Catback and Headers

What do you guys think. My heart is set on getting Edelbrock TES headers and with the GMMG Catback. High flow cat would be great but i don't know which one i should get(just need it for inspection, thats all, i'ma go straight pipe) I care for sound, but not as much as i care for performance, i know the 350 is a better motor, but i'm gonna make this one a sleeper( not to much of a sleeper if you ask me) But if there are any other suggestions on what headers and catback i can get with very good results?

Come on guys, help a brother out, PLEASE!!! (guys come back:sadwavey: )

If you want a good high flow cat go with a Catco cat, but since it is going to be hollowed out check ebay and pick up a cheaper one to hollow out. My high flow cat was $130 + 70 instalation (the previous owner welded the old cat on).

The TES headers can be a nightmare to put in (but they will fit), SLP's fit much nicer.
Don't hollow out the cat, you will loose power doing that, instead just install a good high flow cat.

Any suggested websites for the cat?

magnaflow has pretty good cats.

If you want a good high flow cat go with a Catco cat, but since it is going to be hollowed out check ebay and pick up a cheaper one to hollow out. My high flow cat was $130 + 70 instalation (the previous owner welded the old cat on).

So is this what you're talking about http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33629&item=7931889374&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V cuz it's kinda cheap (can't go wrong there) something doesn't seem right if it that cheap though, but i could be wrong.

i just thought about something. this car is my daily driver and i realized it would be a waste to get some really expensive catback, so i've narrowed it down to 2, magnaflow and flowmaster for starters. Both run about $400, i was able to find the flowmaster but no luck with magnaflow. Does it even exist?

yes im almost 100% sure magnaflow makes cats...i saw them at a muffler place by my house. i say screw the cats just run a straight pipe

So is this what you're talking about http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33629&item=7931889374&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V cuz it's kinda cheap (can't go wrong there) something doesn't seem right if it that cheap though, but i could be wrong.
Thats the kind I was thinking about. Its cheap because its probably not a real Catco as listed. Same with the cold air intakes on ebay someone bought on that came with a "real K&N air filter" but the actual manufactures name was covered with a permanent marker. I bought my cat from summitracing.com if you want to check there.

whoa whoa whoa hodl up. First off catco has more cahnce of setting off your SES light than carsound (magnaflow). Second off I got my 3" ID/OD carsound cat for I think $35 or $40 including shipping, and installation for that and a catback was like... i dunno around 100, so you were ripped off bigtime viperj. Also there's nothing wrong with the ebay link you posted, in fact that is the same seller that I bought mine from. Completely legit.

i just thought about something. this car is my daily driver and i realized it would be a waste to get some really expensive catback, so i've narrowed it down to 2, magnaflow and flowmaster for starters. Both run about $400, i was able to find the flowmaster but no luck with magnaflow. Does it even exist?

how about the hooker cat-back system, they have it on advanced auto's site here http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=HOO&mfrpartnumber=16820HKR&parttype=1304&ptset=A for under $300 Super Competition Cat-Back System; 3" Inlet; Dual Exhaust; or the Edelbrock cat-back system on http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=EDB&mfrpartnumber=5673&parttype=1304&ptset=A and its just a little over $300, if either of those will help. i too am looking to redo my exhaust system and havnt fully decided on what i want, have been leaning away from flowmaster since that is a common choice, and would rather have something different then the crowd.

Magnaflow catback, I got mine locally for $320. Thing is IIRC they don't make one for 3rd gens, but one for an LT1 will work.

and installation for that and a catback was like... i dunno around 100, so you were ripped off bigtime viperj.
I knew someone would say this but if you knew the "local" exhaust shops around here $70 isn't bad. I went to Midas and to have the car inspected (I knew the cat was causing the exaust leak but they still had to check it) it was going to be a $45 charge. Then their stock replacment cat was $110 (original not high flow, also 1-3 weeks delivery time). And then to install it would of been another $80 (they had to cut the old one off because it was welded on then weld the new one up). So I did end up saving a little money and getting a high flow cat.

Link85x- check out http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?SearchType=Make&N=4294908216+4294908198+4294925008+4294840138+4294 889107+4294923429 it has a lot of diffrent exhaust components for your car, btw summit has free shipping on most products

Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System- $335
Hooker Super Competition Cat-Back Exhaust Systems- $269
Flowmaster Force II Cat-Back Exhaust Systems- $239
Catco Direct Fit Catalytic Converter- $116

Don't get a direct fit convertor. Waste of money, get a high-flow universal. 3" cat to 3" catback, you may need to weld an extra couple inches of pipe... but ill post up pics of mine soon...

my advice.. learn how to weld it yourself.. lol.. saved myself a chunk of cash that way..

Magnaflow catback, I got mine locally for $320. Thing is IIRC they don't make one for 3rd gens, but one for an LT1 will work.

So one for a LT1 will bolt up to my 305 directly, or will i have to do a little modification?

97CamaroRs, when you put your catback on did you notice any improvement?(i'm assuming you don't have headers yet) do you know what the average horsepower increses is there from just installing a catback with out headers?(5-10 im guessing)

To 97 again, i was just looking at how the magnaflow catback is setup and the pipe look almost identical to the way the pipes are ran on my 3rd gen, so i hope it is possible, cuz that magnaflow is beautiful.

Link85x, This is what you do...and you won't go wrong; either performance or sound-wise. For the cat, go with a Catco.
There are cheaper aftermarket cat's to go with, but Catco is proven
and it shouldn't cost you anymore than $150 installed.
Exhaust wise, you can never go wrong with a Flowmaster cat-back,
it's simply the best for the money. Last but not least, trash the idea
Edelbrock shorties. There garbage. There made out of cheap material
and the collector design doesn't make good top-end. I put them on my
'93 Z28 back in '99 and made 5.1 at the wheels. Go with SLP shorties,
nothing less!

Link85x, This is what you do...and you won't go wrong; either performance or sound-wise. For the cat, go with a Catco.
There are cheaper aftermarket cat's to go with, but Catco is proven
and it shouldn't cost you anymore than $150 installed.
Exhaust wise, you can never go wrong with a Flowmaster cat-back,
it's simply the best for the money. Last but not least, trash the idea
Edelbrock shorties. There garbage. There made out of cheap material
and the collector design doesn't make good top-end. I put them on my
'93 Z28 back in '99 and made 5.1 at the wheels. Go with SLP shorties,
nothing less!

Only 5.1 the wheels??? Whoa, thats bogus, you've got tobe kiddin, but i think those slps are actually cheaper or around the same price. I got the edelbrock catalog in the mail and it was selling those headers for around $650-$700, crazy!! I think slp's are around $400. Not bad. I was thinkin about gettin those 1st when i went there site, along with the slp cai.

Or trash the idea that you can never go wrong with Flowmaster. They are not made of stainless so they will rust through, their sound aint the best (even tho thats personal opinion), theyre not much cheaper than, say, Magnaflow (and I don't think Dynomax or Hooker is far behind there either), and the only thing that flows worse than flowmaster on our cars is the stock muffler.

Or trash the idea that you can never go wrong with Flowmaster. They are not made of stainless so they will rust through, their sound aint the best (even tho thats personal opinion), theyre not much cheaper than, say, Magnaflow (and I don't think Dynomax or Hooker is far behind there either), and the only thing that flows worse than flowmaster on our cars is the stock muffler.

Damn that sux, but i hope i can get that magnaflow catback, the picture i seen on performance peddler website was awesome, i want that catback.

GUT THE CATS! high flow cats are garbage

Yes, I noticed a littl eimprovement down low and a big diffeence up top, not gonna guess at #'s tho. Also increased my gas milage, IDK how much MPG but afterwards I've gotten around... 20-30 more miles to the tank.

Don't gut your cats, it's a dumb idea and you wont see much increase over high-flows. It is very loud and illegal (I will double check the fine but I believe tampering with cats [highflow you can get away with but gutting you cant] is around a 5 digit fine. Federal law.)

eh.. i just cut mine off... screw it.. i hate cats anyways.. :lol2:

...
meow??

In my opinion......Flowmasters, or DroneMasters = Bad.

Magnaflow = Good

gezzus guys, my personal experience, i bought the IROC with stock exhaust manifolds, a welded in section of strait pipe where the cat should have been, and then it had a 3in "local shop special" exhaust system on it. now i dont konw about all of you, but i have emissions inspections and had to fix the exhaust system to make it pass spec. i installed edelbrock TES headers, may make changing plugs a bitch, but they sure as shit added power, i wish i had done a before and after dyno test to proove it, but i can assure you its a helluva lot more than 5hp in my car. Im running a catco direct fit converter (why in the hell would you make it harder on yourself fabricating all that shit when the prefit ones are direct bolt ins????) and i had to do a shitload of work to undo the damage done by the shoddy shadetree mechanic who did all this garbage to the car. then i had to torch off the fully welded exhaust system, and installed a 3in flowmaster STAINLESS STEEL american thunder system and tightened everything down. Ther performance was far better than strait pipes, it sure as shit sounded a helluva lot meaner, and the chrome tips look a helluva lot better. and ive not had a check engine light yet. only problem is again because the screwups who had her before me chopped her up with a custom job, i dont have the tranny mount for the exhaust system, so i need to get one to keep the exhaust from sagging in the middle. I am a firm supporter of running high flow cats instead of gutted ones, and seriously question anyone who claims to be able to feel the difference between the two.

i was just poor and couldnt afford one.. so i welded in a straight pipe. shadetree mechanic.. yes.. but only cuz its dark in my garage.

Only 5.1 the wheels??? Whoa, thats bogus, you've got tobe kiddin, but i think those slps are actually cheaper or around the same price. I got the edelbrock catalog in the mail and it was selling those headers for around $650-$700, crazy!! I think slp's are around $400. Not bad. I was thinkin about gettin those 1st when i went there site, along with the slp cai.

Yes, 5.1 to the wheels with the only other mods at the time Edelbrock
Cat-back, K&N CAI and 160F Powerstat. The Edelbrock headers without ceramic coating go for $399, while the SLP's are a little more at $450.
I've never seen anyone so juiced up on Edelbrock's...not anyone.
Well, then again, all my buddies drive fourth gens.

Or trash the idea that you can never go wrong with Flowmaster. They are not made of stainless so they will rust through, their sound aint the best (even tho thats personal opinion), theyre not much cheaper than, say, Magnaflow (and I don't think Dynomax or Hooker is far behind there either), and the only thing that flows worse than flowmaster on our cars is the stock muffler.

Very valuable opinion from a guy who drives a damn V6. The only V6's that come into our shop have turbo's! How could you possibly know what kind of flow numbers a Flowmaster will put out on a V8 when you drive a V6? Get your facts straight or I will straighten them for you. Some of the fastest street legal cars in the world run Flowmaster, some even in the high 8's. Why else would over 60% of cat-back exhaust sales go to Flowmaster?
That means every 3 out of 5 guys who purchase an exhaust system tommorow will drive away with a Flowmaster kit on their car. I never said there aren't better systems than Flowmaster, but the one's that are are more expensive. That's my point!

Oh, and one more thing, DONT hollow the cat out. It will give you a ugly, high pitched raspy exhaust note under WOT. Go with straight pipe.
Good night guys

Very valuable opinion from a guy who drives a damn V6. The only V6's that come into our shop have turbo's! How could you possibly know what kind of flow numbers a Flowmaster will put out on a V8 when you drive a V6? Get your facts straight or I will straighten them for you. Some of the fastest street legal cars in the world run Flowmaster, some even in the high 8's. Why else would over 60% of cat-back exhaust sales go to Flowmaster?
That means every 3 out of 5 guys who purchase an exhaust system tommorow will drive away with a Flowmaster kit on their car. I never said there aren't better systems than Flowmaster, but the one's that are are more expensive. That's my point!

1) Blow me and take the stick out of your ass.

2)What shop is this?

3) I may have been wrong with stainless steel, but fine. That withstanding, since you said you will straighten my facts out, prove what you're saying, show me facts that I'm wrong about that basically anything but stock outflows flowmaster on our cars.

1) Blow me and take the stick out of your ass.

2)What shop is this?

3) I may have been wrong with stainless steel, but fine. That withstanding, since you said you will straighten my facts out, prove what you're saying, show me facts that I'm wrong about that basically anything but stock outflows flowmaster on our cars.

Ahh...See Mr. V6 guy, you made me come up out of my sleep! If your ever in Sacramento, CA, come to Force Fed Performance and i'll show ya a thing or two.
(Coming from the successful grown man with the Corvette :evillol: !!!)

Very valuable opinion from a guy who drives a damn V6. The only V6's that come into our shop have turbo's! How could you possibly know what kind of flow numbers a Flowmaster will put out on a V8 when you drive a V6? Get your facts straight or I will straighten them for you. Some of the fastest street legal cars in the world run Flowmaster, some even in the high 8's. Why else would over 60% of cat-back exhaust sales go to Flowmaster?
That means every 3 out of 5 guys who purchase an exhaust system tommorow will drive away with a Flowmaster kit on their car. I never said there aren't better systems than Flowmaster, but the one's that are are more expensive. That's my point!
Your new so I will fill you in on one thing We show respect to all Car enthusiast here, despite how many cylinders they run on and I will have you know that the 3.8 was a amazing engine for any size generating as much power as many equiped V8 cars.. We can be a little abrupt when replying here sometimes but please try to at least show some respect to the other members here and you will not get responses like the one above from our members. If you can not be civil please don't post. Thanks you all for please showing respect to each other.

John

Your new so I will fill you in on one thing We show respect to all Car enthusiast here, despite how many cylinders they run on and I will have you know that the 3.8 was a amazing engine for any size generating as much power as many equiped V8 cars.. We can be a little abrupt when replying here sometimes but please try to at least show some respect to the other members here and you will not get responses like the one above from our members. If you can not be civil please don't post. Thanks you all for please showing respect to each other.

John

Oh, and this is coming from a guy who has a You Suck! list posted with every reply. Your an idiot!

and your banned, have a nice life. see you around in the next one

well done formula *golf clap*

and kaotic, im not calling everyone a shadetree mechanic for welding in a strait pipe, i may not agree with it, but so long as its done in a decent manner its not always a shitty job. it just so happens that the guys who got their hands on my car had no idea what they were doing and it has been a mess to clean up. i can certainly understand putting in strait pipe if you cant afford a new cat, i think they are way over priced for what they are there for.

John, you da man, as always. Don't like when people come here talk trash, its' just not cool at all. But back to topic, so what should i get. The stainless steel flowmaster american thunder catback or the magnaflow(if i can even get it). I'l get the catco, since it's relatively cheap and i'm on a tight budget. So, the question is, again, can i the magnaflow for an LT1 to hooked up to my 305 tpi?

I'll take to my friend Ted who has a LT1 magnaflow catback on his 3rd gen, its a 350 but ill tlk to him and see what he says.

or actually do you have a picture of under your car?

or actually do you have a picture of under your car?

Naw, i don't have anyway to upload to the web, maybe formula could post some pictures up. My exhuast is all stock so that couldn't be to hard to find. Also, i was looking at the magnaflow exhaust on performancepeddler.com and the way the pipe runs from the cat all the way back is the same way my stock 3in. pipe runs. Also, i believe 89 said that whatever you bolt on a 350, can be bolted on to the 305. If so, i will be getting that magnaflow within the next two months.

The LT1 exhaust system is different from the third gen camaros. they use two catalytic converters before the y pipe, which makes the placement a bit different. however a decent muffler shop should be able to fabricate some sort of adapter to make up for the difference in postion. I know that the GMMGinc chambered exhaust is designed for a fourth gen f-body but will fit a third gen, so i dont see why the Magnaflow would be any different.

for whatever it's worth, my flowmaster 3" catback knocked .5 off my 1/4mi E.T. and that was with the 305.

added to library of knowledge :)

for whatever it's worth, my flowmaster 3" catback knocked .5 off my 1/4mi E.T. and that was with the 305.
I hate to be the guy giving the downer on this, but I am sure track conditions and practice played more in the half second improvement than the exhaust did.
DroneMasters are fine for lower HP cars, but they do not flow as well as other mufflers when there is serious power. Not only that, I can't stand the sound they give off. Although that stainless Thunder one is much better than most of their stuff.

My new exhaust is going to be true duals with Magnaflow bullets. Hoping we can fit an x-pipe on there as well. Car will sound like pure sex.


Oh, and by the way, I have an LS1 Magnaflow catback (brand new) I will sell.

well, for whatever it's worth again, I'm no rookie to the 1/4 either. I'm about to start my 4th season and have 5 1st place wins and 2 2nd, and the .5 improvement wasn't in the 1st or 2nd season either.

well, for whatever it's worth again, I'm no rookie to the 1/4 either. I'm about to start my 4th season and have 5 1st place wins and 2nd, and the .5 improvement wasn't in the 1st or 2nd season either.
Not saying the Flowmaster didn't help. I am sure it did. I just can't see ANY cat-back giving a full half second gain.

Congrats on the finishes though!! I am not nearly consistent enough to even try. :lol:

Not saying the Flowmaster didn't help. I am sure it did. I just can't see ANY cat-back giving a full half second gain.

Congrats on the finishes though!! I am not nearly consistent enough to even try. :lol:
Well you could be right, you could be wrong..

I could be right, I could be wrong as well.

But there were no other mods or changes made, maybe the stock system was really "THAT" restrictive, perhaps if I threw a borla on there it'd drop another few tenths off my e.t. There's all kinds of things to look at, but I'm just giving the credit to the only thing I can see giving it to.

http://www.performancepeddler.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=MAG15620
Doesn't that look similar to the the pipe from the catback on the 3rd gens?

for the most part thats the same, the issue would be with the little details, mounting locations, flange fitment between the pipe and the converter (or strait pipe if thats what youre running) all can be addressed. Like i said, your local muffler shop should be able to massage it to fit.

as far as flowmasters, it all deepends on what you like. i for one LOVE the sound of that flowmaster exhaust, its not for everyone, but that dosnt make it a bad system. Variety is the spice of life after all :)

for the most part thats the same, the issue would be with the little details, mounting locations, flange fitment between the pipe and the converter (or strait pipe if thats what youre running) all can be addressed. Like i said, your local muffler shop should be able to massage it to fit.

as far as flowmasters, it all deepends on what you like. i for one LOVE the sound of that flowmaster exhaust, its not for everyone, but that dosnt make it a bad system. Variety is the spice of life after all :)

I heard some flowmasters on my frineds mustang(he's 58) and they do sound pretty good(84 svo, with 87 5.0 swap) I wanna be able to do it myself for the most part. So it does come stainless steel for the thundercatback. 89, can you give me link to see what it looks like and how much would it cost,$400 maybe? Btw, thanks for all your help, i swear ever since i've been on this forum, my knowledge about maro's and cars ion general has skyrocketed.

i think its www.flowmastermufflers.com and look up the american thunder system.

i think it goes for around 300-400 bucks.

89, FYI it's the LS1s with dual cats on the Y pipe

i knew the LS1's did it, i thought the LT1's did too???

Damn, 89 i couldn't find it on there website. I typed it in search and it said no matches where found. I'm gonna be buying relatively soon, so i gotta make a choice between the magna anf the flowmasters. I went to LS1sounds.com and heard both of them and i'm kinda leaning toward the magnaflow, the did sound meanier than the flowmasters, but the GMMG sounded the best of that firedird. 97CamaroRS, can you get the part number from your find to which maganflow he bought? I'm thinking part 15620 is the one i need to get.