LT1 Exhaust Mods, Which is Better
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,032
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From: Greenwood Indiana
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
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LT1 Exhaust Mods, Which is Better
I want to modify my stock exhaust. I have a set of shorty Hooker headers that are going on soon. The question I have is: Which would be the better mod?
1. Replace the resonator with an X-pipe. Leave the stock mufflers on.
2. Install muffler-eliminators and leave the resonator alone.
There would be a weight savings with both, (more w/ mufflers gone).
I want a throatier sound, but don't want any annoying resonance or something so loud that I get a headache on a long trip. So, doing both would probably not be an option.
Trying to get down to the 12s in the 1/4 mi.
1. Replace the resonator with an X-pipe. Leave the stock mufflers on.
2. Install muffler-eliminators and leave the resonator alone.
There would be a weight savings with both, (more w/ mufflers gone).
I want a throatier sound, but don't want any annoying resonance or something so loud that I get a headache on a long trip. So, doing both would probably not be an option.
Trying to get down to the 12s in the 1/4 mi.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
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From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
I currently have no mufflers and just run the center resonator with factory exhaust manifolds, but have a set of shorties going on in a few weeks. I'm also curious to know if anyone has run this combination and wonder how it sounds compared to the stock exhaust manifolds -- This is an LT-1 I assuming that is what you have as well
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,920
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From: Angier nc
i would go with the muffler elims first.if you are not satisfied then try the x-pipe also.i don't know if the shorties will sound any louder but i don't think they will up the hp any.save up for long tubes.they will affect power and sound.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
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From: Lake Wylie SC
I have a 92 LT1 with Hooker Shorties and oem cats. I have 3 different cat backs. A stock cat back, a cat back with muffler elims and a H-pipe in the rear, and a B&B cat back with the resonator removed (3" system). The B&B catback is a deep rumbling sound and without the resonator, it has resonance that at times is very annoying. The Muffler elim cat back is raspy and not much resonance at all, but it is loud when you get on it. The B&B set up with the resonator is probably my best cat back as it has that muscle car rumble and not much resonance, and it just looks great. But I thought it was a little too quiet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,695
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
I would go the x pipe route! Im a believer in eliminating cats gives our LT motors a real growl. You can here my set up in my signature.( headers,no cats, xpipe, into Corsa mufflers and its cammed)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,032
Likes: 205
From: Greenwood Indiana
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thank you for the replies.
Does one offer more HP than the other?
Is there a "seat of the pants" difference from stock or just the pleasure of actually hearing your engine rev?
Does one offer more HP than the other?
Is there a "seat of the pants" difference from stock or just the pleasure of actually hearing your engine rev?
Last edited by johnnymo63; Dec 21, 2007 at 01:02 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,695
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
I dont think you will notice seat of pants difference with either, but a good exhaust is a must when you start adding power to your car as it releases all the motors potential. The x pipe will help scavenging exhaust pulses escape easier then true duals. A guy here on forum (Fuzzydice) ran the 1/4 befor and after with no improvement in times with basically stock motor.
