX SM.10's + 305/345 R888R's = 770rwhp 785rwtq @E50 13.5psi

10-12-2022, 02:45 PM	#13
WhiteMale Drives: 23 ZL1 A10 Rapid Blue Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: MO Posts: 1,990	People don't overlook Flowmaster on the forum it's just known to drone like crazy so no one uses it.

10-12-2022, 03:59 PM	#14
NYTMARE23 NYTMARE23 Drives: Black 2023 Chevrolet ZL1 A10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Nebraska Posts: 427	Oh, sorry. I am new to the Camaro6 forum so I wasn't aware that was known. FWIW I did text the guy in my neighborhood that has it and asked about drone. His reply back was "not that much and not any more than any other brand of axle-back". So I guess we can take that for what it's worth??? He's the only person I know or have talked to about this particular system. He seemed really happy with it which is why I went ahead and got this one. �� __________________ 2023 A10 ZL1 "NYTMARE" ‐‐--------------------------------------------------------

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