Final Decision Time

[Unknown]

I know the GTO isn't a Fbody, though since the engins are pretty much the same (use most of the same parts) I figure I will post here instead of in the Lounge since I have no where else to post .

I want to get the exhaust and stuff done on the GTO befor track day on Nov 20. I got a few choices I can go with here.

Now for headers I'm doing LT's. The shop I'm going to will sell me Stainless Works kit that comes with their LT's, cats and x-pipe. I don't know if these are coated or not... my main thing is rust, I don't want my headers rusing like the Edelbrock ones I had on the Camaro. I can go with that (I dunno how good SW's is), or I can go with some Kooks headers with cats for $1250 plus shipping... no x-pipe.

Now for the cat's back I can either take my chances, order the Borla cat back system (820 shipped with a GP on LS1GTO) which should ship in 2-3 weeks and hope it gets here on time. Or the same shop I'm having install the LT's custom make me an exhaust from the cat back. I'm not sure if they use stainless steel or aluminized tubing. I've heard aluminized tubing is good, it wont rust or anything? If I go with the custom I will have them use Borla mufflers and the Borla ProXS 4" round tips like they use on their cat back.

The last thing I'm wondering if it is worth $400 to have them do cut outs as well? It's money I don't want to spend now but would be the time to do it. If I would gain 15 or so RWHP or lower my ET's it might be worth it, if not $400 can be spent on other mods that can make me go faster.

[SocalSS]

If the headers are stainless steel, don't worry about rust. I would go with the custom exhaust. You usaully save money on that route. Forget the cutouts. $400 for a .1 sec is not really worth it. Plus you will already have a great sounding exhaust. Just my .02...

[Unknown]

Originally Posted by SocalSS

If the headers are stainless steel, don't worry about rust. I would go with the custom exhaust. You usaully save money on that route. Forget the cutouts. $400 for a .1 sec is not really worth it. Plus you will already have a great sounding exhaust. Just my .02...

Yeah this is what I was thinking. I'm not sure how much the custom exhaust will cost, though I do hear it's usally cheaper than a cat back. I've never done business with them yet, but I hear they are one of the best in Az. On top of that they are suppose to have an expert dyno tuner there named Nic. They have done 10 custom GTO exhaust so far, so at least I won't be the first one

[GradeZ28]

Another reason i yet again say there should be a "general tech" forum added

I would go with a custom exhaust as well. I think if you spray engine paint on the tubing (the really high temp stuff.. i think its 1200*) it will help keep it from rusting. $400 seems like a bit for the cutouts, but if you have the money.. go for it.

[Unknown]

Originally Posted by GradeZ28

Another reason i yet again say there should be a "general tech" forum added

I would go with a custom exhaust as well. I think if you spray engine paint on the tubing (the really high temp stuff.. i think its 1200*) it will help keep it from rusting. $400 seems like a bit for the cutouts, but if you have the money.. go for it.

Well they will be electric cut outs, and I need 2 of them. They are $360 for both then install so around $400. The headers are stainless steel. I guess I was just wondering about coated headers... but seems Kooks dosen't offer coated headers anyways.

[GradeZ28]

Originally Posted by 94_Z28

Well they will be electric cut outs, and I need 2 of them. They are $360 for both then install so around $400. The headers are stainless steel. I guess I was just wondering about coated headers... but seems Kooks dosen't offer coated headers anyways.

oooh, i guess $400 isn't that bad then since they will be electric.. sweet.. go for it!

[Unknown]

Originally Posted by GradeZ28

oooh, i guess $400 isn't that bad then since they will be electric.. sweet.. go for it!

Gotta think about it this way though. $400 on electric cut outs, or $400 on SFC's and a tranny cooler.

[GradeZ28]

Originally Posted by 94_Z28

Gotta think about it this way though. $400 on electric cut outs, or $400 on SFC's and a tranny cooler.

If i was going to make that decision i would go for the SFC and tranny cooler. Seems like a more logical upgrade.

[camarrowz28]

if you are getting an x-pipe then you will not have to worry about the cat back, correct? if you get the one with the x-pipe will you get true duals?

[drews94z-28]

hey man what did ur GTO run stock?

[Unknown]

Originally Posted by camarrowz28

if you are getting an x-pipe then you will not have to worry about the cat back, correct? if you get the one with the x-pipe will you get true duals?

The car comes with true duals stock. You need an x-pipe for backpressure. The stock exhaust has some nasty crimps in it, and sounds like poo IMO. Really getting a new exhaust (from cats back) wont gain me any power... like 5RWHP, but it will make it sound like it should.

Originally Posted by drews94z-28

hey man what did ur GTO run stock?

It ran 14.2. Though you have to remember that was my very first time at the track, so I got too excited and spun the tires all the way down . On top of that the car had less than 800 miles on it.

[HMFDZ28]

Kooks doesnt offer coated cause it would be a waste with those headers. I can honestly say that they are the way to go for header. The fitment and power gains are impressive. As far as a Catback goes its all up to you, you factory catback is not very restrictive at all. And as for the x-pipe, it is for a scavange effect not back pressure.

[Unknown]

Originally Posted by HMFDZ28

Kooks doesnt offer coated cause it would be a waste with those headers. I can honestly say that they are the way to go for header. The fitment and power gains are impressive. As far as a Catback goes its all up to you, you factory catback is not very restrictive at all. And as for the x-pipe, it is for a scavange effect not back pressure.

I would say the x-pipe is for a scavange effect, but also backpressure. I did have my resonator removed and an x-pipe installed. The first reason I did the x-pipe instead of straight through was I didn't want to lose anymore backpressure, and for the scavange effect.

Also why do you say Kooks are the way to go? I've heard they are good, but isn't SW's also one of the best?

[HMFDZ28]

Stainless works is also a great company but not forthe extra money. The Kooks are just an amazing quality, fitment, and over all design. I have accually talked to the owners son (bassically runs the shop now) and I am just impressed with thier work. Everything is hand welded to perfection. As for the install (on an Fbody) they just slip right in and have been proven to provide more power. My buddy Lt's still look brand new. It was the first time I have installed headers and everything lined up perfectly without banging **************** and jacking up motors. Plus they are good enough for the GMMG and Berger cars, I think they are good enough for me. Alot of dough but worth every penny.

BTW Top three header companies over all (no order) are Kooks, Stainless works and QTP. All three make great products.

[02VTZ]

Sounds as if you got all the good advice already but if you are still looking for input, I'd say scrap the cutouts too. With the good exhaust I don't think the gain (if any) would be worth the expense and the SFC'c and/or tranny cooler will be worth their weight! Plus, won't the cutouts pretty much make all backpressure disappear?

PS Still love the car! Gonna be one bad ride by the time you are done!