i have the 02 ss 3.8
im looking at zz's stuff (not too impressed) i seen one package at 379.00$ its aluminized
and the zz 304 stainless@ 569.99$ which is way out of my price range given that i have to pay someone to install it aswell...both 3"

aluminized bad/good? but i dont like the quad tip out put i will not put that on my car

my other concern is the sound yes i want it to sound great but i dont want it too loud just a decent gurgle and a nice roar i live in nyc and the police wont hesitate to hit me up with fines...DAILY.. i guess what im looking for from a sound level from 1-10 would be a 6 or 7 (i think my stock sound about 3-4)

i have a monstrous sound system and will post all pics of my sound system specs i dont want a headache from driving cause of an exhaust lol my friend had this crazy loud **** in his car and it literally *** ur ears after a long ride

what should i stay away from brand and size wise i was listening to some on youtube i like the way the flowmaster

and im looking at teh u bend delete...will it make a big difference sound or power wise


thanks fellas

 

3" exhaust is too big on NA 3800's. You should go no bigger than 2.5". Your best bet for an exhaust system is to have a local shop build you one. Usually they cost about $300-400 installed and are aluminized. Aluminized is okay, but SS is always better and will out live the car.

The u-bend delete will make little difference power wise and almost no difference sound wise.

As far as brand, everyone seems to like Borla mufflers on 3800's but it's going to be hard to get a 3800 to sound good.

 

My exhaust set-up:

ZZP SS Front Powerlog -> ZZP 2.5" SS Downpipe with Cat -> GMPP Cat-Back Exhaust

All stainless steel, love the sound.

 

I installed the GMPP 304 SS exhaust, 2.5", with a very small resonator, in July. Very nice burble at idle thru 2500rpm, European sounding. Not too loud. Top end acceleration 70mph+ improved. My only complaint is that I lost some low-end torque, just a testament to how free-flowing my ZZP PLOG and Random-Tech catted DP (1-piece, 3" in, 2.5" out) are. Cost me $450.00 from: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com

P.S. Random-Tech Down-Pipes w\cat, don't set codes.

 

I've got the GMPP cat-back as well. It sounds godly at idle and anywhere below 3000 RPMs. Over 3000 RPMs, it sounds absolutely horrible. Then again, I've got headers and a 3" off-road downpipe so it makes it that much worse.

I tend to hate the way 3800s sound (until they've got major work- meaning, cam). Gimme a deep, mellow V8 over our harsh rattling clatter any day.

 

I have a zzp kit 2.5" cat back, no res, no mufflers and I absolutely love it! I was very shocked with the sound

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXSSy2KDuMQ

Here is mine, hope it helps in your decision!

 

Holy crap, Thumpin'! That's more growl than I've ever heard from a 3.8L V6! I like! Now if only my Monte wasn't my wife's daily driver, I'd LOVE to try that...

 

Have you looked at just having an exhaust shop make you a custom set up? The Cat-Back systems are usually much more expensive.

I had a single exhaust stock, changed to duals, with dual Magnaflow mufflers for about$350, and it sounds great. Later down the road I changed the stock resonator for a smaller Magnaflow resonator, and that really made all the difference in the world as far as the sound. I personally think the Magnaflows are one of the better sounding mufflers on V6's.