I'm currently working on doing an LS3 top end, cam swap, LS7 manifolds and full exhaust system on my 06. While I'm in there, I've been doing some things I've been wanting to get done like a doubled up tunnel plate (drilled one plate and had it welded to the other one), heat barrier on the flimsy little factory heat shield, fully heat wrapping the new exhaust, etc. So here's a few pics of what I've accomplished so far. The rear muffler hangers were pretty soft, so I bought a new set and then filled the open space in the middle with RTV to help firm them up even more.

The stock LS2 manifolds are just criminally bad. The rear cylinder cuts right across the 3rd cylinder and then blows forward into the front 2 cylinders - I'm amazed the poor thing can make the power it does and rev to 6600. It should be quite interesting with the LS7 manifolds and cats and the 3" Speed Engineering x-pipe. In back is a Borla S-Type system - the older style one with the two smaller "bullet" type mufflers.


filled exhaust hangers

The swirl marks are where I drilled 1/2" holes in one plate, then had them welded. He ground them down just to make it look nice.


DEI heat barrier

tunnel plate heat barrier

horrible2

horrible1

DEI heat barrier on the muffler heat shield



DEI heat barrier installed along with the ZR1 rear sway bar - pics of the Pfadt front bar coming soon..........

heat barrier 1

 

looks good!

 

Nice! I did not know they made a well fitting product for above the muffles. Happen to have the part number? I'd get that too.

 

I cut that from a 40x48" sheet.

 

Ah k I see, it looks oem. I wonder if it will help reduce drone.

 

Nice work!
The collector on the LS2 manifold is only 2.5" and the opening flange to the cat is 2.75" Idk why GM did that.
I put on a set of shorty headers (hooker) and the collector is 3". Cat 2.75, the 2.5 from cat back-much better for flow.
I'm sure the LS7 manifolds will be a huge improvement.

 

I like the idea of putting the ls7 manifolds on for sure. But I think you have to use the ls7 cat pipes too?

 

LS7 manifolds on the left, LS3 on the right.

 

Yes, I have those already and heat wrapped them (except the cats themselves).

 

It might, between being thicker and having the padding on the back side may help too.

Mine is an automatic and later this summer I'm getting the TT rebuilt, adding a Yank 3200 and also getting my Z06 diff installed. The car will cruise at about 2000 instead of 1400-1500, so it should be past the drone range anyways.