urbanhunter44

I've done alot of work to put this together. My hope is that it will be used as a quick guide to helping people decide what cat-back exhaust to use and as a reference as well as a repository of clip links.

Be aware that I'm only including cat-back systems here, but will list the additional mufflers available. The reason being that most of the people who post here are mostly interested in entire cat-backs, and don't have the knowledge or desire to fab up a system, or the money to have someone do it. The exception to this are Bullet Mufflers, which I will go over.

Some of these are fourth gen catbacks. Some people have alot of trouble making a fourth gen cat-back fit. My personal experience is that it will fit with very minor modifications that any good muffler shop can perform.

If you don't plan on MAJOR modifications, then pick your exhaust based on what sound you like. It won't affect your power output at the level a bolt-on thirdgen is at.

I have tried to assemble a wide variety of sound clips (primarily from this site and from ls1sounds.com - please inform me via PM if any links are broken. Thank you!). Please be aware of what engine you're listening to. An LT1 sounds different from an L98, and an L98 sounds different from an L03 in regards to aftermarket exhaust.

Yes I am a little biased in my opinions on catbacks, but I've tried to explain everything as clearly as possible.

Okay, Catbacks 101:

1. ALWAYS go at least 3"
2. ALWAYS go mandrel bent
3. On stock thirdgen powerlevels, follow 1 and 2 then choose based on sound.

Those are three good rules to follow when talking about a stock thirdgen. To be quite honest, even the highest powered L98 making 245 hp is not going to be highly affected by the power levels between mufflers, so just pick what you think you'll like.

Also take a look at my Backpressure FAQ (More than you ever wanted to know about BACKPRESSURE...) thread if you're interested in that subject.

How to use this guide:

The name of the company is a link, click it to go to their page. Under the company link is a quick little blurb about them. Under the picture I've included the price, and part numbers where applicable, as well as a link to the site to buy it at (in most cases, summit). Under that is my personal experience (or descriptions from their site) with the catback in question, and under that are sound clips. If no clips are there, that means I couldn't find any!

If anyone has any questions about what exhaust to use on your ride, feel free to send me a pm, I'm more than happy to help!

If anyone has anything to add to my guide please post or PM me, I've done alot of research on this, but it's possible I've missed or typod a few things. Anyone with clips they want to add, post or PM me!!!

In the course of making this, I neglected to include all the creators of the clips, so if you know who made the clip, pm me THANKS



Flowmaster

By far the most popular brand of muffler for Third Gens. Loud and aggressive. It's a love it or hate it sound. If there are complaints against it, they're often about the 'droning' noise during cruising since you hear it all the time.

Flowmaster American Thunder:


Price: $579.40 from Flowmastermufflers.com listed for 1986-1991 Third Gen F-Bodies.
Link to system 17233

Clip 1 - Driving by at WOT - 350 TPI, hooker shorties/y pipe, american thunder 3" catback. (17233) [Orr89RocZ]

Clip 2 - Auto-X Racing - 305 TPI, 43083 Flowmaster 80 Series with 3.5" tips, stock manifolds, stock I-pipe. [Zepher]

Clip 3 - Idle and light rev - IROCthe5.7L's car. 350 TPI, stock manifolds/Y-pipe/I-pipe, catco high-flow cat, 43083 3" in dual 2 1/2" out 80 Series muffler.

Clip 4 - Flyby on the throttle - Same car, but with Hooker 2055 headers, Y-pipe.

Clip 5 - Normal Driving (Better sound quality) - Same car, but with Hooker 2055 headers, Y-pipe.

Also available from Flowmaster:

30 Series: Quiet, but maintains the Flowmaster tone.
40 Series: These resonate inside and out, and are the loudest of the mufflers flowmaster offers.
50 Series: Eliminates some interior resonance, but maintains exterior sound.
80 Series: Loud, aggressive tone, made for our cross flow applications. Link to webpage.



Magnaflow:

One of my personal favorites. One thing to remember, is these were designed for fourth gens, and thus a thirdgen cat-back is not offered.


Price: $502.14 as listed for 93-97 Fbodys.
Link

I recently put a Magnaflow muffler on my LT1. It is one of the best sounding mufflers I've ever heard. The thing about a Magnaflow is that it's very deep and bassy at idle and part-throttle (cruising). At idle if you're cammed, this muffler will hide it. Excellent choice for sleepers due to that. When you step on it, this muffler will SCREAM.

This muffler undercuts tone alot, making it a poor choice for a TPI inducted ride. As far as performance, they're an excellent choice.

The mufflers can also be bought seperately from the catback.

Clip 1 - Idle, rev, flyby: '95 Z28, stock except for Magnaflow catback

Clip 2 - Rev to 6k: My car, 97 LT1, LTs, ORY, Magnaflow

Clip 3 - Standing start: My car, 97 LT1, LTs, ORY, Magnaflow

Clip 4 - 3k rpm burnout: My car, 97 LT1, LTs, ORY, Magnaflow

Clip 5 - Take off: 85 IROC, TPI 305, mild cam, LTs



Dynomax:

Dynomax Ultra Flo Crossflow:


Price: $113.99 from Summit Racing, Part # WLK-17536.
Link

This is the 3" Dynomax super turbo crossflow muffler. I can't find a catback number, however dynomax does sell the I-pipe seperately.

Dynomax Bullet Muffler:


Price: $37.95 from Summit Racing, Part # WLK-24222.
Link

This thing is LOUD. Plain and simple. It's a straight through resonator with perforated metal tubing around it to tone the sound. It doesn't muffle at all, just tones. It gives a very high pitched, "NASCARish" tone. Comes in two lengths, the part number above is the shorter of the two.

Clip 1: Idle, touch, rev to 6k - Otherwise stock LT1, no cat, stock manifolds.



Hooker:

There are a few different Hooker systems.

Hooker Aerochamber:


Price: $269.99 on Jegs, Part # 520-16823.
Link

This is the most common Hooker system on Thirdgens. It's often described as quiet and refined, yet aggressive.

Clip 1: Dyno run - Built 350, LTs, no cat, 3" pipes.

Hooker Competition:


Price: $279.95 on Summit Racing, Part # HOK-16820HKR
Link

Clip 1: Idle - 10:1 compression 355 with Dart heads, Edelbrock performer RPM roller cam, Edelbrock performer RPM intake, Holley 650 double pumper, Full MSD ignition, Hooker Supercomp shorties, 3inch Hooker Supercomp catback.

Clip 2:Idle, Rev - Same car.


Edelbrock:

Edelbrock isn't usually the most popular choice for catbacks. Their catback system is usually considered one of the lower end for performance and sound.


Price: $283.95 on Summit, Part # 520-16823.
Link

Now on the Summit site it lists this catback as being a 3" catback, but it lists it as a 2 3/4" I-pipe on the edelbrock site. Link to Edelbrock page. Also be aware this is a single cat catback.

I honestly can't find a vid or sound clip, so hopefully someone will post something up.


GMMG:

GMMG is generally considered the best sounding catback system available for a V8. It comes with a price tag however.


Price: $700 for Catback, $150 for tips on GMMG, Inc.'s site.
Link

An interesting thing to note is that GMMG's famous tips are ONLY sold with the catback system and are not available seperately.

Clip 1: Idle/Rev - Stock LT1

Clip One - 350 SLP 1 3/4" ceramic coated headers, custom 2.5" y pipe, 3" catco cat into the 3" GMMG catback [Justin89Formy]

Clip Two - 350 SLP 1 3/4" ceramic coated headers, custom 2.5" y pipe, 3" catco cat into the 3" GMMG catback [Justin89Formy]

Clip Three - 350 SLP 1 3/4" ceramic coated headers, custom 2.5" y pipe, 3" catco cat into the 3" GMMG catback [Justin89Formy]

Clip Four - 350 SLP 1 3/4" ceramic coated headers, custom 2.5" y pipe, 3" catco cat into the 3" GMMG catback [Justin89Formy]



Borla:

Borla is another high end catback. Big price, good sound, stainless steel and adjustable sound!


Price: $906.99 on Borla's site, Part # 14888.
Link

"BORLA Cat-Back™ exhausts feature patented straight-through and multi-core technology to unleash hidden horsepower. Increased exhaust velocity adds power, driving excitement, fuel economy and the distinctive BORLA Sound of Power respected by motoring enthusiasts everywhere. Each system is built from premium Aircraft-Quality T-304 Stainless Steel, an alloy superior to T-400 series knockoffs, to give you the absolute best in performance and durability. Ultra-smooth mandrel bends ensure maximum flow and power, and precision computer-controlled CNC manufacturing ensures an accurate fit. Best of all, BORLA stands behind every system with a Million-Mile Warranty."

That's from their site. In addition to that, the adjustable sound plate system is very nice, giving the owner the option of quiet, to straight through and a few settings in between.

Clip 1: Start, idle, rev, flyby - LT1, Cam, LTs, ORY, Borla with open plate.

Please post if you have thirdgen borla clips!


Borla XR-1:


Price: $125.99 on Summit, Part #BOR-40943.
Link

This is a straight through design resonator, very similar to the Dynomax Bullet, but much more expensive. Similar sound. The part number posted is the 3" version, but they also make 3 1/3".

I can't find clips for the XR-1, so post em if you got em!

__________________

urbanhunter44

Corsa:

Corsa is one of the higher end exhaust manufacturers, not many people go this route, so if you get one of these - rest assured that your car will sound unique among the rest.


Price: $829 or $852 on Corsa's site, Part # SEE SITE.
Link

It's important to note that these are only available for fourth gen cars, so modifications to the hangers will have to be made. There are two different types of tips available, the 3.5 and 4.0, and the prices are different.

Check out Corsa's site for pics.

Corsa's sound clips page

Clip 1: At the track - 02 WS6 with LTs, ORY and Corsa

Post clips if you got em!


SLP:

SLP has been a dedicated supplier of parts to the F-cars for years. Nowadays I consider them a little overpriced, but they quality is top notch and they have customer service to match. They have two popular F-Body systems - the Loudmouth and the 2OTL. There's also the dual-dual, however I understand it isn't made anymore. An interesting thing to note - all SLP catbacks are stainless steel.


Price: $419.95 on Summit, Part # SLE-31042A.
Link

This is basically a very expensive bullet muffler - but it does even less. The inside of the SLP LM is nothing.. It's a slightly larger than average tube that does the reasonating and "tuning." In reality it does nothing for the sound. The only benefit of buying this system is that the rest of the catback is already there for you. Many people buy these and replace the slp lm unit with a Borla XR-1 or Dynomax Bullet. SLP also sells a LM 2 muffler that is similar to the XR-1 and Bullet. The SLP LM also has a good amount of drone to it.

IMO, this catback is a waste of money. I had the exact same thing mocked up for me for $150 by a great muffler shop. That plus the cost of the bullet ($35) gave me this same system for $185 out the door. Of course it didn't have the tips, I guess that's SLP's reason for charging an extra $200 bucks.

Clip 1: Burnout - Stock '94 LT1 with SLP LM.

Clip 2: Start, Idle, Rev - Stock '92 GTA L98 with SLP LM


SLP 2OTL:


Price: $409.99 on TSP, Part # 38-31025.
Link

This catback is quiet, and deep. It sounds good when you step on it. It's among the quietest of all the catbacks however.

Clip 1: Startup, rev - Baby cam LT1

Thirdgen clips, post up!


TSP:

TSP recently stepped into the game with a system called the TSP Rumbler.


Price: $225 on TSP, Part # 25-TSPRumbler.
Link

It's basically a custom catback with a Dynomax Bullet. Finally someone stepped up to the plate! Please note that the price is without tips, and that this is a 4th gen catback.

I can't find clips. If you have clips, post up!



Stainless Works:

Stainless Works doesn't make any catback systems, but they sell two other items of interest. Everything they sell is made of stainless steel, BTW.


Price: $129.99 on Summit, Part # STW-CR2525.
Link

This is a chambered muffler, pretty much EXACTLY like the one on the GMMG system. Please note that this muffler is a 2.5" entrance/exit. I've seen alot of people "make" a "GMMG" style system with these, and it sounds just as good for less than half the price.

When you talk about tone regarding these things.. think of grandpas old 69 'Vette. Sweeeeet! I'm using these to construct a GMMG style setup as my next muffler, for sure.


Price: $129.95 on Summit, Part # STW-ST3243P.
Link

Note that these are 3" entrance/exit. These are basically longer bullet mufflers (glass insulated however) providing quiet performance at cruising, and SCREAMS at WOT.


Random Tech:

Not many people choose to go with Random Tech's catback, but here's the info anyway.


Price: $389 on Thunder Racing, Part # 13-413006.
Link

Two PowerMax converter-back exhaust systems are available for Thirdgen Camaros and Firebirds, one manufactured of T304 stainless steel, the other of aluminized steel. Both systems feature mandrel bent 3" tubing and include a straight through PowerMax muffler with dual 3" outlets.

If you want the stainless steel system, you'll have to modify the hangers to fit a Third, as it's only for 98-02 F-Bodys. It's also $600.

Clip 1: Start up, idle, rev - '97 LT1, stock, catback

Clip 2: Start up, idle, rev - GIVE IT A FEW MINUTES TO LOAD! - 305 TPI, stock manifolds, MAC Y-pipe, Random Tech cat, and Random Tech cat-back.



Spin Tech:

Spin Tech makes mostly race mufflers, but they have some options for us as well.


Price: $399.95 on Spin Tech's site, Part # 131398.
Link

Spin Tech's patented design provides maximum performance for today's modern engines. Its all done by means of a Spin sound trap, which captures sound vibration (noise) and turns it into heat within the muffler case. As exhaust gases enter they are routed to the spin traps which create a high velocity vortex trapping the sound waves. The extremely high flow rates are achieved by a unique internal scavenging system that creates a venturi effect.

This muffler is a bit louder than a Flowmaster 80 series and deeper/better sounding all around.

----

The above listing was for the 4th gen catback, however the muffler shown is also available seperately for $115. They only list 4th gens, but they'll make ANYTHING custom. Just call and ask!

Link!

----

Clip 1: Idle - Stroked, cammed 383 with "quiet" spintech muffler part # 1444


True Duals:

There are many setups for True Duals, and I think that's best left to the true duals thread (Link (Third Gen Dual Exhaust Picture Collection)). Also search on TGO, you'll find even more pics. I felt it had to be mentioned here, since it is an exhaust system.


Dr. Gas:

Just so you know, the mufflers NASCAR runs, are Dr. Gas mufflers... be prepared to pay a premium price. They sell one catback for our car, and MANY other race mufflers. I recommend you browse their site if you're interested in something out of the ordinary, or just want to look at cool ****.


Price: $239.95 on Dr. Gas's site, Part # See site
Link

Make sure to choose your application, dual cat or single.

Clip 1: Idle - 396 Stroker LT1 - side exit Dr. Gas

Boomtube

Post up some clips!



Banks:

I've only seen banks on a couple thirdgens, so it's definetly got points for the uniqueness factor!


Price: $425 on TPiS, Part # See site.
Link

Make sure to choose by application!

I don't have any clips for this.. someone post one!

__________________

urbanhunter44

Mufflex:

Mufflex sells multiple catbacks, utilizing different mufflers. The special thing about their catbacks are that they're 3.5" and 4" rigs. They also sell stainless steel. Take a look through their offerings if you're looking for a larger than average exhaust system:

Mufflex F-Body Catbacks

If you're curious about whether you should upgrade or not, take a look through my Backpressure FAQ, it'll explain alot. A good rule of thumb is that 3" will support a healthy 350 motor making 400hp at the flywheel, and having a full 3" exhaust system will keep the powerband in a usable range, while not restricting the power. Higher power levels give you a number of options. There are two popular ones:

A. Go with a larger catback like Mufflex offers. This is best for mufflered classes, as you retain the muffler but free up the exhaust.

or

B. Go with dual cutouts right off of your headers (you do have headers, right?!) for race use, and have the catback for a milder street tone. This is the cheapest option, and best for the street/strip car that doesn't see class racing.

Orr89RocZ

Very good post

Another brand of muffler that can be used in a custom catback configuration or true duals that is similar to Sweet thunder or Stainless Works is the Powerstick chambered tubes by Classic Chambered Exhaust Inc.

Classic Chambered Exhaust Inc. - Home Page



you can mount it in the I pipe section behind the cat converter on stock systems, in which i'd use the 20inch body muffler.. which is what i used

Soundclip of hot startup, idle and revs to near 5 grand on L98 with hooker 2055 headers and 3inch mandrel bent tubing. Stock cat
Putfile - Powerstick Chambered tube on L98

unklechuckles19

I vote stickie...great post!

__________________
-355/T-5
-Holley 650 DP
-Jet Hot Coated Hedman Headers
-Modified Hedman Y-Pipe
-Catco Hi Flow Cat
-3" Dynomax I-pipes, thru a Magnaflow muffler

urbanhunter44

Is that your car Orr? VERY NICE!!!

Those are pretty cheap too... hmmmm

W72

I can't post a sound clip of the Edelbrock system, but I can tell you it's pretty loud at idle and under full throttle, but has a very,very reasonable tone at 60 MPH. Considering this is on my convertible and heard with the top down too. The difference between the two systems that summit sells is that one is for the 2 1/2" I-pipe and the other for the 3" I-pipe. The smaller one is 3" but is choked down to 2 1/2" right before the convertor flange.

The picture you have is dated, even on Summitts web site too and the system you'll get for that money has Edelbrock's new SDT muffler which is extremely well built and heavy too. The tips look and exit exactly like the Magnaflow system you have pictured and I couldn't be happier with the fit and finish of all the hardware. It was easy to install and came with band clamps, not muffler clamps, which made it look much better up under there.

Orr89RocZ

yep thats on my car! pic of my setup

Attached Images

Image012.jpg (40.7 KB, 663 views)

unklechuckles19

that sounds VERY good Orr.

__________________
-355/T-5
-Holley 650 DP
-Jet Hot Coated Hedman Headers
-Modified Hedman Y-Pipe
-Catco Hi Flow Cat
-3" Dynomax I-pipes, thru a Magnaflow muffler

driver8

I hate my flowmater american thunder what a waste of time and money. The fit is sub par at best. I just finished my ground up restore and had nothing but problem. They hit the driveshaft balance, burned a hole it a new e brake cable, hits in four spots on the fresh paint under the car and to top it all off every time the trans shift it bang the pan hard.
----------
Oh by the way, if I did make myself clear they are junk. Great post thank you for the time you invested it will save me time looking for the flowmaster replacement!

Orr89RocZ

thanks for the comments guys. i gotta get a wot driveby run sometime


anyway i had the flowmaster american thunder and had no problems with it. it sounded good and performed good too. just wasnt loud/mean enough for me anymore so i just swapped in a new muffler and cut out the old one.

check the exhaust sound clips thread for clips of alot of catbacks including my old flowmaster flyby

urbanhunter44

Quite honestly, that's my experience with flowmaster as well. I hate them with a passion. Many people like them, but many don't. It's a love/hate thing.

Yeah Orr, your car sounds AWESOME. I can't believe that's a basically stock L98. You're really making me consider going with a powerstick setup like that (I change exhaust often, to try new sounds), basically I'd have 1 3/4" LTs, 3" collectors to 3" uncatted Y-pipe, 3" powerstick, 3" over the axle split into dual 2.5" exits. Could sound good.

91ChevyRS

very nice post urbanhunter...you seem to be on a roll lately with all these informative exhaust posts.

Anyway, I have decided to stick with my bullet muffler and order me some 3 inch i-pipes instead.

Orr89RocZ

i think flowmaster 40 series sound best on carbed motors with decent compression and cam. cams with narrower lsa. also on cars with no cats and true duals. those old muscle cars with mild motors sound mean with those 40 series. true duals helps that sound out alot.

and urban, thats the setup i want to have.. i still have to have the dual exits fabbed up out the back of the car. just decided to do a LT1 intake mani swap first and leave exhaust dumped for now. i really want to dump the cat or get a high flow unit to really see how it sounds. i bet it would sound alot better.

you should check out Tricked Out Toy's dual exhaust with h pipe and chambered tube mufflers on his cammed/heads LT1! just plain mean! i will have this sound someday! lol
Video - Stock bottom end LT1 with LE3 heads and LE2 cam LT's and 3" true duals with H-pipe and Short chambered mufflers DAMN ITS TO LOUD FOR THE STREET!

dbs90irocz

Dynomax Ultra Flo welded crossflow muffler 3" in/ dual 3" outs. part #17536

They sound great IMO.

__________________
1990 IROC-Z VERT
1998 Grand Prix GT
1999 GMC Suburban

urbanhunter44

Added!

robertfrank

Good work urban,I guess we should start calling you the Sticky King! lol

__________________

305 tbi, Ultimate TBI mods, Homemade Battery Relocation, March UD pullies and Brackets, Walbro 255, Gasket matched and 2" Bored Edelbrock tbi intake, Xtremefi AFPR, Gasket matched and Ceramic Coated 2055's, Hooker 3" Aerochamber catback, LS1 Aluminum driveshaft, Homemade Open element, Comp 1.6 roller tip rockers, Edelbrock STB, Tubular LCA's & Panhard bar, UMI LCARB's, Wonderbar, Eibach Pro-kit Springs, MSD 8.5 wires, MSD 6A Ignition Box, MSD blaster coil, A/C & Smog delete, Excessive weight reduction, GM 3.42 gears, Moser 26 spline axles, Powertrax noslip locker, Summit diff cover, TH700R4 transgo shift kit, Corvette servo, Permacool tranny cooler, Sonnax TV Spring kit, Aluminum Drums, EBL for the tuning.

ZZ4 cam AND Aluminum New "463" casting ZZ4 heads installing after I learn how to tune.

urbanhunter44

I just like to contribute lol. I remember being a newbie to cars, if it wasn't for this site and my '85 Z28 I probably wouldn't know much at all about performance work. Thanks for the compliments

91ChevyRS

I was just wondering if anyone has actually installed a TSP on their cars?

I mean I have the bullet on my car with a cutout...the TSP is probably just a few more pipes...but boy do they sound good on the LS1s.

Does anyone know if its possible to fit those catbacks on a thirdgen?