Hi,my friend is considering a cat-back performance exhaust system on his 98 LS-1 automatic. Wound anyone recommend a particular system? Thanks, Joe(I'm a shark guy, 77 4spd).

 

Hope he isn't looking for any performance, as there is none to be found. The mufflers are not a restriction in a C5.

Now, just about any aftermarket exhaust sounds better than the stock exhaust.

I'd think the GHL Magnum plus (since his is an A4) would fit the bill pretty well.

Else, he can go whole hog like I did (see sig).



Sorny

 

Do a search on 'cat back' or 'exhaust'. Read everyone's comments, get your possible options down to 2 or 3 exhausts and then you must listen to them in person.

Good luck!

 

GHL Bullets =

 

Corsa Indy Pace Car cat-back. I love mine and GM has endorsed them (that didn't matter to me though)

 

I effing agree! Installing an quality exhaust sytem based upon exhaust note, like a quality speaker system for your auto, is quite subjective. Perhaps contact a local Corvette club, and, ask if you could hear the custom exhaust systems of some of the members cars. This will really help offer you a real life sound reference to choose from with actual user feedback from the owner.

 

You guys are great, keep the ideas coming and save the wave!! Joe

 

Every car sings its own song. The only way to know is to go listen. Most guys are more than willing to fire things up and play you a tune. Remember, everything from the heads on back can and willl alter what you are hearing.

 

He needs do go listen to systems for himself and deiced if he wants to deal with drone or not. Asking what is the best cat back system is like asking what the best flavor ice cream is.


chocolate

 

The issue with aftermarket cat-back exhausts is that it is totally personal and subjective. What I think sounds great - someone else will hate and vice versa. It is absolutely paramount that your friend go somewhere that some C5's have gathered and ask to go for a ride. The issue is a lot of guys will come up to me and ask me to start my car so they can hear the exhaust. That brief moment tells you nothing about how the car is going to sound at freeway speeds cruising in top gear (there is a difference between an automatic and a six speed, and final drive ratio will affect the rpm's) How does the car sound around town running up and down through the gears?

Also important is if your friend has a S/O that rides along. What is their opinion? Believe me - if the driver likes the sound, and the passenger doesn't - this is the making of a miserable time.

Some of the systems sound great and muscular at idle - but drone at cruising speed. Some people claim the drone doesn't bother them - but it annoys the crap out of me - if you see my point.

Some of the systems claim zero drone. The point is - most folks here will tell you the best system is the one they have. Bottom line is your friend has to make the choice that makes him/her happy.

 

The more you are able to hear in person, and really go for a ride in would be the best way. That's not always easy or sometimes even possible to do, as it wasn't when I was looking for a system. I did it soley off reading the many many threads with the opinions of others and had to make my decision. I ended up with the Ghl bullets and couldn't be happier. Good luck, there are many quailty systems out there.

 

Borla Stingers BTW I Love the C3's I have a 79