Replacing Stock Exhaust?

[GTOdriver7]

i was reading on pontiac.com how the stock exhaust is specifically designed and tuned to give it a very specific sound. i would like to put on an aftermarket exhaust to add more power but not at the cost of it not sounding as good. what are peoples thoughts and experiences? thanks

[Adam4356]

The OE setup sounds very nice and unique. According to dynos placement of a catback exhaust nets minimal gains. It comes down to who wants a more aggresive volume. If you have ever driven or heard a aftermarket exhaust its loud enough to be noticed.
After getting magnaflow on my transam it's gonna be hard to go back to OE. I like that volume, that presence. The GTO exhaust is wonderfully designed and to go aftermarket you will sound like vettes with exhausts, which is sweet IMO. It sucks to trash such a well thought, great sounding OE system but if you want to really turn some heads you'll consider something else. For the GTO it comes down to sound and not hp like some other cars.

[speed_demon_freak]

The OE setup sounds very nice and unique. According to dynos placement of a catback exhaust nets minimal gains. It comes down to who wants a more aggresive volume. If you have ever driven or heard a aftermarket exhaust its loud enough to be noticed.
After getting magnaflow on my transam it's gonna be hard to go back to OE. I like that volume, that presence. The GTO exhaust is wonderfully designed and to go aftermarket you will sound like vettes with exhausts, which is sweet IMO. It sucks to trash such a well thought, great sounding OE system but if you want to really turn some heads you'll consider something else. For the GTO it comes down to sound and not hp like some other cars.


I agree.

[DANSLS1]

I'm wondering if anybody will work out a header system that would give you long tubes but utilize the stock system. I'm thinking the resonators would have to go. I don't remember if they are in front, or the cats are. Oh well, I'm going to wait until next year to do the exhaust - so I'll get to learn what sounds good and what doesn't. ;)

[Adam4356]

I'm sure headers will come with high flow cats that bolt up to OE catback. If the price is right that will be a great way to go and look stock doing it. What concerns me is the lack of a crossover. X pipe gets the most scavenging action and alittle more hp, but it also balances out the pulses and reduces the "pop" associated with no backpressure.
Hopefullly someone will try different setups so owners can pick and choose what is right for them.

[speed_demon_freak]

I'm sure headers will come with high flow cats that bolt up to OE catback. If the price is right that will be a great way to go and look stock doing it. What concerns me is the lack of a crossover. X pipe gets the most scavenging action and alittle more hp, but it also balances out the pulses and reduces the "pop" associated with no backpressure.
Hopefullly someone will try different setups so owners can pick and choose what is right for them.


You mean one of these?

[Adam4356]

You mean one of these?


The flange setup makes bolting up to a catback or intermediate pipe easy. I bet we could cut out the blocked h pipe and weld in a open one. Hmmmm, we're gonna need tools and a guinea pig

[micahOWNSS]

i was reading on pontiac.com how the stock exhaust is specifically designed and tuned to give it a very specific sound. i would like to put on an aftermarket exhaust to add more power but not at the cost of it not sounding as good. what are peoples thoughts and experiences? thanks

I heard the Magnaflow exhaust with the X-pipe in person, it sounds incredible. A nice improvement over stock.

[FLORIT]

I know there are several "crews" experimenting with after-market exhaust already. I've seen pics of long pipe headers that look awesome. I, too, love the stock exhaust note, but in my quest for more power I am willing to learn to love the after-market sound.

[DANSLS1]

I think the more power and maybe a little louder sound of the same 'style' of sound would be nice - but I have to admit - much of the reason I'll do headers is visual. Looking at the engine, it just doesn't seem right w/ the little choppy manifolds coming out of there. Headers just make it look like a performance car more, in addition to the other benefits.
Dan