Headers vs. Catbacks?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: California
Headers vs. Catbacks?
In going through various threads, I see arguments for headers, catbacks, and full systems.
Here's the thought..... If replacing the headers will give more muscle car sound out the exhaust and real rear wheel horsepower gains, with no interior drone, when coupled to the stock exhaust system, why not do that instead of any other solution?
As an alternative, I think I settled on Magnaflow Catback, and am considering a cold air intake, and would like suggestions on the most efficient match up with the Z51.
Limited track days. Mostly daily driver duties with one spirited 150 mile run on technical mountain roads each week.
Thanks.
Here's the thought..... If replacing the headers will give more muscle car sound out the exhaust and real rear wheel horsepower gains, with no interior drone, when coupled to the stock exhaust system, why not do that instead of any other solution?
As an alternative, I think I settled on Magnaflow Catback, and am considering a cold air intake, and would like suggestions on the most efficient match up with the Z51.
Limited track days. Mostly daily driver duties with one spirited 150 mile run on technical mountain roads each week.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 9
From: Citrus Heights CA
St. Jude Donor '12
Originally Posted by 07 Lemans Z51 Coupe
As an alternative, I think I settled on Magnaflow Catback, and am considering a cold air intake, and would like suggestions on the most efficient match up with the Z51.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 50
From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
Originally Posted by 04retro
Sorry, Z51 ain't a model-its a ' suspension/cooler/brake factory mod that has nothing to do with horsepower/engine performance.
07 Le Mans, headers are the best bang for the buck. With headers, a cold air intake, and a good tune, you could gain 40+ HP. (don't forget the 160 t-stat) The catbacks are mostly for sound and looks. I would get the headers first and see how you like the sound. If you want a louder or more aggressive note, then consider a catback.
You won't have to smog in Calif. for six years. You can worry about it then.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 50
From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
If you're talking o2 sensors, they may, and that's what the tune is for. As for the warranty, they would have to prove that the header caused the problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 0
From: Rockmart GA
I'd be up for headers and catback, but I'm gonna save my money and trade for an 08' zo6 next year. If I was gonna keep mine for 2 or more years I'd go a full system..headers, exhaust, cold air ram intake, tune.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,896
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From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Originally Posted by 04retro
Sorry, Z51 ain't a model-its a ' suspension/cooler/brake factory mod that has nothing to do with horsepower/engine performance.
Last edited by johnodrake; Oct 27, 2006 at 02:41 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Likes: 40
From: Stamford, CT
Originally Posted by 07 Lemans Z51 Coupe
I know I should know this but what does "ttt" stand for?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: LI NewYork
I'm going thru the same dilemma right now too Lemans. The stock exhaust is lame. The cat-back will run you about $1500 installed basically just for sound. And the header/ exhaust /tune/Thermostat give you most likely everything that you would want but thats 4 grand and the warranty stuff is pretty scary. Then the dreaded "drone issues". has anyone had any issues with the B@B Route 66 exhaust?? If not ,how aggressive would you rate the sound compared to the Corsa Sport or the Borla Stingers??
Last edited by us2bsrt; Oct 27, 2006 at 05:22 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Go for the headers. I went with the catback (Borlas) and although I love the sound, it doesn't improve the power. I'm reluctant to add headers now, b/c it will be too loud.
Given the choice to do it again, I'd just do headers.
Given the choice to do it again, I'd just do headers.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: California
Originally Posted by cmb13
Go for the headers. I went with the catback (Borlas) and although I love the sound, it doesn't improve the power. I'm reluctant to add headers now, b/c it will be too loud.
Given the choice to do it again, I'd just do headers.
Given the choice to do it again, I'd just do headers.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Originally Posted by johnodrake
It isn't a "mod", it is a regular production option (RPO). Chevrolet deems it a performance package, hence the "Z" in the designation. It additionally contains a different set of gear ratios in the case of manual transmissions (MZ6 vice MN6)
Originally Posted by 07 Lemans Z51 Coupe
...Could be wrong but I thought the Z51 had more cooling between an auxilary transmission cooler, and a larger oil cooler....
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
I have a Magnaflow #15884 catback on my 2005 C6 and Corsa Sports combined with headers on my 2006 C6.
Without a doubt, do Corsa Sports and Headers
I used to have B&B Bullets on my 2005 C6, they are tough to live with on a daily driver.
Howard
Without a doubt, do Corsa Sports and Headers
I used to have B&B Bullets on my 2005 C6, they are tough to live with on a daily driver.
Howard
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,242
Likes: 8
Originally Posted by 07 Lemans Z51 Coupe
Thanks. Your car is gorgeous, by the way. If I couldn't get my Lemans Blue Coupe, your Vert was my second choice. JUst beautiful.
Thanks, that's nice of you. My color is actually Magnetic Red - they don't make it anymore. You have no idea what I went through to get it! They stopped making mag red right about when the convertibles started rolling off the line in '05. Very few C6 Mag Red Verts out there, but I love it!
Craig
