Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

I'm gonna buy an exhaust system from ZZP I've decided, but now I'm curious with which diameter piping should I go? 2.5" or 3"? Is there a noticeable difference between the two? As for HP and MPG, what would be the best? Also, there are 2 header choices, long-tube and mid-length. Mid-length offers 1.75" dia header pipers while long-tube is only 1.5" I believe.

Besides the header, there is the entire cat-back exhaust still thats again, 2.5" or 3". I think I'd rather go with either a full 2.5" or full 3", but is it better to mix and match the 2 diameters? I'm used to diesel esxhausts where we wanted to try to max the diameter as soon as exhaust exited the turbo, but does the same rule apply for gas Balts that are NA?

I'm stuck and need some advice from those who have different size exhausts!

hhrfreek

iTrader: (6)

Pick a header package and run the stock cat back. An NA build will will pick up more noise than power with cat backs. Consider future plans. If you're staying NA no reason to do anything else and 2.5" cat-back is plenty good for 99% of any 2.4l power builds.

Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

I do plan on soon going forced induction, still unsure of SC or TC. If I should just get a header and downpipe combo instead for now, then I'll go ahead and do that VS purchasing the entire cat-back system with it.

Another question that I have would be concerning the extra bung for the AFR sensor. Is that a good idea to order and install as well? Say I order a header package with the added bung option, will it come with a plug for now until I can install an AFR guage? Or will it just be an open hole for now?

Thanks

BoSStwick

I bought the 3" Long tube header and downpipe package from ZZP, and then their 2.5" Cat back exhaust. Sounds great and improved HP considerably. I agree with what hhrfreek said also.

Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

Does my stock exhaust bolt up to the long-tube header and downpipe package? If so, what diameter of exit pipes do you recommend?

BoSStwick

Yes, If you were to order from ZZP, you can choose to have the downpipe be able to bolt up to your stock exhaust. As for the diameter of the exit it would depend on if you are going to stay N/A or not. If you decide to go turbo, then I would say 3" all the way, for supercharged, my setup works great, but there are many other combinations that will work too.

hhrfreek

iTrader: (6)

Stock exhaust will bolt up if you select the bolt in option. Figure out if your going SC or TC before you pull the trigger on the header because they will not interchange. If you plan to go SC then get the header now. If you plan on going TC then just get a cat back now because your TC setup will involve a different header/dp.

Get the extra O2 bung. You will need wideband for tuning. If you are just bolting it up to a stock car, just get a plug for the extra bung until you're ready to tune or you have your wideband.

ThexGovenor

iTrader: (2)

If you are going to go turbo, dont get a header. you wont be able to use it on a turbo setup. if you plan to stay NA or supercharged then get the Longtube header to a 2.5 catback. that will flow more than you will ever need. If you are going turbo, just wait and buy a 2.5 or 3 inch catback when you get the turbo. just my $.02

Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

I suppose this really goes back to my very first "Welcome to css.net thread". For where I'd like to be, power wise, I'm thinking anywhere between 250 - 300 whp will be where I want to be. I don't mind investing a lot of money into my car, but I don't want to make it a dragster.

The forced induction kits ZZP offers seem legit, and I see a lot of people who went with their kits and love them. The difference between SC and TC is noteable, but what path would lead me to 250-300 better?

riceburner

iTrader: (66)

Turbo.would get u there easier. But really it would be cheaper to swap ur car for a cobalt ss turbocharged put on a gm stage1 tune and call it a day with a more badass car

Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

I think I'm leaning more towards an SC setup. I know a turbo would be pretty awesome, but it would end up being too much in the long run for me. Now I just need to save the fundage for the entire kit and figure out details on tuning.

hhrfreek

iTrader: (6)

SC will make it a lot of fun. You'll be happy. If you go with a 3.1" pulley/header/downpipe you will make ~230whp. To get into the 250whp range you will need a clutch. Mine started slipping at 250. You should be able to make 250whp with a 2.8/9". If you get the zzp kit go with the stage 2 kit right away so you start with 60lbs inj and a 3.1. They do have a kit tune, but a custom tune is much better.

Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

Speaking of "tuning", this is something that ZZP will do with a new ECM correct? Or would it be who of me to decline their tune and find someone local who would do a custom tune for me?

hhrfreek

iTrader: (6)

You can send them your ecm or I think you can exchange ecms. Use their tune if you have issues finding a shop to tune you. A custom tune will be quite a bit more, guessing $350+ so keep that in mind.

Trifecta is an option. Also if you pick up hpt used and find a good tuner on CSS to remote tune that may be your best option.

Jacob4ta

iTrader: (1)

Buying the ZZP Mid-Length head/catted downpipe combo right now. 1.75' primaries, extra bung for wideband and 2.5' exit flange to run my stock exhaust for now. <--- Hopefully this will light a fire under my butt to get going on an SC kit.