Do you still need a downpipe with the longtube headers?
Which is better, zzp long tube or the mid length header/dp combo?
And also, can someone explain the options and what they do? (offroad/with cat/o2 bung/front and rear gaskets/etc)
Probably stupid questions, but I'm new to this.

Thanks.

 

Preference is the only difference between the 2 really. Some say that the longtube gives more hp, and is quieter than the mid-length. Ive never witnessed a difference in person, but my guess would be a minimal difference.
The options would mean what kind of set up would you need. First, what kind of year, and model do you have? 2.2, 2.4, lsj?
Plus you have to see if you have SAI. If you have SAI, you cant change out the manifold (header)

SAI is secondary air injection and most 07 and up balts have it. You can tell if you have it if there is an extra hose coming off your air intake

my bad just realized you posted in 2.2 section. So check to see if you have SAI or not first

 

Nope, I don't have SAI.

 

Ok then the options are a) off road (cat-less dp) or b) add cat converter. Most people add a high flow cat converter because then it doesnt throw a code/cel, and then it doesnt sound real raspy. So definitley might want to add that option. You are going to need a 02 sensor bung cuz your 2.2, so add that as well, then if you wwant new gaskets, thats up to you. most people just go to napa or remflex to get new ones cuz there gaskets are better.

any more questions?

 

What are the expected hp gains from zzp's header/dp/exhaust?
I'm most likely getting zzp long tube header/dp and I'm stuck between either zzp or megan racing catback. Suggestion?

 

there are so many cat back out there, Catbacks dont really help you gain anything, except sound and pipe size. At most a 2hp increase.

Wat kind of sound are you looking for?

The hp gains come in the header/dp. Full exhaust probably gains 18-20hp.
FYI a fully bolted and tuned 2.2 gets around 180-190 hp (fully bolted means 2.4 tb/im, full exhaust, air intake)

 

I just want a nice deep tone, nothing ricey.

 

05-10 CHEVY COBALT EXHAUST - BOLT ON - (304 STAINLESS - 2.25 IN)

check these out. The muffler makes all the sound. You can choose between Vibrant, magnaflow, or borla muffler. Most choose magnaflow or borla. Sound great. And cant beat the price.

you can get it in 2.25 piping or 2.5'' whatever you want. 2.25 might be better for you though. whatever you do, dont go over 2.5" because you want have enough backpressure

 

I have the zzp long tubes and megan racing cat back (sai-less ) and it's a loud attention grabbing catback. I will be replacing it with a stock lsj cat back soon.

 

I got the zzp long tube with a lsj cat back, it sounds good it's louder then stock. It not real loud. The long tube was a replacement for as cav1 header and lsj or 2.5 catless downpipe, which ever I was in the mood for I swapped back and forth a few times, it feels way better now.

 

Yes you need a downpipe with the long tube header, although it is very short and only the one that comes with the header will work.

When I asked ZZP about their headers before I purchased one they told me that the long tubes make more torque than the mid length. They are really designed to work well with a supercharged setup but I ran the long tube header on my naturally aspirated 2.2 for a few months and loved the results.

Offroad downpipe has no catalytic converter and you will therefore need a tune to get rid of the rear o2 sensor to avoid having a check engine light, plus you will never be able to pass a visual inspection. Catted downpipe comes with a high flow cat. The o2 bung option adds an additional o2 bung (makes 2 total for the catless and 3 for the catted option) which is to be used if you have a wideband o2 gauge. There are only 2 gaskets, the one that goes between the head and header and the one between the downpipe and catback, both of which you will want to replace.

 

Thanks, this is exactly what I needed.

Another unrelated question, with the 2.4 intake mani, would I need to get a new CAI for a 2.4? Or will a 2.2 one still fit up?

 

2.2 will still work

 

all seems well and dandy, but what if you do have sai.. no header swap.. what are my options there? can i delete the stupid sai?

 

There is a way to bypass it, there's a thread around here somewhere on it.

 

And if you don't want to delete the SAI ppe engineering makes a header/dp combo specifically for SAI cobalts.

 

ill look into it, thanks

 

Chevy Cobalt 2.2 header from PPE - YouTube!

i hope its that custom cat back that is making that uncle bens sound

 

The primaries are only 1.5" and the downpipe is 2.5" but you can get it in a catless version which is probably what that guy has unless he has a cannon on the end.

 

to each his own but i dont want my car to sound like that, quieter for sure. i definitely love the way my intake sounds tho. one small step for a car, one giant leap for a noobie.

 

Yeah well if you got the catted version and got a good catback I highly doubt it would sound like that.

 

alright thats what i figured and thanks for the info 06 cobalt, probably gona go magnaflow

 

I personally love the magnaflow exhaust. It is a little on the louder side of exhausts. Just to give you a heads up.

 

I just had a generic twin loop muffler, 2.5" dp and cat-back, and a 26" magnaflow glass pack installed. Used the glass pack as a resonator. It is super quiet. You hear more motor than exhaust at full throttle. I love it and will have a vid posted soon

 

looking forward to the vid supernova