Exhaust FAQ
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-16-08
Posts: 5,610
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, Fl
Exhaust FAQ
So.. more and more people are asking "what exhaust"... or "how does this sound?"... Ive decided to come up with a guide to help people along...
What I have done was write a little general FAQ about the exhausts that are most common in our forum. I have included descriptions, as well as actual user comments about their setup... All material was taken from this public forum. If you still do not wish to have your name mentioned, just contact me.
Also, any reviews would be nice. I wouldnt mind having some dirty laundry on these exhausts, so if anybody had any problems... Feel free to vent!
Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Modding your LSJ Cobalt: The Exhaust
This write-up is to explain the basics of modding your 2.0 Supercharged LSJ. There are alot of basic questions that can be explained by searching, but non of the threads that come up explain everything. Notice how someone with a injector question, normally has a pulley question, and so on, and so on...
Ive decided to make a general guide to go through the steps of stepping up the performance of your LSJ engine. Not only will it have information, I am going to find quotes of actual performance products throughout the site, to help you judge which way you may want to go.
This article is toned for the new comers who arent really familiar with the way our cars work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
So, you've got a nice new car, and you wanna make it go fast. Lets just say its a Cobalt SS/SC... I am assuming (as I was clueless at the time i bought the car) that you have no idea of a stage kit, and what they do.
The most obvious thing that people jump to, is an exhaust. People love to stand out with their newly acquired rides, and the easiest way to do this is with a Cat-Back Exhaust.
Basic Questions:
- Along with being louder, does it increase my horse power?
* Yes it does, but not by as much as you would think. Torque increases as well.
- By how many Horse Power does the gain average?
* Realistically, 7-13 hp.
- Will this bolt up to any aftermarket / stock downpipe?
* Yes. Unless the Downpipe has a larger or smaller outlet flange.
- How long will it take to install?
* Anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
- Which should I go with, 2.5" or 3"? I need back pressure... right?
* Wrong. An engine is a giant pump. Air comes in one way, and goes out
the other. It needs to be understood that the faster the air comes out, the faster the air can come in, which is your main basis for making power. A car making under ~260 hp is not moving enough air to supplement from using a larger exhaust. The 3", at this point, would cause the air to move through the engine slower, resulting in lower horse power. The General place mark to move up to a larger exhaust is ~260 hp.
I will not give opinions about each exhaust, because I havent used them all. I will, how ever, pull opinions from actual users of the product to guide you along the way.
| GMPP Exhaust | | Borla Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwaBX0JA2Mg
2.25" Mandrel Bent. / Touring or Sport Edition / Comparable to Borla
Est. Price: $550 (no muffler tip included)
The touring is not as loud as the sport. The touring has more of a low rumble to it. Sport is louder, with a little more rasp.
Distillion: "got the exhaust soon after i bought the car and love it.
I get compliments on my exhaust setup almost everywhere i go.
im not exactly close to stock either and it seems to be flowing just fine"
RED07SSNA: "I had a rattle in my GMPP touring and they replaced it under warranty. It would rattle at idle and when accelerating when hot -- but when it was cold it wouldn't rattle."
Dead Zen: "OMFG. The GMPP sport exhaust kicks so much ass. So i just got back from putting it on and damn. It has been raining hard all day, well i go to take off and spin them through second and it only stopped when i let off. Also if i give her a nice slow start and then in second around 5 grand she breaks them loose, car never ran like this before. All i have to say is that exhaust kicks ass"
OniMirage: "just installed my exhaust ... OH ... MY ... GOD ... at idle it has a freakin deep tone that is slightly louder than stock. When you get ready to go it's noticable and sounds really good. accellerating through the gears the sound is just perfect not too soft but not too loud but deep as can be. The special sweet spot is at low rpm's in second WOT like your coming around a turn at a light and accellerating out of it ... HOLY FREAKING LOUDNESS BATMAN."
Staged07SS On Touring: "i have the GMPP Touring Muffler welded on to my production catback, and love the way it sounds. Nice throaty purr during normal acceleration, no drone on the highway while crusing, and a strong/powerful sound at WOT."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Corsa Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvOLtaDwlj4
2.5" Mandrel Bent / Touring and Sport / Stainless Steel
NO DRONE-Reflective Sound Cancellation Technology
Est. Price: $650-700
This is considered to be one of the best sounding exhausts, along with being one of the most expensive. I have found that everyone that has one, has said the money is well worth it. Includes a lifetime warranty.
This is a complete rundown from a "Sport" customer.
"From inside the car the system is a bit louder than stock but sounds good. Never caused any kind of resonance in the cabin. This system will be very easy to live with day to day. When cruising the system is virtually silent.
From outside it's a whole different beast. Running WOT the system sounds a lot like Corsa's V8 systems just not quite as deep. And believe me it is loud! Under deceleration the system gargles a bit with a few small pops. But never became Civic like. Again sounded somewhat like Corsa's V8 system just not as deep.
The system is a 2.5", completely stainless, and comes with a 4" tip similar in shape to the stock tip but filling the opening in the rear facia much better."
CobaltSS422: "Trust me... when u get the Corsa you will see why you spent $700 bucks. The quality and the R & D that went into this cat-back exhaust is awesome. No drone in cabin. A little louder than stock at idle and has an awesome purr to it but when u get on the gas the thing screams. Everything fit PERFECT. All the exhaust hangers matched perfectly to the stock ones. I think my money was well spent on this exhaust. "
Rogue: "The touring system is quiter than the sport system but flows WAY better than stock. For those who want a great cruiser that sounds really good at WOT the touring is the way to go. If your looking for performance with a little louder more agressive sound then you may want to check out the sport version."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Vibrant Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8PLBmejnIQ
3" Mandrel Bent / 16 gauge T304 Stainless Steel
Est. Price: $500
This will fit a Stock Downpipe (2.5" inlet flange). This is also considered to be a REALLY loud exhaust.
Area47: "it is a 3 inch "cat back" exhaust. nice construction, not sure why they did a ball flange instead of the stock flat/gasket style. it sits on the heat shield that protects the gas tank, have to bend a piece of it out of the way so it won't make funny noises. install? took me 5 mins to get the stock exhaust off, no biggie. spent the rest of the time looking at trying to figure out how the hell im going to get the pipe over the damn rear axle. IDEA! undo the rear shocks, let the suspension hang. slides in nicely. all the hangers fit perfectly. the tip itself is a bit off centered on the car, i can fix this. over all quality is good, it's not corsa, so i didn't expect a perfect fit. on the road, it's loud, sounds like a cross between a dsm and a subaru. there is a slightly better pull up top vs the stock pipe."
WSFrazier: "I have it installed on stock manifold and downpipe. Bolts up and fits fine. Needless to say, its ******* loud. Little bit too loud but it gets the point across. I run it without a cat so it is going to be louder for me.
When just cruising, it sound kinda bad, but once you put the car into PE, it sounds very aggressive. Idle also sounds rather good."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|Magnaflow Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWjlEf4xs9Q
2.5" Mandrel Bent / Stainless Steel
Est. Price: $700
Improves outlet flow as much as 167%. Considered to have a lower tone with some quietness during normal driving.
KillerBee: "Magnaflow is awsome deep sound and not raspy it is a little casue its a 4 banger but you will be pleased"
Mnatvyc1223: "Magnaflow is awsome deep sound and not raspy it is a little casue its a 4 banger but you will be pleased"
With certain customers, there have been reported issues of a rattling resonator after approximately a year of use. This can be fixed at a muffler shop for around 80 dollars (could be more if you choose to buy a known name product).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Monza PaceSetter Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whb1Sgdv1aw
2.5" Mandrel Bent / Aluminized Steel / Black Painted
Est. Price: $250
This is a very inexpensive exhaust for a couple reasons. It is aluminized steel, not stainless, but doesnt mean that its going to break or rust in 1 year though. Also, I recommend getting the joints (which are connected by included clamps) welded together. If you spend an extra $80 or so dollars on a resonator, this exhaust can replicate a $5-6 hundred dollar sound.
camarokiller: "I had it, and it sounds like poo. There is no res so the rasp sounds awful. If you do buy it i suggest picking up a magnaflow resenator and having it installed at the same time."
D4u2s0t: "i had one on my 2.2 when i had it.. by itself, it was great. sounded good, zero rust, nothing wrong with it at all. once i put on other exhaust parts it sounded like **** though. and that's even after i had a big resonator welded in. the pacesetter doesn't come with any resonator on it."
HackAbuse: "I like my pacesetter, cheap, sounds good, good gains"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Custom Mandrel Bent Exhaust|
2.5" or 3" Mandrel Bent / Choice of 3 different Mufflers
Est. Price: $250-330
This exhaust setup is very simple. You can order it which ever way you'd like, from either 2.5" or 3"... with the choice of Stainless or Aluminized. This is just a basic exhaust, in which you use clamps to attach the pipes. I suggest welding at these joints, instead of using the clamps. The three mufflers include A Borla, a Magnaflow standard, or a Magnaflow Increased Airflow.
TimmysMonteCarlo: "I have the Mandrel Bent Exhaust, 2.5" stainless steel with a 18"magnaflow resinator and Borla muffler. Im very happy with the sound, no rasp, fairly deep and not to lound under light throttle or cruise, really barks when floored though. only complaint is the tip is alittle too far under the bumper."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
| Hahn Exhaust |
3" Mandrel Bent / Polished / 4.5" Tip
Est Price: $630
Hahn is known for making high quality products, and this cat-back shows it off. Extensive development was put into this cat-back to give it the deep throaty sound that we all desire. Resonator Included.
Rippin07: "I have the Hahn Exhaust, downpipe and catback. First impressions were I love it, deep and low sound, no cabin resonance and in fact when driving normal is just a little louder than stock, fiance didn't even notice it!!! At wide open throttle, it is LOUD!! sounds really good though. Installation was straight forward and easy. Over all, I am still in love with the exhaust."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What I have done was write a little general FAQ about the exhausts that are most common in our forum. I have included descriptions, as well as actual user comments about their setup... All material was taken from this public forum. If you still do not wish to have your name mentioned, just contact me.
Also, any reviews would be nice. I wouldnt mind having some dirty laundry on these exhausts, so if anybody had any problems... Feel free to vent!
Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Modding your LSJ Cobalt: The Exhaust
This write-up is to explain the basics of modding your 2.0 Supercharged LSJ. There are alot of basic questions that can be explained by searching, but non of the threads that come up explain everything. Notice how someone with a injector question, normally has a pulley question, and so on, and so on...
Ive decided to make a general guide to go through the steps of stepping up the performance of your LSJ engine. Not only will it have information, I am going to find quotes of actual performance products throughout the site, to help you judge which way you may want to go.
This article is toned for the new comers who arent really familiar with the way our cars work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
So, you've got a nice new car, and you wanna make it go fast. Lets just say its a Cobalt SS/SC... I am assuming (as I was clueless at the time i bought the car) that you have no idea of a stage kit, and what they do.
The most obvious thing that people jump to, is an exhaust. People love to stand out with their newly acquired rides, and the easiest way to do this is with a Cat-Back Exhaust.
Basic Questions:
- Along with being louder, does it increase my horse power?
* Yes it does, but not by as much as you would think. Torque increases as well.
- By how many Horse Power does the gain average?
* Realistically, 7-13 hp.
- Will this bolt up to any aftermarket / stock downpipe?
* Yes. Unless the Downpipe has a larger or smaller outlet flange.
- How long will it take to install?
* Anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours.
- Which should I go with, 2.5" or 3"? I need back pressure... right?
* Wrong. An engine is a giant pump. Air comes in one way, and goes out
the other. It needs to be understood that the faster the air comes out, the faster the air can come in, which is your main basis for making power. A car making under ~260 hp is not moving enough air to supplement from using a larger exhaust. The 3", at this point, would cause the air to move through the engine slower, resulting in lower horse power. The General place mark to move up to a larger exhaust is ~260 hp.
I will not give opinions about each exhaust, because I havent used them all. I will, how ever, pull opinions from actual users of the product to guide you along the way.
| GMPP Exhaust | | Borla Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwaBX0JA2Mg
2.25" Mandrel Bent. / Touring or Sport Edition / Comparable to Borla
Est. Price: $550 (no muffler tip included)
The touring is not as loud as the sport. The touring has more of a low rumble to it. Sport is louder, with a little more rasp.
Distillion: "got the exhaust soon after i bought the car and love it.
I get compliments on my exhaust setup almost everywhere i go.
im not exactly close to stock either and it seems to be flowing just fine"
RED07SSNA: "I had a rattle in my GMPP touring and they replaced it under warranty. It would rattle at idle and when accelerating when hot -- but when it was cold it wouldn't rattle."
Dead Zen: "OMFG. The GMPP sport exhaust kicks so much ass. So i just got back from putting it on and damn. It has been raining hard all day, well i go to take off and spin them through second and it only stopped when i let off. Also if i give her a nice slow start and then in second around 5 grand she breaks them loose, car never ran like this before. All i have to say is that exhaust kicks ass"
OniMirage: "just installed my exhaust ... OH ... MY ... GOD ... at idle it has a freakin deep tone that is slightly louder than stock. When you get ready to go it's noticable and sounds really good. accellerating through the gears the sound is just perfect not too soft but not too loud but deep as can be. The special sweet spot is at low rpm's in second WOT like your coming around a turn at a light and accellerating out of it ... HOLY FREAKING LOUDNESS BATMAN."
Staged07SS On Touring: "i have the GMPP Touring Muffler welded on to my production catback, and love the way it sounds. Nice throaty purr during normal acceleration, no drone on the highway while crusing, and a strong/powerful sound at WOT."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Corsa Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvOLtaDwlj4
2.5" Mandrel Bent / Touring and Sport / Stainless Steel
NO DRONE-Reflective Sound Cancellation Technology
Est. Price: $650-700
This is considered to be one of the best sounding exhausts, along with being one of the most expensive. I have found that everyone that has one, has said the money is well worth it. Includes a lifetime warranty.
This is a complete rundown from a "Sport" customer.
"From inside the car the system is a bit louder than stock but sounds good. Never caused any kind of resonance in the cabin. This system will be very easy to live with day to day. When cruising the system is virtually silent.
From outside it's a whole different beast. Running WOT the system sounds a lot like Corsa's V8 systems just not quite as deep. And believe me it is loud! Under deceleration the system gargles a bit with a few small pops. But never became Civic like. Again sounded somewhat like Corsa's V8 system just not as deep.
The system is a 2.5", completely stainless, and comes with a 4" tip similar in shape to the stock tip but filling the opening in the rear facia much better."
CobaltSS422: "Trust me... when u get the Corsa you will see why you spent $700 bucks. The quality and the R & D that went into this cat-back exhaust is awesome. No drone in cabin. A little louder than stock at idle and has an awesome purr to it but when u get on the gas the thing screams. Everything fit PERFECT. All the exhaust hangers matched perfectly to the stock ones. I think my money was well spent on this exhaust. "
Rogue: "The touring system is quiter than the sport system but flows WAY better than stock. For those who want a great cruiser that sounds really good at WOT the touring is the way to go. If your looking for performance with a little louder more agressive sound then you may want to check out the sport version."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Vibrant Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8PLBmejnIQ
3" Mandrel Bent / 16 gauge T304 Stainless Steel
Est. Price: $500
This will fit a Stock Downpipe (2.5" inlet flange). This is also considered to be a REALLY loud exhaust.
Area47: "it is a 3 inch "cat back" exhaust. nice construction, not sure why they did a ball flange instead of the stock flat/gasket style. it sits on the heat shield that protects the gas tank, have to bend a piece of it out of the way so it won't make funny noises. install? took me 5 mins to get the stock exhaust off, no biggie. spent the rest of the time looking at trying to figure out how the hell im going to get the pipe over the damn rear axle. IDEA! undo the rear shocks, let the suspension hang. slides in nicely. all the hangers fit perfectly. the tip itself is a bit off centered on the car, i can fix this. over all quality is good, it's not corsa, so i didn't expect a perfect fit. on the road, it's loud, sounds like a cross between a dsm and a subaru. there is a slightly better pull up top vs the stock pipe."
WSFrazier: "I have it installed on stock manifold and downpipe. Bolts up and fits fine. Needless to say, its ******* loud. Little bit too loud but it gets the point across. I run it without a cat so it is going to be louder for me.
When just cruising, it sound kinda bad, but once you put the car into PE, it sounds very aggressive. Idle also sounds rather good."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|Magnaflow Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWjlEf4xs9Q
2.5" Mandrel Bent / Stainless Steel
Est. Price: $700
Improves outlet flow as much as 167%. Considered to have a lower tone with some quietness during normal driving.
KillerBee: "Magnaflow is awsome deep sound and not raspy it is a little casue its a 4 banger but you will be pleased"
Mnatvyc1223: "Magnaflow is awsome deep sound and not raspy it is a little casue its a 4 banger but you will be pleased"
With certain customers, there have been reported issues of a rattling resonator after approximately a year of use. This can be fixed at a muffler shop for around 80 dollars (could be more if you choose to buy a known name product).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Monza PaceSetter Exhaust |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whb1Sgdv1aw
2.5" Mandrel Bent / Aluminized Steel / Black Painted
Est. Price: $250
This is a very inexpensive exhaust for a couple reasons. It is aluminized steel, not stainless, but doesnt mean that its going to break or rust in 1 year though. Also, I recommend getting the joints (which are connected by included clamps) welded together. If you spend an extra $80 or so dollars on a resonator, this exhaust can replicate a $5-6 hundred dollar sound.
camarokiller: "I had it, and it sounds like poo. There is no res so the rasp sounds awful. If you do buy it i suggest picking up a magnaflow resenator and having it installed at the same time."
D4u2s0t: "i had one on my 2.2 when i had it.. by itself, it was great. sounded good, zero rust, nothing wrong with it at all. once i put on other exhaust parts it sounded like **** though. and that's even after i had a big resonator welded in. the pacesetter doesn't come with any resonator on it."
HackAbuse: "I like my pacesetter, cheap, sounds good, good gains"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Custom Mandrel Bent Exhaust|
2.5" or 3" Mandrel Bent / Choice of 3 different Mufflers
Est. Price: $250-330
This exhaust setup is very simple. You can order it which ever way you'd like, from either 2.5" or 3"... with the choice of Stainless or Aluminized. This is just a basic exhaust, in which you use clamps to attach the pipes. I suggest welding at these joints, instead of using the clamps. The three mufflers include A Borla, a Magnaflow standard, or a Magnaflow Increased Airflow.
TimmysMonteCarlo: "I have the Mandrel Bent Exhaust, 2.5" stainless steel with a 18"magnaflow resinator and Borla muffler. Im very happy with the sound, no rasp, fairly deep and not to lound under light throttle or cruise, really barks when floored though. only complaint is the tip is alittle too far under the bumper."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
| Hahn Exhaust |
3" Mandrel Bent / Polished / 4.5" Tip
Est Price: $630
Hahn is known for making high quality products, and this cat-back shows it off. Extensive development was put into this cat-back to give it the deep throaty sound that we all desire. Resonator Included.
Rippin07: "I have the Hahn Exhaust, downpipe and catback. First impressions were I love it, deep and low sound, no cabin resonance and in fact when driving normal is just a little louder than stock, fiance didn't even notice it!!! At wide open throttle, it is LOUD!! sounds really good though. Installation was straight forward and easy. Over all, I am still in love with the exhaust."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by ShortStack; Aug 10, 2009 at 10:53 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-22-07
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I have the Hahn Exhaust, downpipe and catback. First impressions were I love it, deep and low sound, no cabin resonance and in fact when driving normal is just a little louder than stock, fiance didn't even notice it!!! At wide open throttle, it is LOUD!! sounds really good though. Installation was straight forward and easy. Over all, I am still in love with the exhaust.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-16-08
Posts: 5,610
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, Fl
Thats why you can come to this thread.. actually SEE what everyone else is thinking about the exhaust...
I even inluded links to vids for viewing...
Any info that should be added, or any reviews on products, just PM or post em and they'll go up!
Joined: 12-30-07
Posts: 14,079
Likes: 197
From: NEPA
great write up !! i have the GMPP Touring Muffler welded on to my production catback, and love the way it sounds. Nice throaty purr during normal acceleration, no drone on the highway while crusing, and a strong/powerful sound at WOT.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-16-08
Posts: 5,610
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, Fl
The videos i have posted to my knowledge have any other mods but those exhausts..
Are you looking for vids on just Downpipes?
I was gonna right another article about headers.. but im gona let DeathScythe finish his findings first...
Im thinking about what the next one should be about..
Are you looking for vids on just Downpipes?
I was gonna right another article about headers.. but im gona let DeathScythe finish his findings first...
Im thinking about what the next one should be about..
New Member
Joined: 03-19-08
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
I have the Mandrel Bent Exhaust, 2.5" stainless steel with a 18"magnaflow resinator and Borla muffler. Im very happy with the sound, no rasp, fairly deep and not to lound under light throttle or cruise, really barks when floored though. only complaint is the tip is alittle too far under the bumper.
I have pics and a video in the video section on here.
heres the link to the thread i made https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/pictures-videos-64/new-cat-back-borla-175114/
I have pics and a video in the video section on here.
heres the link to the thread i made https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/pictures-videos-64/new-cat-back-borla-175114/
Last edited by TimmysMonteCarlo; Aug 10, 2009 at 11:34 AM. Reason: add link
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 07-16-08
Posts: 5,610
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, Fl
If you dont mind i will add the link of the video to the Write up. Any way you can find me the link?
Thank you for a review on the Mandrel bent.. i have nothing for them yet!
Thank you for a review on the Mandrel bent.. i have nothing for them yet!
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