Optimum Catback Size
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Optimum Catback Size Hey folks.
I'm not planning on doing a catback for at least a year (between the tune, winter tires, trans shift kit, cooler, pan with drain plug, and poly mount I'm planning on not spending a few bucks for a bit).
However, I see a lot of the kits you can buy online (ZZP & Magnaflow) utilize a 2.5" mandrel bent pipe.
I had a 2.5" on my 2001 Malibu with a 3x00 and it benefited with a 2.5" catback so I figured with a 5.3L LS4 a 3" catback makes sense.
What's generally optimal? I know the story on velocity, performance, shifting of power band etc. but does anyone have concrete results/comparisons?
I'm not sure what sound I want yet.. I've heard Corsa systems adapted to it, SLP LM2, Thrush and these are by far my favourite sounds thus far.
I was thinking of going with Dynomax VT's for performance but drone free operation... I'm not sure I've ever heard those on an LS4 though. I want a drone free setup and wonder whether Corsa/SLP/Thrush would provide that for me even with a big resonator (Corsa sounds amazing on youtube but sounds insanely loud).
Thanks in advance!
Mike
I'm not planning on doing a catback for at least a year (between the tune, winter tires, trans shift kit, cooler, pan with drain plug, and poly mount I'm planning on not spending a few bucks for a bit).
However, I see a lot of the kits you can buy online (ZZP & Magnaflow) utilize a 2.5" mandrel bent pipe.
I had a 2.5" on my 2001 Malibu with a 3x00 and it benefited with a 2.5" catback so I figured with a 5.3L LS4 a 3" catback makes sense.
What's generally optimal? I know the story on velocity, performance, shifting of power band etc. but does anyone have concrete results/comparisons?
I'm not sure what sound I want yet.. I've heard Corsa systems adapted to it, SLP LM2, Thrush and these are by far my favourite sounds thus far.
I was thinking of going with Dynomax VT's for performance but drone free operation... I'm not sure I've ever heard those on an LS4 though. I want a drone free setup and wonder whether Corsa/SLP/Thrush would provide that for me even with a big resonator (Corsa sounds amazing on youtube but sounds insanely loud).
Thanks in advance!
Mike
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Sartell, MN
Hey folks.
I'm not planning on doing a catback for at least a year (between the tune, winter tires, trans shift kit, cooler, pan with drain plug, and poly mount I'm planning on not spending a few bucks for a bit).
However, I see a lot of the kits you can buy online (ZZP & Magnaflow) utilize a 2.5" mandrel bent pipe.
I had a 2.5" on my 2001 Malibu with a 3x00 and it benefited with a 2.5" catback so I figured with a 5.3L LS4 a 3" catback makes sense.
What's generally optimal? I know the story on velocity, performance, shifting of power band etc. but does anyone have concrete results/comparisons?
I'm not sure what sound I want yet.. I've heard Corsa systems adapted to it, SLP LM2, Thrush and these are by far my favourite sounds thus far.
I was thinking of going with Dynomax VT's for performance but drone free operation... I'm not sure I've ever heard those on an LS4 though. I want a drone free setup and wonder whether Corsa/SLP/Thrush would provide that for me even with a big resonator (Corsa sounds amazing on youtube but sounds insanely loud).
Thanks in advance!
Mike
I'm not planning on doing a catback for at least a year (between the tune, winter tires, trans shift kit, cooler, pan with drain plug, and poly mount I'm planning on not spending a few bucks for a bit).
However, I see a lot of the kits you can buy online (ZZP & Magnaflow) utilize a 2.5" mandrel bent pipe.
I had a 2.5" on my 2001 Malibu with a 3x00 and it benefited with a 2.5" catback so I figured with a 5.3L LS4 a 3" catback makes sense.
What's generally optimal? I know the story on velocity, performance, shifting of power band etc. but does anyone have concrete results/comparisons?
I'm not sure what sound I want yet.. I've heard Corsa systems adapted to it, SLP LM2, Thrush and these are by far my favourite sounds thus far.
I was thinking of going with Dynomax VT's for performance but drone free operation... I'm not sure I've ever heard those on an LS4 though. I want a drone free setup and wonder whether Corsa/SLP/Thrush would provide that for me even with a big resonator (Corsa sounds amazing on youtube but sounds insanely loud).
Thanks in advance!
Mike
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Thanks, those were the lines I was thinking along.
Are thortley's still made? I've been thinking about it but am concerned because if had bad luck with headers being a high maintenance product in the past.
Are thortley's still made? I've been thinking about it but am concerned because if had bad luck with headers being a high maintenance product in the past.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: NEPA
you can port your factory exhaust manifolds if you don't want to dump $600+ on DT headers or $400 on the OBX versions. I would definitely do a 3" DP either catted or not. I have the ZZP and its great, just throws O2 codes unless you do a O2 extender or a custom tune. I would do it right the first time with the exhaust 3" to the split. ZZP makes a 3" catback or there is a company that will give you 3" tubing all bent for our car you just need to add a muffler and install. I have the site saved on my other comp.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
you can port your factory exhaust manifolds if you don't want to dump $600+ on DT headers or $400 on the OBX versions. I would definitely do a 3" DP either catted or not. I have the ZZP and its great, just throws O2 codes unless you do a O2 extender or a custom tune. I would do it right the first time with the exhaust 3" to the split. ZZP makes a 3" catback or there is a company that will give you 3" tubing all bent for our car you just need to add a muffler and install. I have the site saved on my other comp.
Has anyone done PEM's with effective results?
I am also most certainly thinking of doing a 3" catted DP.
When you say O2 extender to you mean for the wiring harness?
I've also seen that website; mandrel exhaust systems... awesome deal!
Porting your manifolds won't do anything g worth wile imo. There sized appropriately. You could hog the rear out but in the end the merger between front and rear is still awful.
Thorley are still made obx as well.
Here are some pics of the rear manifold portion. But still worthwhile to at least get a downpipe
Thorley are still made obx as well.
Here are some pics of the rear manifold portion. But still worthwhile to at least get a downpipe
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Thorley's look to be of good quality. I stay they heck away from obx (and pacesetter). Had both on the Malibu and both developed leaks quickly enough to make me stay away (obx was the crossover again and again. Pacesetter y-pipe kept loosening).
Porting your manifolds won't do anything g worth wile imo. There sized appropriately. You could hog the rear out but in the end the merger between front and rear is still awful.
Thorley are still made obx as well.
Here are some pics of the rear manifold portion. But still worthwhile to at least get a downpipe
Thorley are still made obx as well.
Here are some pics of the rear manifold portion. But still worthwhile to at least get a downpipe
Trending Topics
Thorley have their stupid design too which obx did a carbon copy of. Only difference being they do t include bolts, o2 extention harness and are not ceramic coated. Not a big deal though. There have multiple member who have installed them with 0 issues
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Launching!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Interesting notes guys.
Reading the Thorley threads there seems to be a loss in low end (which is to be expected). However, I wonder how it effects (or doesn't) around town driving and as much as anything the amazing highway drive-ability this car has with DOD off. You can accelerate and pass in 4th with ease at 1500 rpms and up which I really like.
Reading the Thorley threads there seems to be a loss in low end (which is to be expected). However, I wonder how it effects (or doesn't) around town driving and as much as anything the amazing highway drive-ability this car has with DOD off. You can accelerate and pass in 4th with ease at 1500 rpms and up which I really like.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
i did the 3 inch downpipe, a flowmaster bullet cat and then 3 inch to 2 2.5, flowmaster 1 chamber mufflers as well. i get a lot of complements on it but its a little loud on the inside for me lol
i actually have a bullet muffler i'm going to put in some time for a resonator to try and tone it down just a little more...
i actually have a bullet muffler i'm going to put in some time for a resonator to try and tone it down just a little more...