I was wondering if there is a big difference in performance between a flowmaster 3" cat-back or a custom 3" mandrel bent system from the muffler shop? Both systems will have the 80 series flowmaster muffler.

 

If both pipes are mandrel bent then I don't see the difference. Either way you're getting one of the most restrictive mufflers out there.

------------------
2 Tickets to game= $250
Gas= $20
Sitting 20ft. from MJ= Priceless
'86 IROC T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK HEADERS Hooker CatBack
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat, just switched to 180* b/c of winter coming and going to college in the mts.
3:73 Posi Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

If you can get the same product from either place, it boils down to cost.

Mandrel machines are rare in these parts....

------------------
ORIGINAL OWNER
92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Partial TBI mods, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Richmond 3:42 gears, Torsen HD Posi
Sights & Sounds:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers. Spectre valve covers and accessories, Z28 grille w/aftermarket lights, MacEwen whiteface gauges
NEXT UP: the rest of the TBI mods & Suspension upgrades

 

if you're gonna shell out some cash to get a custom job done, or pay for a cat-back system, don't throw your money away and get flowmaster's - there are other setups that offer greater flowrates and performance...just search the board.

 

Im going to get the flowmaster now and have the 3" pipe done later. Sorry guys but a flowmaster nut and just love the sound!

 

Yeah LOL. Just go with the entire Flowmaster exhaust system.

 

Go to mufflex-performance.com and listen to the exhaust system with the spintech muffler on the 4th gen Z. Sounds pretty mean to me and flows alot better than any chambered flowmaster muffler.