I'm trying to figure out if I have a rod knocking or just an exhaust leak. I'm hoping it's just an exhaust leak but with my luck it's a rod. My first impression is that it's an exhaust leak but I have a hard time distinguishing the two. Any ideas?

engine bay leak check - YouTube

I have another video from under the car uploading now. Ohh and excuse the dirty engine bay, it's winter here and the cobalt is my daily driver.

 

do u have a stock down pipe..

sounds like a exhaust leak at the flex joint.
its to fast to be a rod knock.

 

check the header-dp connection, def not rod knock.

 

that was what i was thinking, I was going to check it but my car is on lowering springs and i have a gavel driveway so i don't feel comfortable jacking it up here. but i should be able to drive it somewhere tomorrow and jack it up for a look.

And Tjolley, I don't have the stock down pipe my entire exhaust is ZZP 3 inch except for the GMPP catback.

 

You don't even have to jack it up just stick ur hand back there when the engine has been sitting overnight and you should be able to see/feel the leak. Use your cell phone or a small camera to take pics of **** BACK THERE

 

"My entire exhaust is 3".... all 3 foot of the downpipe haha jp man

 

Okay, awesome I'll do this first thing tomorrow morning. It's dark right now and the car is still warm.

 

So many familiar noises... Hard to tell what the nouse is ur talking about. Id say exaust leak tho

 

haha, well my catback is 3 inch too that's another what? 2 feet?

 

Tighten down your header nice and good.

 

GMPP didn't make a 3" homie

 

Wat? The catback more like... 8 feet or something

 

Maybe he has side exit? lol

 

I was under the impression the the stage 3 catback was 3 inch. Maybe I'm wrong. I bought the car with all of that already on it. I'm new to all of this stuff. I'm a former Mustang guy so I'm still learning the Cobalt stuff. Only reason I posted here asking about the leak is that a buddy of mine thought his stang had an exhaust leak so he kept driving it and when it got worse he realized it was a rod. So now he is having to do a full motor swap.

Anyway, here's the other video.
Exhaust leak? - YouTube

 

Another word of wisdom for ya, the exhaust systems dont go in stages. GMPP made a touring and sport the stage kits just include pulley injectors stuff like that

 

Sounds like a catless downpipe with no muffler to me

 

haha damnit, I'm wrong again! thanks man. Also thanks for not being a jerk about it. Serious.