So I'm getting tired of fixing my cutouts and the constant issue of O2 sensor insuffficient switching codes when they're open. (QTP Cutout Y-pipe so they're about 12" from the sensor). I'm looking at just going to a ORY and a catback.

I'd love to get a GMMG but it's out of my budget right now. And I'm wondering is there any significant difference in sound between the magnaflow catback and the direct replacement muffler? I don't really care about the tips.

I will miss the wow factor of going from a lil louder than stock through the factory muffler and hitting the switch for the QTEC's. Especially with the lopey ASA cam that's in there. But I think a catback will be a good compromise in sound and flow but keeping the rest of the apartment complex happy lol.

But yeah any difference between the two?

 

wondering this as well, the stock catback just isnt cutting it...it would have to flow less with the stock piping than the full mag catback, and seems like it would make a difference in sound but im just speculating

 

yeah I'm not too concerned about the flow eventually I will go with the GMMG and it's gotta be a lot better than the factory muffler. I just like that nice deep rumble I hear from magnaflows and hoping the replacement will do that well enough for now.

 

GMMG sounds great, but it doesn't flow that well.
If flow is of concern, go magnaflow.

After having the magnaflow catback, and now just a 4x9 magnaflow, I will never use another muffler.
A guy I know with a 402 (02NBMWS6) has with two magnaflow mufflers inline and makes sick power. Another is making 501whp with the catback (fifedogg), and another 445whp with a 4" magnaflow muffler (MrElectric03). They flow like mad and are still pretty quiet. I have ridden in all of these cars and they sound great.

 

GMMG is one of the best flowing c/b out there next to Corsa.

IMO i do not like Magnaflow... it is tooo raspy for my taste.

Another good c/b is Hooker Aerochamber

 

I have a Magnaflow and the sound is a little deeper then stock. Mated with some LT's and it sounds really good. Add a cam and it sounds even better.

 

if you're not too concerned with having the additional flow that a cat back system offers then a magnaflow muffler replacement would be your best option. Just match the muffler size and pipes with your stock setup and you're good to go. It's definately a huge improvement in flow and sound over the stock.

 

Is there a particular Magnaflow part number that people are going with for a direct replacement muffler? Does anyone know what the inlet and outlet size are?

 

I went from a ws6 catback w/ a dynomax superflow muffler(that supposedly flows close to a straight through design) to a Slp LM1 catback and noticed a significant sotp gain. I asked myself the same question before and got my answer.

 

The catback is definitely beneficial to leaving the stock piping on there. Especially where stock is pinched running over the axle.

If you want the best sounding/flowing catback for the money, Hooker is the way to go. Cheaper than Magnaflow and flows as good/better. Only problem is Hooker is on indefinite back order.

 

Currently I have a Hooker Aerochamber muffler on a stock WS6 exhaust. After doing some research I'm going with the magnaflow catback.

 

If I were going Magnaflow, I'd get the muffler only (ck. Thunder Racing), Dynomax I and over-axle pipes from Summit, and have an exhaust shop fab the tailpipes. This will be cheaper than the catback, esp. if you go non-stainless, and you won't have those obnoxious cannon tips the catback comes with.

 

wouldn`t putting the cut-out before the mufflers inlet delete the problem of the code?

 

I'm looking to put the Hooker muffler on my stock Trans Am catback. Was it a direct fit? Did you have to mod anything to get it to fit?

 

I kinda like my obnoxious cannon tips...

I'm happy with the Magnaflow C/B. Good value for the $, quiet enough that you don't attract too much attention, but just loud enough for the streets. Anything else I'd consider cost 2x the money.

Unfortunately, it seems no matter what we do, we'll never sound as good as a Vette, a Mustang, a 5th gen Camaro, or even an LT1.