My 97 v6 firebird needs some rumble! How can I get it?

Hey all,

My sister has a 97 pontiac formula...and with the standard mufflers that thing just sings out some really sweet tones when she drives.

My car...which is also a 97 firebird...is only a 6 cylinder but at the same time Im sure there has to be some way to get me some good tones that I can be proud of.
I really would like to have something like that...if it is at all possible...something decent...something loud but not high pitched...something that is a really nice rumble to let everyone know that you've got something decent under the hood.

My 97 firebird is duel exhaust already...but its incredibly quiet and I dont like it being so quiet.

I am really new to all this and could use your advice.

Whats the best way for me to get my firebird some rumble? Step by step please...what are the first pieces to purchase and so forth if you were me...and where would you get them installed?

Thanks!

-RedSexy97

flowmaster with 3 inch pipe all the way to the back(mandrel bent), this will be the cheapest and probably the best sounding for your car.

Thankyou I appreciate such a fast response.

So you think that a flowmaster is what I need?

Do you know a good place I can order the parts from?

Also, once they arrive...are we looking at a difficult task to assemble? I have some family members that are fairly good at car work...but we're not professional grade...just pretty good at maintaining what we have.

Perhaps I should get it done for me at another place?

Any suggestions?

You mentioned that this flowmaster was the least expensive alternative...are there more...expensive alternatives which might be worth looking at?

I appreciate the advice and details...I'm not quite up to speed yet.

Thanks!

EDIT: I was looking at this website called Jeg's High Performance and looking at flowmaster and so many types that I can't tell exactly what I need by the name alone. If you would be so kind...can you link to me what you are talking about in specific? I was seeing some mandrel bends...perhaps you can link to what I might need too? Of course feel free to use the website you prefer. Thanks again.

EDIT # 2: Did a little research and found the flowmaster's primary website. This link right here http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/cgi-bin/flowmaster/42583.html has a product mentioned. Let me get this straight...this is just the muffler that is being sold for around 120? I still have to purchase the exhaust system right? Im a little fuzzy on this. Also on that website it says that this muffler is for V8 applications only? Is that what they are implying? Then why are they listing a 3.8L engine as one of the "Audio" samples? I figured that was what I was looking towards for "Sound" for my V6.

The other choice it signifies for my 97 firebird is this one. http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/cgi-bin/flowmaster/52530.html

In this link it is their "30" series that is shown...which doesnt have the same deep tone that the 80 series has (first link). I really like the 80 series best...but it again mentions that V8 applications only...so I guess that means its for Formula and Trans/Am only...which leave me out?

Another link that perhaps you can understand a little better than I do is this one. http://www.7453217467431.com/products/productDetails.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=1685383&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=49065&affID=30164&bmUID=1070434672843&tab=3&affiliate=30164

This link is to a nearby automotive place that sells flowmaster. This kit which is very expensive was selected for my 3.8 liter engine. (This is confusing...because the flowmaster website shows an audioclip for a 1999 firebird that is a 3.8 liter engine...which I assume is a V6? Yet it gives indication that only a V8 can use the 80 series? Perhaps you can shed some light on this...I might not be as automobile savvy as I thought). Overall the sound I heard from the audio clips on the flowmaster website is exactly what I'm looking for. Is any of this information helpful in achieving that goal? What exactly am I looking at purchasing? I dont mind spending a little cash if it takes it...I just want to make sure that what I purchase is the real deal.

One final thing to ask. My firebird is using a fairly nice looking duel exhaust system at the moment...from the outside it looks pretty nice. If I go with this flowmaster...what will be the outside appearance? I'm pretty new to this muffler business...is the muffler purchased and the piping im using now put into the muffler or am I replacing everything? Oh well I need to hear input before I continue...I appreciate the advice/insight.

Thanks again,

RS97

Well, on my 95 V6 Camaro, which was a 3.4 while yours is a 3.8, all I did was put a Raven Superturbo muffler on it (may sound like rice, but it's a regular muffler) and a couple of 3" tips on either side for looks, and it sounded great. I've not ever heard a better sounding 6. It didn't pop or anything. It was a little raspy up in the high rpms, but you can't really get away from that with either engine. Everyone I know of recommends Raven and their mufflers for V6 F-bodies.

As for the Flowmaster, I know of one guy in one of my clubs that has that on his 97, and IMO, it sounds like crap. I don't know what series it is, but it pops when he's coasting (M5), and sounded raspy through all of the gears. He originally wanted a different one, the shop ordered the wrong muffler, they already had his original exhaust off, and they had to put something on it that they had on hand, that Flowmaster system. I feel bad for him.

the turbo or flowmaster muflers are a good idea but along with a high flow cat or hollowing it out (this is ilegal in most states but only if u have the air act in yer state)will ive it a real nice rumble at idle (almost a v8 sound)and under hevy throtle it is a real nice sound no high piched and u will know if yer car runs rich cuze u might get some sutt on the back of the car