Thoughts on Paragon Catback
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 781
Likes: 82
From: MA
Paragon catback is a great system. I have the Track on '21 Z51 road racer and the Touring (small muffler) on my '22 Z51, the Touring is a little quieter, 2-3 db ?, but I have ARH headers with stock cats. Very satisfied with the quality and sound, btw don't forget to order the AFM & NPP exhaust valve simulators with your Paragon catback.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 564
Likes: 239
From: Greenville SC
I researched a lot while I was waiting on my car and due to how many pieces the kit is, V-bands, and price it was a no brainier. And then when I got my car and was able to put the exhaust on it exceeded my expectations. I love it, you can have such a greater driving experience with a good exhaust sound. Guess it depends on the person though too. Lets put it this way you can not get idea of exhaust sounds over the videos. At least in my experience it does not seem that you can.
What’s Next
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 834
From: Reality
It’s a great exhaust system. Built well as you said and the price just sells it. The sound is great. Just don’t let the cold startup get you. It will calm down quickly. If you want just a little more get the track version. But as stated the sport cats will open it up for sure. I have some removable baffles (in the exhaust not the tips) that muffle my whole system down for I have two tracks I go to that require lower decibels.
Sound is so subjective also.
Sound is so subjective also.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 335
Likes: 40
From: TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 686
From: SUFFIELD CONNECTICUT
Paragon catback is a great system. I have the Track on '21 Z51 road racer and the Touring (small muffler) on my '22 Z51, the Touring is a little quieter, 2-3 db ?, but I have ARH headers with stock cats. Very satisfied with the quality and sound, btw don't forget to order the AFM & NPP exhaust valve simulators with your Paragon catback.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 781
Likes: 82
From: MA
BJ67, I think you will only need the simulators for the AFM since you are non-NPP. IIRC $119 for the AFM simulators and they should be available on either Paragon or Cicio's website. The Paragon exhaust is an excellent system you will be pleased, mine are a little louder with the ARH headers. Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 234
Likes: 147
There is no drone with either exhaust.
get the track one. it sounds amazing. It’s way lighter.
just don’t get any of the painted tips they offer. They don’t hold up at all, but they replaced mine, no questions asked. Shipped out next day. Quality customer support.
2 simulators from them for your AFM valve deletes.
here is a cold start. I’ll post the warm running too
get the track one. it sounds amazing. It’s way lighter.
just don’t get any of the painted tips they offer. They don’t hold up at all, but they replaced mine, no questions asked. Shipped out next day. Quality customer support.
2 simulators from them for your AFM valve deletes.
here is a cold start. I’ll post the warm running too
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 335
Likes: 40
From: TX
I had my Paragon touring cat back installed yesterday, I still have stock headers and cats. There is some drone when driving, the valve simulators do work, no check engine lights. It is exotic sounding under acceleration.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 357
From: Houston Texas
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I just have the Paragon Touring exhaust; and agree there is some drone around 2500 -3000 RPMS but sounds great on accel and decel. I'm looking at AWE or Borla which actually say "NO DRONE" BUT is it really?!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 833
Likes: 470
From: Goodyear AZ
I have 2m sport cats and was looking at their exhaust as well, priced at about $1k! I inquired ad to what exhaust it sounds closest to and they said Paragon. It has the small mufflers but does not have the valve control. Considering this one but I want to be careful since I have the highflow cats I am not too loud. Worth taking a look at for the price. I've been really happy with their sport cats.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 234
Likes: 147
I’m struggling here.
I don’t think we agree on what drone is.
if you can have a phone call in your car without struggling to hear or speak. This to me is not drone.
it sounds from the cabin like you’re in a sports car.
I’ve experienced drone in my Camaro. it’s unbearable.
since the exhaust and motor is all behind you, there really isn’t drone.
I even roll the windows down so I can hear the exhaust more.
get the track exhaust.
that being said, it is LOUD at startup.
if you like your neighbors or don’t want to wake your family when you leave for the day, get a valved exhaust
I don’t think we agree on what drone is.
if you can have a phone call in your car without struggling to hear or speak. This to me is not drone.
it sounds from the cabin like you’re in a sports car.
I’ve experienced drone in my Camaro. it’s unbearable.
since the exhaust and motor is all behind you, there really isn’t drone.
I even roll the windows down so I can hear the exhaust more.
get the track exhaust.
that being said, it is LOUD at startup.
if you like your neighbors or don’t want to wake your family when you leave for the day, get a valved exhaust
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 781
Likes: 82
From: MA
I should have been more clear regarding the drone. Is it present not very often, nor aggravating and I've no problem on the phone or listening to music. You will get a little "thrum" on occasion or even some V4 noise but overall I'm extremely satisfied with the Paragon systems, also I have the ARH headers on both cars so it is a bit louder.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 459
Likes: 398
From: Toronto
I’m struggling here.
I don’t think we agree on what drone is.
if you can have a phone call in your car without struggling to hear or speak. This to me is not drone.
it sounds from the cabin like you’re in a sports car.
I’ve experienced drone in my Camaro. it’s unbearable.
since the exhaust and motor is all behind you, there really isn’t drone.
I even roll the windows down so I can hear the exhaust more.
get the track exhaust.
that being said, it is LOUD at startup.
if you like your neighbors or don’t want to wake your family when you leave for the day, get a valved exhaust
I don’t think we agree on what drone is.
if you can have a phone call in your car without struggling to hear or speak. This to me is not drone.
it sounds from the cabin like you’re in a sports car.
I’ve experienced drone in my Camaro. it’s unbearable.
since the exhaust and motor is all behind you, there really isn’t drone.
I even roll the windows down so I can hear the exhaust more.
get the track exhaust.
that being said, it is LOUD at startup.
if you like your neighbors or don’t want to wake your family when you leave for the day, get a valved exhaust
I experienced drone before on a muffler delete car. It was really ******* loud when accelerating at low RPMs. Put the muffler back on right away.
