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Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

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Old May 21, 2017 | 09:09 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L 350 TPI (Deleted Cats)
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Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Anybody have one of these mufflers on their third gen? Im leaning towards getting this as a replacement for my clapped out ratty sounding original muffler. Inlet is 3in and the outlet is 2 1/2in, would this be correct as a replacement size? https://m.summitracing.com/parts/hok...kr/none/images
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Old May 21, 2017 | 10:04 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Abubaca is running a Hooker Aerochamber. I can tell you the tone and volume is aggressive. Contact him about specifics.
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Old May 22, 2017 | 03:26 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Yeah, I'm running an Aerochamber and I love it. It's hard to say how it compares in volume because I've never had it on the car without a cam, headers and the whole Hooker 3" catback.

I feel like Hooker, Spintech, dynaflow, Flowmaster, all sound like more traditional musclecars. I feel like they affect performance and volume, but the car doesn't necessarily sound a whole lot different. Maybe Flowmaster does a little. But I love that the Hooker sounds very natural, IMHO. I've had several LSx guys say that too. It doesn't SOUND like a muffler, just an engine. -Which to ME, is ultimately the whole point.
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Old May 22, 2017 | 06:22 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Hooker Aerochamber makes stock cars sound like they eat babies.
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Old May 22, 2017 | 07:15 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

I HATE the Flowmaster sound, especially when people put those mufflers on their stock engine. It runs a close 2nd to those fart-can import exhausts, IMO.

If you have a REAL engine, then you have all you can do to make it quiet enough, without choking performance.
"Does my car sound tough?" is the least of your concerns.

Last edited by NoEmissions84TA; May 22, 2017 at 07:18 PM.
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Old May 22, 2017 | 09:42 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L 350 TPI (Deleted Cats)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Originally Posted by Abubaca
Yeah, I'm running an Aerochamber and I love it. It's hard to say how it compares in volume because I've never had it on the car without a cam, headers and the whole Hooker 3" catback.

I feel like Hooker, Spintech, dynaflow, Flowmaster, all sound like more traditional musclecars. I feel like they affect performance and volume, but the car doesn't necessarily sound a whole lot different. Maybe Flowmaster does a little. But I love that the Hooker sounds very natural, IMHO. I've had several LSx guys say that too. It doesn't SOUND like a muffler, just an engine. -Which to ME, is ultimately the whole point.
Every review ive heard about the muffler has been nothing but good, i saw a couple videos with it on some cars and it sounds good to me (Better then my stock ratty sounding muffler anyways), i am gonna order it sometime tomorrow, any suggestions on what else I should get with it (Adapters, clamps, etc) i really dont wanna drop the $350+ and the labor for someone to weld in the catback, id rather do this myself for around the $150 I expect after all the clamps and adapters. The inlet is a 3.0in and the outlet is 2.5in on the muffler itself and i have measured the stock sizes on the car (Inlet is 2.8 (8.75/3.14) outlet is 2.6 (8.25/3.14)).
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Old May 22, 2017 | 10:50 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

any suggestions on what else I should get with it
Honestly, when I did mine, I also bought a high flow cat and a cutout. Also get the tips you want. Don't feel ya gotta stick with the ones in the kit. That being said, I had recently put on headers, and there was enough "tweaking" and welding required for me to bring it to a shop, so I can't tell you what little widgets ya might need. I don't even know if the catback kit is considered a bolt on, lol!
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Old May 23, 2017 | 06:40 AM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

can you post some exhaust videos of it im thinking of putting this exhaust on mine Im running headman shortys and have a cam in it and i just wanna be positive its what I want before I order the kit
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Old May 23, 2017 | 07:43 AM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
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Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Originally Posted by scarbucket
can you post some exhaust videos of it im thinking of putting this exhaust on mine Im running headman shortys and have a cam in it and i just wanna be positive its what I want before I order the kit
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Old May 23, 2017 | 05:21 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

..Could be just my ears... but does that Areo chamber sound like a distant cousin of GMMG??? Kind of has hints of that sound in it if I had to compare the sound to any other brand.
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Old May 23, 2017 | 06:32 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Originally Posted by Buddy
..Could be just my ears... but does that Areo chamber sound like a distant cousin of GMMG??? Kind of has hints of that sound in it if I had to compare the sound to any other brand.
Part of the aerochamber is basically a resonator, which might bring the sound closer.

My SLP 2otL is basically a single inlet, dual outlet resonator. And I love the way it sounds.

But i also have heard a Aerochamber on a LT1 and I think it definitely sounds more aggressive.

However, if you still have manifolds + cat then its going to be very quiet.

Last edited by Thirdgen89GTA; May 23, 2017 at 06:36 PM.
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Old May 24, 2017 | 06:41 AM
  #12  
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From: Jackson, New Jersey
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L 350 TPI (Deleted Cats)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Originally Posted by Thirdgen89GTA
Part of the aerochamber is basically a resonator, which might bring the sound closer.

My SLP 2otL is basically a single inlet, dual outlet resonator. And I love the way it sounds.

But i also have heard a Aerochamber on a LT1 and I think it definitely sounds more aggressive.

However, if you still have manifolds + cat then its going to be very quiet.
The reason I actually am buying the muffler is because when i got my cats cut out it opened up the exhaust so much it sounds really ratty
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Old May 27, 2017 | 03:58 AM
  #13  
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

I do not think you can go wrong with a "Hooker Areo chamber muffler".

One of the best sounding mufflers out there for our cars. Nice and aggressive without being overkill.

Of course a lot depends on what it is attached to including pipe size.

As far as the Flowmaster 80 Series Muffler is concerned....
I have it on the "American Thunder" 3in System and I would not run anything else.
I think it sounds great on "my" car.

I'm usually a nice guy but....

NoEmissions84TA,
If you don't like something say you don't like it, but attack it like that and you better be ready for a response.
So you might want to think twice about bad mouthing someone else's choice and running this AT THE SAME TIME.

A Auburn L.S.D. = "Really Lame" piece of junk.
What do you consider a "real engine".
A stroked 305 .
4.10 in a 700r4 and a 3400 Stall and running "OUT" of gear at 1/8 mile if your lucky.

Did you buy that or did you build it because all I can say is, WOW.

Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; May 27, 2017 at 05:21 AM.
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Old May 27, 2017 | 08:17 AM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

The reason I actually am buying the muffler is because when i got my cats cut out it opened up the exhaust so much it sounds really ratty
I ran no cats for hot minute and then put it back on because it was just too raspy. ...running a magnaflow/carsound high flow cat. Don't notice a difference in performance.

The thing about mufflers is that unless you have the EXACT same set up, they're all gonna sound different. The only thing that I'll keep going back to is that (in my opinion) the hooker doesn't really have "a sound". It's hard to tell what it is. It just sounds like a motor. You're not drawn to the exhaust. It's like a good pair of work boots. They need to function. They're not style. Some disagree, but that's my opinion of mufflers.
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Old May 27, 2017 | 06:43 PM
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Originally Posted by Ron U.S.M.C.
I'm usually a nice guy but....

NoEmissions84TA,
If you don't like something say you don't like it, but attack it like that and you better be ready for a response.
So you might want to think twice about bad mouthing someone else's choice and running this AT THE SAME TIME.

A Auburn L.S.D. = "Really Lame" piece of junk.
What do you consider a "real engine".
A stroked 305 .
4.10 in a 700r4 and a 3400 Stall and running "OUT" of gear at 1/8 mile if your lucky.

Did you buy that or did you build it because all I can say is, WOW.
All I said Ron was that I didn't like the Flowmaster sound - it wasn't directed at anyone, just a general comment. The same for the trying to keep a "real engine" quiet comment.

I built my combo about 20 years ago when Connecticut was talking about adopting California emissions standards. Back then, we didn't have all the choices for building our cars, like today.
As far as 4.10 in a 700r4 and a 3400 Stall and running "OUT" of gear at 1/8 mile if your lucky, WRONG AGAIN. The only thing I ran out of was fuel at the top of 2nd gear at about 100 mph. The car would go flat, stumble, and then pick back up. Still finished the 1/4 with speed of 112 mph. That was using a G-Tech on a flat section of highway, so it's not an "official" 1/4 mile time. But still....... not bad. Oh yeah - 28" tires. I geared the car for the 1/4, but I still drove it to work every day. And it passed emissions too.
The engine ate the camshaft, so it was parked for 15+ years. I resurrected the engine and I hope to have it back on the road soon.
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Old May 27, 2017 | 07:07 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

What ever man.....
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Old May 27, 2017 | 08:56 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

I recently bought a Hooker areo chamber muffler. I kinda like the flange that allows the muffler to be disconnected from the intermediate pipe. I just hope not to have any issues with the gasket blowing out. I would think the flange would make it easier in case I need to drop the tank again. My cat back system is welded so instead of cutting/welding it we choose to drop the rear to get to the fuel pump, it was a PITA. I did get 26 years out of the flowmaster before it rusted through. I'm looking forward to getting this car back together to see how it sounds now.
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Old May 28, 2017 | 05:54 AM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

The hooker aerochambers are some of the best sounding mufflers out there that are not obnoxious. They make the car sound pretty mean/muscle car without the raspiness and resonance that you get with something like a flowmaster. Flow wise they're pretty good, they flow more than most mufflers, a lot more than the flowmaster but slightly less then a Hooker maxflow/dynomax ultraflow/magnaflow... (straight through mufflers).

If you're looking for reasonably quiet and good flow I can't say enough about getting the right dynomax ultraflow (check their flow numbers, they have vastly different flow in slightly different configurations). I have a center/offset 3" one behind headers and no cats on my TA that flows as much as any 3" muffler will and it's really fairly quiet behind a fairly healthy engine. It sounds a lot like a stock engine with an aftermarket muffler on it. A friend of mine has the 80 series flowmaster on his camaro and I make almost 2x the power he does, and standing next to my car, both cars running and him 20-30' away I can't even hear my car over his idling at like 550rpm (his engine is the old school GM goodwrench 350)
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Old Jun 3, 2017 | 11:46 PM
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Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Update: I decided to go with the hooker areo chamber, it came in the mail last week and of course i ordered the wrong one! Luckily I can send it back for exchange, when i have the muffler installed I will post a video, i'm sure there are some of you that wanna hear what it sounds like on a mostly stock (Besides no cats) L98. I hope to have the muffler in within the next 2-3 weeks (Trying to get a weekend dedicated to getting things done on the car without worrying about having to go to work or doing any yard work).
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Old Jun 19, 2017 | 08:52 PM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Hey there, can I ask- who will do the exhaust install for you?

I am also in NJ, and have a set of Hooker Headers and Aerochamber setup that I want to shove under my Z...

Thanks...
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Old Jun 19, 2017 | 10:42 PM
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From: Jackson, New Jersey
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
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Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

Originally Posted by bubbaz28
Hey there, can I ask- who will do the exhaust install for you?

I am also in NJ, and have a set of Hooker Headers and Aerochamber setup that I want to shove under my Z...

Thanks...
I just ordered the muffler along with clamps and adapters to make it fit with the stock cat back so I could do it myself, i would call a local shop and ask if they will do it, when i had my catalytic converters cut out i bought it into my local mienikie. You could also look around for some performance shops around here, they might.
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Old Jun 20, 2017 | 11:16 AM
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

I ran a hooker Aerochamber until the exhaust around it fell apart(About 8 years). I love their sound. Personally the best sounding muffler made. most importantly it doesn't drone on the highway and is quiet enough to carry on a conversation in the car. Everyone also seems to agree that they flow the best though no manufacture will post their CFM numbers. I now run a magnaflow system and it's night and day. Magnaflow is much quieter all all RPM"s. Not a bad sound, just more mellow than I personally like.
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Old Jun 21, 2017 | 12:59 AM
  #23  
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Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

I have run the hooker Aerochamber with its 3 " cat back full kit for at least 14 years on my car. The first one lasted about 11 and some of the pipes became too rusty for my taste so I went and bought another one knocwing it would have the sound I was craving without having to experiment with GMMG or Borla etc. I love it and it is a perfect exhaust note for my CURRENT engine setup. I cut and sectioned some pieces of pipe to allow for quick hassle free removal of the system. I also run a 3" DMH exhaust cutout that I use from time to time, but the Aerochamber is great.
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Old Jun 21, 2017 | 09:50 AM
  #24  
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L 350 TPI (Deleted Cats)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Original 3.27
Re: Hooker Areo chamber mufflers?

I got the muffler on Monday night, sounds great. Ill put up an exhaust clip as soon as possible. In the meantime heres my old muffler. Just a little blown right?
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