I'm just starting to dip into exhaust right now. Looking primarily for better, deeper sound, squeezing out a couple hp isn't my concern. That said, I'm over my head in what to do and what to get that would best suit me. I've got the 3800 NA. Couple of things:

• Max price is about $1000 installed, give or take a bit
• Preferably the setup should be emissions compliant
• factory resonator has a small 'leak' in it, so I've either got to do away with it entirely or get a good replacement.
• Doesn't have to be a full exhaust setup

Right now I'm looking at this


Pacesetter 72C1205 Armor Ceramic Coat Pacesetter Exhaust Header | eBay


and some mufflers from Magnaflow.


Give me your opinions and suggestions!

 

NA with headers and mufflers will be loud and not sound great.

Some of the most popular mods are ZZP front powerlog, 2.5" downpipe, into cat-back of choosing.

I personally think you should just keep stock mufflers, get nice tips, replace the res (or delete that) and either get the powerlog + downpipe or headers.

Quieter is usually better on these cars, and there's no gains from the cat-back.

 

So who's got a good catback system?

As for downpipe, would you recommend the zzp 2.5" stainless w/cat?

I wish I could hear what these all sound like...

 

Stainless with Cat is good. however, high-flow cat will almost guarantee you throw a p0420 code.

My cat-back was discontinued, it was made by GMPP, but basically was an unbranded magnaflow. Truthfully it's a little annoying, I'm glad I don't DD the car anymore.

 

Alright so the cat will get me a code... I'm lost. What's the best route to go?

 

my suggestion is headers with a high flow cat, resi delete and stock mufflers. take what money is left and buy a tune for it which will wake up the car a little and get rid of the p0420 code. if you dont have a intake i suggest a cold air inductions intake as well

 

John, I'm not looking for a tune *right now*. I just want something I can drop in and leave it, no codes to mess with for the time being.

Will be doing a CAI either shortly before or after the exhaust.

I don't suppose zzp (or anyone) had a stainless 2.5" catback exhaust? What's the real difference between 2.5" and 3" anyway? After some more consideration I'm looking at getting the full 3" stainless catback + downpipe/cat - mufflers + resonator.

Would that maybe get me where I'm wanting to be?

 

You won't want to go with 3" it will loose power unless your modded enough to flow 3". 2.5" is perfect size for you. I'm not sure but even a Zzp dp might throw a code do to the high flow cat.

 

ZZP seems to only make aluminized 2.5" though. Granted I'm in the south, so no rust, but still.... don't know what to do.

 

Def want stainless!!