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Header system to Catback question.

Old Apr 10, 2009 | 11:12 AM
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Default Header system to Catback question.

I am looking to get LT headers on my C5 coupe. I currently have a GHL motorsports Bullet catback on. The header system I am looking at comes in either a 3 in. midpipe or a 2.5 in midpipe. My question is what pipe diameter does the GHL motorsports catback have (pipes, not the tips)? I'm at work and need to get to the field. I haven't had a chance to measure the pipes at home. A search in this section hasn't revealed an answer. I'm sitting here just getting anxious.

Now for the real question.

But if I currently have a 3 in. catback, then exhaust flow dynamics would best be served with a 3 in. midpipe right? But if the catback has 2.5 in. piping, then a 3 in. midpipe would probably hurt performance wouldn't it? Thanks for the replies.

Last edited by SDLS1Rider; Apr 10, 2009 at 11:26 AM.
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Old Apr 10, 2009 | 11:17 AM
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You may not want to call it a cat back. They are mufflers.

Headers
Cats,
H or X pipe
over the axle pipe
mufflers


Now since you are in CALIFORNIA you can almost for get LT headers and shorties dont help much at all for power.

PPL in Calif are almost stuck with the stock system unless you can find something with your CARB numbers on to conform to CALIF emissions standards
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Old Apr 10, 2009 | 01:58 PM
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Okay, is my GHL motorsports over the axle pipe 3 in. or 2.5 in. ?

The next question is would a 3 in. midpipe be more advantagous over a 2.5 midpipe for performance on a street driven bolt-on LS1? This is when it is connected to a GHL motorsports Bullet muffler system.
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Old Apr 10, 2009 | 02:04 PM
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ok should be a 2.5" over axle

so keeping with the 2.5" mid pipe and x-pipe

What ever your over axle pipes are is the same size you want to keep.

a 3" mid pipe to a 2.5" over axle would not benefit anything

would you see a benefit with a 2.5" X pipe and mid pipe connected to your GHL's? very little, but the sound should be a bit deeper
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Old Apr 10, 2009 | 03:10 PM
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A better way to look at this is what kind of power you're putting down. Stock LS-1/6 won't see much from a 3" system, and a 2.5" system will work fine. As you get more mods/power you'll want to consider a 3" system.

The other thing to consider is that by the time the exhaust gases get back to the mufflers they've cooled enough that the 3"/2.5" restriction doesn't make much difference.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
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