Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

CCA GHL catback installed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:18 PM
  #1  
Patches's Avatar
Patches
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Default CCA GHL catback installed

I got in on a super sale Chip at CCA was having a couple of weekends ago on some shipping-damaged GHL catbacks. When the system arrived, the flaws were definitely worth the discount Chip was offering.

First, let me say that Chip at CCA has given me nothing but first-class service during this sale as he always has in the past. Prompt response, great product and excellent prices are par for the course with CCA - my hat's off to Chip and his crew.

Over the past ~8 years, I have gone from stock to Magnflows to Borla Stingers to Z06 Ti's with cutouts and finally to GHL's with cutouts. The GHLs were just too pretty and too good a deal to pass up. Plus, they sound awesome and are a nice compliment to my heads/cam/header car.

Pic of the entire system


Beautiful tips with super high-polished finish




The GHL clamps are very good quality but I prefer polished band clamps which virtually disappear when installed with a system like this, so I picked up four at NAPA just as I did for Mrs. Patches' NXT system last year.


Ti's before removing them


Ti's gone


Ti's lookin' lonesome.


Patented Patches' Tip Alignment Fixture Works every time.






This system looks and sounds awesome. Note how the polished band clamps blend in perfectly.


I do have a video comparing the two setups posted below. This system is too beautiful to hide under the car - luckily, my vette is parked on the lift so the GHLs will be on display quite a bit. CCA is running another sale on these so don't hesitate if you're in the market for a top-notch catback.

Thanks again for all your help Chip.



EDIT: I've added a link to a video below. It starts with the Ti's with the cutouts open. You can hear the cutouts open and close during the clip. The second clip starts with the GHL's and the cutouts closed and then they open and close throughout the clip. I wanted to demonstrate the range the cutouts give the exhaust.

Click here for a before-and-after video


Last edited by Patches; Aug 27, 2009 at 09:47 PM. Reason: Added video link
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:25 PM
  #2  
bartsky's Avatar
bartsky
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 385
From: Fort Worth Texas
Default

Looks beautiful, and I'm sure it sounds amazing.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:29 PM
  #3  
YO-EL's Avatar
YO-EL
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 17,708
Likes: 1,218
From: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
Default

Guaranteed you won't be changing them........
Once you have GHL's, you'll NEVER want to have anything else...
You realize you got the BEST!
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:32 PM
  #4  
rpm462's Avatar
rpm462
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
Default

Yup...love mine too. I used the stock clamps but after seeing those polished band clamps you used I might have to break down and get some of those myself!
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:52 PM
  #5  
Patches's Avatar
Patches
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Default

This was, by far, the easiest system to install and definitely the easiest to line up the tips on I've ever done. The tips lined up perfectly on the first try and are dead nuts even when I looked at them from the side.


Last edited by Patches; Aug 29, 2009 at 02:48 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 09:57 PM
  #6  
aschiftner's Avatar
aschiftner
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard WA
Default

Sweet install!! I always liked the sound of these but never pulled the trigger because of possible drone. Your thoughts. R/ Al
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 10:00 PM
  #7  
dobewillie's Avatar
dobewillie
Race Director
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 10,477
Likes: 4
From: lockport n.y
Default

great lookin mod enjoy
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 10:00 PM
  #8  
csexton's Avatar
csexton
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 30,045
Likes: 4
From: Danville Virginia
Default

Looks good my friend, enjoy

Chuck
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 11:38 PM
  #9  
IMXCITD's Avatar
IMXCITD
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
Default

Reply
Old Aug 25, 2009 | 11:48 PM
  #10  
BOTYNV1's Avatar
BOTYNV1
Team Owner
10 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 65,010
Likes: 133
From: Title town, Champs live here.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Default

Damn' do they look good! Will you align my exhaust tips too I'm due. Great purchase and CCA is a class act to do business with.
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 10:09 AM
  #11  
4U2ENVY's Avatar
4U2ENVY
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Obama says I'm a bitter white guy clinging to my guns and religon and he's right
Default

I have always been impressed with GHL's and CCA. I was going after GHL's but have decided to go with CCA's Predator. I can only imgaine, in my dreams, what they will sound like. By the way, another nice Red Vette. Enjoy the sound.
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 10:12 AM
  #12  
J S Machine's Avatar
J S Machine
Race Director
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 8
From: Maker of Sharp Objects, AL - Roll Tide
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
St. Jude Knife Maker
Default

I really want the GHL's myself. I have magnaflows and they aren't loud enough for me.

I also wanted to add that I believe you could probably eat off of the bottom of that car
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 10:23 AM
  #13  
steve8's Avatar
steve8
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,065
Likes: 1,276
From: Central Ma
Default

Another vote for GHL's.
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 10:48 AM
  #14  
JW Motorsports's Avatar
JW Motorsports
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,093
Likes: 267
From: Oklahoma City
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
Default

Looks good under there!
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 11:58 AM
  #15  
AVENGER's Avatar
AVENGER
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 647
Likes: 2
From: North of New Orleans - Who Dat Nation! LA
Default

One word.............WOW!!!

I am the Lucky one who purchased the last set for the Blowout Sale

Great Idea on the clamps!

Very great detail on the GHL System!
Did you have any luck with your patent for the Exhaust Tip Leveling Device?????

I Ordered mine on August 17th, I received them on Friday August 21st and had them installed on Monday August 24th--------------Talk about fast service!!!

Thanks Again to Chip for a Quality Product from an Outstanding Vendor!!!!!!

He IS the Man

Miles of Smiles........Drive a Vette
(With GHL's from Chip)
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 08:07 PM
  #16  
Patches's Avatar
Patches
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Default

Originally Posted by bartsky
Looks beautiful, and I'm sure it sounds amazing.
Thanks. Does sound great!

[QUOTE=YO-EL;1571269050]Guaranteed you won't be changing them
Once you have GHL's, you'll NEVER want to have anything else...
You realize you got the BEST!QUOTE]
No better endorsement than from Ellis. I believe you - no need to look any further.

Originally Posted by rpm462
Yup...love mine too. I used the stock clamps but after seeing those polished band clamps you used I might have to break down and get some of those myself!
It's that finishing touch that really makes the mod.

Originally Posted by aschiftner
Sweet install!! I always liked the sound of these but never pulled the trigger because of possible drone. Your thoughts. R/ Al
No discernible drone that I can detect. My Magnaflows had no drone but weren't as aggressive nor quite as loud as these so these definitely trump those. Plus, they're fully polished like the Mags too.

Originally Posted by dobewillie
great lookin mod enjoy


Originally Posted by csexton
Looks good my friend, enjoy

Chuck
Thanks, Chuck, and I suspect I will.

Originally Posted by IMXCITD



Originally Posted by BOTYNV1
Damn' do they look good! Will you align my exhaust tips too I'm due. Great purchase and CCA is a class act to do business with.
Not a problem. Only catch is that the lift is part of the fixture and it's bolted down! Don't think I can haul it over there. And , CCA is an awesome vendor.

Originally Posted by 4U2ENVY
I have always been impressed with GHL's and CCA. I was going after GHL's but have decided to go with CCA's Predator. I can only imgaine, in my dreams, what they will sound like. By the way, another nice Red Vette. Enjoy the sound.
I'm sure those will be just as nice and sound great. I watched the vids and it is badazz sounding.

Originally Posted by J S Machine
I really want the GHL's myself. I have magnaflows and they aren't loud enough for me.

I also wanted to add that I believe you could probably eat off of the bottom of that car
I really liked the Mags but they were a tad mellow for me. Even with heads/cam they were pretty mild.

Oh, and, Mrs. Patches refuses to serve meals in the garage.

Originally Posted by steve8
Another vote for GHL's.
Thanks, bud.

Originally Posted by Jhonathan_W
Looks good under there!
Thanks, Jhonathan!

Originally Posted by trichka
One word.............WOW!!!

I am the Lucky one who purchased the last set for the Blowout Sale

Great Idea on the clamps!

Very great detail on the GHL System!
Did you have any luck with your patent for the Exhaust Tip Leveling Device?????

I Ordered mine on August 17th, I received them on Friday August 21st and had them installed on Monday August 24th--------------Talk about fast service!!!

Thanks Again to Chip for a Quality Product from an Outstanding Vendor!!!!!!

He IS the Man

Miles of Smiles........Drive a Vette
(With GHL's from Chip)
Patent pending. Chip is really great to deal with.


Thanks for the great comments, guys.
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2009 | 08:56 PM
  #17  
Bills03Coupe's Avatar
Bills03Coupe
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 21
From: Olathe, Kansas
Default

Nice install and great looking system. But your car!! My God, I thought my car was clean! Your's looks like it just rolled off the assembly line!! Nice garage and lift too!! Very impressive!!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To CCA GHL catback installed

Old Aug 27, 2009 | 07:11 AM
  #18  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,075
Likes: 24,732
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

The GHLs are a great looking system. Congrats on the new exhaust.
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2009 | 07:33 AM
  #19  
sneakelman's Avatar
sneakelman
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Chip is terrible....discounts, excellent service, awesome products.

Those GHL's look great!
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2009 | 08:54 AM
  #20  
CCA Corvette Parts's Avatar
CCA Corvette Parts
Premium Supporting Vendor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
Likes: 438
From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Default

That could be the cleanest road going Vette on the planet.

Thanks for the install thread and pics Ed.

I truly value your support. You have been there for me since day 1 with advice and technical support.

You are an asset to the Corvette Forum and the Corvette Community in general.

Best wishes to you and Mrs Patches.

Peace
Chip
__________________
..................Click for


Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:48 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE