Just finished my exhaust install, very happy...

**TheJudge05** · 03-21-2010, 08:03 AM

I spent half that day yesterday installing a new Magnaflow catback system. The install was incredibly easy, the original exhaust came out easy, since I only have 17k on it and it is only driven in the good weather, all the nuts and bolts came off very easy. I was surprised to see the crimped restricted areas in the piping of the original exhaust. I also weighed the parts. The new mufflers are 6lbs lighter per side and the x-pipe (with intermediate pipes) is 8lbs lighter then the stock resonator and piping, thats a total of 20 lbs lighter, sweet...
So for the seat of the pants feel and sound - To be clear, my car is totally stock except, a K&N CAI and now the Magnaflow (MF) catback. What I noticed right away is how responsive the motor feels now, seems to rev up thru the RPMs very quickly. When driving the car, it feels more nimble and definately faster. I don't know what the power gain is when combining these two mods, but K&N claims 14hp on a stock LS2 and MF claims 9hp, certainly feels like it, or more.
So for the sound - I've heard many people say that the MF system isn't loud enough, I can understand why, right now the best way I can describe the sound is to say it is refined, it is louder then the stock system and really comes to life around 2500 RPMs, I've driven some exotics due to my work (Automotive engineer) and I think the new sound is close to a Ferrari V12, Maserati, or Audi V8 sound. The x-pipe seems to be making the sound double up, during my first drive I had to look at my tach because it sounded like I was doing 5000 RPMs when it was only 3000 RPMs. I need more time driving the car to give more impressions of the sound, however I like it. I had a 99 SS with the SLP loudmouth system, it was fun as hell but it also resonated like crazy right at 72 mph or typical cruising speed. It was so bad that I considered ear plugs when going on a trip, not fun in the end. Just another perspective.