I am confused by all of the different parts that compose an exhaust system. I hear things about resonators, catback system, high-flow cats, y-pipe, etc....

Can someone please give me a rundown of how all of this works together and what each part does? I would like to improve the sound of my Z by making a LITTLE louder, deeper and more aggressive, but I don't want to spend $2000 at this point or do anything that might render my car unable to pass emissions. EnthuZiast (i think..) posted earlier that he purchased a Flowmaster muffler instead of a full catback system and reported that he loved the new sound. Could somebody learn me

 

I'm signing up for class too. Dr. Bonz?

 

I've got my TrapperKeeper ready.

 

OK, I'll take a stab at it...


For the Z, I believe it goes like this:

Engine --> Headers --> Dual cats (initial stage: one for each engine bank) --> Y-pipe (including last stage single cat) --> Resonator --> Muffler --> Atmosphere

 

And as far as I know for making power, the cats and y pipe are your best best for freeing up HP.

I'd expect with a resonated test pipe and a better Y pipe, You can see around 15-20hp.

 

Exhaust Lesson #1.....I'll continue the Lesson shortly..RECESS

 

Why do people call them Test pipes? Is it because that's the excuse for using them on the street... "Sorry officer... I was TESTing them out."

 

Lesson #2......

-The most restrictive parts of the Exhaust Are: The Y-Pipe, and the Cats. The Z has FOUR Cats (Stock) which you could replace with TWO High flow cats, OR Resonated Test pipes. I dont think the Test pipes are for you, however, because they get quite loud, and your chances of passing emissions diminish. Replacing the Y-Pipe alone will show some gains and improve the sound ALITTLE, but not much. The Cats are the MAIN bottleneck in the system, I recommend some nice High Flow cats: Kinetix or Crawford.

Next! You say youd like to make it alittle louder...I recommend going to a TRUE DUAL (refer to picture) Exhaust system, Like Injen or Borla. Borla is Louder than stock, Injen is Much louder than Borla, Search around for sound clips. Borla will give you a V8 type exhaust tone, but subtle.

-SO. Based on what you want: Louder/Deeper/more aggressive, I think a Borla TD+ HF cats would be a good combo for you. I love them. End of Lesson.

 

A TRUE DUAL System Resembles This.............

 

Great lesson, I didn't know learning could be so fun!

 

lol

 

Thanks a lot.

 

So what if i want to increase HP, but not noise?

Which would you look at changing out then, or can you?

(damn. i think i just got old.)

 

Increasing HP means= More noise unfortunately.

In your case: Replace the Y-Pipe, wont alter the sound much. OR, replace the cats with HF cats, which will end up making the exhaust note alittle more throaty. If you do Both, You'll get a noticeable change in Exhaust note, Not TOO drastic, and you'll definitely feel a difference in performance.

 

I think I finally understand why a True Dual does not have dual mufflers pieces. Always wondered about that.
Hey Sluggo, check must have bounced over at 350Zmotoring - it's down again!

 

I was always under the impression that better headers got you more HP than the Y-pipe.

By the way, I love how my Borla sounds. Not too loud but more exotic (almost Italian) than stock.

 

Want something cheap but sounds awesome? get the topspeed exhaust from ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33630

 

That is true, however I was giving recommendations, keeping their Sound preferences in mind. Upgraded Headers will be more noisy than an upgraded Y-Pipe, not to mention, Headers are such a pain in the A$$ to install.

 

Zbottom

 

I like my Artwork better.

btw: I did away with the resonator in my lesson, because imo, it really doesnt matter.