Direct fit muffler vs. Catback

**gfeller2006** · 08-19-2008, 11:27 AM

Ok, heres the deal, I have a 2000 ss with stock dual exhaust on it. I want it to be louder but am not really all that in to making more horsepower. I was just wanting to buy either a Hooker or Magnaflow direct fit muffler because it is so much cheaper then buyin the whole damn cat back. The cat back just come with new pipe so someone tell me why the hell a cat back is spost to so much louder than a direct fit muffler?? I am on a budget right now and was just wanting to go with the cheaper option but now from some of the replies am worried it wont even sound any different then stock with a direct fit and original pipe ??? Please help...

**hamburger68** · 08-19-2008, 01:22 PM

the sound of the exhaust is a product of different factors, construction of the muffler as well as length, diameter and material of tubing. most catbacks have larger diameter of tubing (3" +). even the shape of the tips has an acoustic effect. so yes, a catback will likely sound different than the stock tubes with a different muffler.
but as that's all a matter of personal taste, maybe replacing the muffler will do the trick for you. my single stock exhaust was really too quiet. i got a dynomax catback and replaced the muffler after a year, wasn't happy with the sound.

**sunsetorangess** · 08-19-2008, 03:08 PM

You car has a stock single in dual out exhaust. If your just looking for sound and not so much for performance check out flowmaster. The hooker and magnaflow wont be much louder than stock, unless under wot.
You can check out ls1sounds.com for some sound clips, personaly i went with a Cutout for about 25 bucks and found the sounds i wanted. I have a sound clip somewhere around here if ya want.
Took about an hour to instail and havent closed it in years.
J

**9t8z28** · 08-19-2008, 05:16 PM

What axle backs are you interested in?

**andrew69_04** · 08-19-2008, 06:08 PM

interested in a borla system? i have one in wichita if u live near here.

**fast droptop** · 08-19-2008, 10:34 PM

I just have the magnaflow muffler added to mine and it sounds great.

**fxgs** · 08-20-2008, 05:20 AM

Hooker Aero Chamber

**lilpb1** · 08-20-2008, 11:46 AM

I have a stock exhaust and was wondering the same thing. Would it be better to just change the muffler or replace the everything from the cat-back? Im on a budget but would it really make a differnece in performance if I dont change all the pipes?

**GULLETT17** · 08-20-2008, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by sunsetorangess

If your just looking for sound and not so much for performance check out flowmaster.

you can pick up a "sorda" direct fit (dont remember what series it is) for about 80 bucks . . . and it will sound good. just not that much of performance gains

for the op. . . are you gonna install this yourself or have a muffler shop do it?

**BlankinSShip** · 08-20-2008, 12:50 PM

Sack up and get the LoudMouth... The looks on peoples faces alone, is worth every penny!

I guarantee you can find one on e-bay/craigslist/message board for the same price as a new muffler!

I promise it makes all the difference!

**jess** · 08-20-2008, 02:33 PM

gfeller2006

No question about it.
Go with SLP loudmouth.
I have a LM 11 on my 2002 ss, and it is one of the best things I have ever done.
The LM is somewhat louder than the LM 11.
On my car the LM 11 is very deep, and is everything I expected it to be.
If I had it to do over again I would do just exactly the same.
Everyone may not agree on this, But SLP was the Company that GM picked to
make the SS what it is, and they knew what they were doing.
The fit and finish is excellant.
You will think you are driving another car.
My car is stock, with an SLP lid, (without a tune ) but I sure do like it.
All the best.

jess

__________________________________________________ ________________
2002 ss - Black - A4 - 323 - SLP loudmouth 11 - SLP lid - SLP # 5846

**Sarge91** · 09-03-2008, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by sunsetorangess

You car has a stock single in dual out exhaust. If your just looking for sound and not so much for performance check out flowmaster. The hooker and magnaflow wont be much louder than stock, unless under wot.
You can check out ls1sounds.com for some sound clips, personaly i went with a Cutout for about 25 bucks and found the sounds i wanted. I have a sound clip somewhere around here if ya want.
Took about an hour to instail and havent closed it in years.
J

Arnt cutouts illegal??

And what kind do you have>? I want some that i can use with my stock pips, i have the slp center exuast.

**Boomer Sooner** · 09-03-2008, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by GULLETT17

you can pick up a "sorda" direct fit (dont remember what series it is) for about 80 bucks . . . and it will sound good. just not that much of performance gains

for the op. . . are you gonna install this yourself or have a muffler shop do it?

thats what i did. i had my stock MUFFLER(still have stock y pipe and pipe that goes over the rear axle) switched out with a flowmaster super 40 and i love the way it sounds. loud and deep.

heres a couple short sound clips: (my car is stock minus k and n filter, no cats and flowmaster 40)
http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/n...t=CIMG1455.flv

http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/n...t=CIMG1454.flv

hope this helps.

**fxgs** · 09-03-2008, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Sarge91

Arnt cutouts illegal??

Shhhhhhhh!

http://www.quicktimeperformance.com/QTEC/index.php

**35ssowner** · 09-18-2008, 10:08 AM

if u want a good throaty sounding exhaust i wound suggest an edelbrock muffler

**GULLETT17** · 09-18-2008, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by 35ssowner

if u want a good throaty sounding exhaust i wound suggest an edelbrock muffler

id like to hear an edelbrock in person

**35ssowner** · 09-18-2008, 12:52 PM

go to edelbrock.com to listen to one hooked up to a camaro

**GULLETT17** · 09-19-2008, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by 35ssowner

go to edelbrock.com to listen to one hooked up to a camaro

ya ive heard em on the internet. . i gotta hear exhaust in person to determine if i really like it or not

**35ssowner** · 09-19-2008, 07:05 AM

you know i had RESEARCH muffler after muffler, asked peoples opinion on certain brands: talked with a local muffler installer he told me what people were satisfied with and what people were not satisfied with. but the final discision was to be mine. i took a chance and went with the edbrk. and couldnt of been more happy with the result i got. (this edbrk. was installed on a/my 02 camaro ss w/a 350 engine) GOOD LUCK