LT1 exhaust observations
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 85
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From: San Diego CA
LT1 exhaust observations
Hey all- thanks to 93droptop, I was able to swap my LT1 Magnaflow system for his perfect stock system. Some myths, debunked:
1. I lost zero power. In fact, My low end feels much better.
2. ANY LT1 exhaust will work on a 96 or other, as long as you attach it after the resonator.
3. The Magnaflow system is good, but over the course of several months, as it breaks in, it becomes noticably louder. The resonation at 2000 RPM is enough to rattle your defrost fittings on the rear hatch.
After having had Flowmaster on a 91 and this Magnaflow, I say with resolution, "to each his own"! But I will say that the stock LT1 system, according to several muffler guys I've talked to, is a very good flowing system, and while quiet at idle, sings pretty darm well at 4000+ rpm. For those of you considering an aftermarket, just think carefully- be prepared for a totally new car, and one quite possibly with new vibrations.
Happy to be stock again!
Chris
1. I lost zero power. In fact, My low end feels much better.
2. ANY LT1 exhaust will work on a 96 or other, as long as you attach it after the resonator.
3. The Magnaflow system is good, but over the course of several months, as it breaks in, it becomes noticably louder. The resonation at 2000 RPM is enough to rattle your defrost fittings on the rear hatch.
After having had Flowmaster on a 91 and this Magnaflow, I say with resolution, "to each his own"! But I will say that the stock LT1 system, according to several muffler guys I've talked to, is a very good flowing system, and while quiet at idle, sings pretty darm well at 4000+ rpm. For those of you considering an aftermarket, just think carefully- be prepared for a totally new car, and one quite possibly with new vibrations.
Happy to be stock again!
Chris
Last edited by borderchris; Jun 26, 2005 at 09:03 PM.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
The stock exhaust is excellent, it's just not loud enough for most peoples tastes. I ran a whole season on the stock exhaust and turned some very good number. I changed to a Corsa, but did a few other things as well, so I can't honestly gauge any difference in the exhaust, but I swear by the stock exhaust for performance.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
If you want to feel even better low end response and smoothness, install a crossover ala LT4. You'll like it. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
I have ran mine with LT headers through the stock system, with no cats, and then removed the resonator and installed cats where it was . It is really hard to tell the difference between the 2. One other point on this is when you switch from stock manifolds to LT headers it increases sound quite a bit. I have kept the stock exhaust after reading post from Mr Mojo about installing eliminators and his track results. In the back of my mind I keep wanting to try a different muffler or exhaust but I hate to spend the money to find no performance increase.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: live fast die young
my decision to go with Magnaflow was based upon price (at the time, they had forum price of roughly $350), looks, sound, and then possible performance gains. the main reason was cosmetic. i simply CANNOT STAND the looks of the stock LT1/4 exhaust tips. ugly, Ugly, UGLY! jmho, of course! my Magnaflows sound good and look incredible. i love dual stainless 3" tips on each side. yes they have gotten louder over time, but they still are not quite loud enough 
i figure a hotcam and exotic muscle long tube's will fix that!
so, to each their own, and it's good that you are fixed up the way you like it!
randy
i figure a hotcam and exotic muscle long tube's will fix that!
so, to each their own, and it's good that you are fixed up the way you like it!
randy
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Chris, I know exactly how you feel. I had the hooker aero-chamber mufflers on my vette (auto) and the resonance was killer. Also the reason why my girlfriend at the time broke up with me. 
Feels good to have the stock system back on.
Feels good to have the stock system back on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by borderchris
Hey all- thanks to 93droptop, I was able to swap my LT1 Magnaflow system for his perfect stock system. Some myths, debunked:
1. I lost zero power. In fact, My low end feels much better.
2. ANY LT1 exhaust will work on a 96 or other, as long as you attach it after the resonator.
3. The Magnaflow system is good, but over the course of several months, as it breaks in, it becomes noticably louder. The resonation at 2000 RPM is enough to rattle your defrost fittings on the rear hatch...
1. I lost zero power. In fact, My low end feels much better.
2. ANY LT1 exhaust will work on a 96 or other, as long as you attach it after the resonator.
3. The Magnaflow system is good, but over the course of several months, as it breaks in, it becomes noticably louder. The resonation at 2000 RPM is enough to rattle your defrost fittings on the rear hatch...
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