Best extractors and exhaust set up for sIII CV8 Monaro.

[AngryChubby]

I went with a twin 3" Manta system (from a twin 2.5" X-Force) on the advice that the DF's quality aren't what they used to be. Whether this is true or not, I don't know.
I love the sound mine produces, great note at idle even better at WOT and no drone with auto, 3.9's and a big converter. Would never touch an X-Force again, absolutely hate the way they make LS motors sound but some people love them (usually the ones that own them).

Just remember that headers and cats will influence the way an exhaust sounds a lot as well.

I have not been able to find alot of decent videos with the Manta kits on LS1's unfortunately will be sure to keep looking though.

[AngryChubby]

Sorry about all the questions. Alot of the videos on youtube I see of the 04-06 Pontiac GTO's have set their cars up with Borla exhausts or Flow master exhausts. Has anyone here had experience with these at all?

[bozodos]

The Borla etc US exhausts all seem to sound like the tinniest pieces of crap to my ears, have not heard of anyone over here using one though!

[IJ.]

Wow, I have only just gotten home from work and did not expect to see this much input. a big thank you to everyone who has posted with recomendations and experience. I will try to reply to everyone. The $$$$ I have set aside for the zorst is around about the $3k-$4k ballpark (staying closer to $3k if I am able) although it may be hard to get that sweet idle note I am chasing on that budget, I can get more cash but would prefer to stick to it.

I did some research/reading last night and theres alot of talk about 4>1, tri-y etc but it is still a little over my head, and as bozodos has mentioned I have very limited access if any to people with V8s so hearing setups live will be very difficult (all I really get to hear is the occasional person do a driveby WOT while im driving and even then I wont know what he/she has done.)

I started this thread primarily for advice but I am very keen to hear people experiences and what combo/set up they have and if they are happy with it.

Also I hear DiFilippo are the best on the market? is this true, Has anyone had experience with them? and what are the brands and set ups to stay away from If any?

and I forgot to mention before. My Monaro is auto.

Don't know about the "best" but having worked with Darren to spec the custom system I built for my Tonner and having him build all the Mufflers and supply the 1.75" 4 into 1 headers I can't say enough good things about him and Wayne, service second to none and they've looked after everyone I've sent there just as well, the parts supplied are of very good quality and I'm well pleased with the result!

[AngryChubby]

The Borla etc US exhausts all seem to sound like the tinniest pieces of crap to my ears, have not heard of anyone over here using one though!

haha yeah, I did notice them the be a tad on the tinny side. Do you have any recomendations on headers/extractors to compliment the exhaust notes? I think I may go the 4>1 setup as I dont have any plans to lower my car anytime soon ( I really enjoy the ride of the FE2 suspension and wouldnt want to compramise it ).

-Chubby

[RARASV8]

pacemaker 1 3/4 with good hi flow cats and a 2.5 or 3 inch exhaust of your choice!
buy second hand if you can. makesure you get the extractors hpc coated. it will cost more to get the extractors fitted than any other part.
if you feel you need a deeper "note" you can always replace the centre mufflers with hotdogs.
with hotdogs centre mufflers removed
http://s234.beta.photobucket.com/use...G0003.mp4.html

standard redback
http://s234.beta.photobucket.com/use...G0006.mp4.html

this will give an idea of what changing to hotdogs will do

Garry

[planetdavo]

Sorry to say, but there is no such thing as "the best", only what "best suits you".
Everyone has different budgets, different tolerance of drone, different beliefs regarding legalities, different thoughts on sound, and different ideas on how they want their performance delivered across the rev range.
Generally speaking (and just like tyres), you have to compromise in one area to gain in another. Finding a legal, deep sounding, drone free, cheap, low rev torque rich system is close to impossible...
Best to post up the basics of what you are looking for with any question like this, and once things narrow down, try to hear a system if possible. Fair chance you'll be surprised how reality sounds compared to a typed opinion...

[paok_18]

In order to get a good deep note, go with pacemaker 4>1's and some 100cpi cats.. I bought some custom made Di Filippo mufflers to fit on my WH Caprice, and KPM in adelaide done all the fabrication work for me & it cost $3150 all up. I like the sound of the 5L's and my exhaust seems to have a better note them then.
Also, something to bare in mind is that the merge/kiss/crossover/H- pipe just after your cat is a HUGE point to consider as different merge's make the note sound completely different.

[Wonky]

On pre VE a full DF 3" system is the best I've heard, followed surprisingly closely by Sureflo 3.5" which is much cheaper.

Extractors definitely add to the deepness of the note as do high flow cats eg. Sureflo's Ballistic Racing cats are excellent value for money and seem to last a long time. Mine have been on over 3.5 years without a problem and I know plenty of others with similar aged and even older Ballistics with no problems. However, being 100 cpsi (cells per sq inch) they are technically illegal, though I've never heard of anyone being done for them.

A couple of points about listening to exhausts - cams, extractors and high flow cats all change the sound of a system so no point listening to a car with cam if you don't intend getting one. Similarly for extractors and high flow cats. Also pointless listening to anything on a VE even though it may be the same make eg. listening to a DF system on VE tells you absolutely nothing about a DF system on your car as VE and pre VE systems are totally different.

[QldKev]

If you want to hear a LS1 with XForce front to back (4>1's 1 7/8" extractors, 200 cpi cats, 2.5" cat back) come for a drive to Bundy and I'll take you for a spin. Mine was $1700 all up supplied and fitted from a guy in Ipswich. Whilst I wouldn't had minded spending a lot more on some better exhaust options I think it does the job nicely, and the $ you save on exhaust can go to a decent OTRCAI+diff ratio+tune etc.

A lot of it comes down to what you want. There are deeper sounding systems out there. The XForce can be a bit raspy, but to me it reminds me of being in some full on race setups. I still often put all the windows down to get the full noise

[AngryChubby]

Another thanks to all of you for your inputs and opinions. There is alot to soak up and take in, but I will read over everything you have all mentioned, do some research of my own and then make a call to a exhaust shop in brisbane to see what they have to offer and make some enquiries. I only want to make sure that I pick the right zorst for me considering its a quick way to spend $3k.

A deep pleasant note that I can hear with the windows down but without a constant drone and a power gain... lets see how close I can get to that on my budget!

[bozodos]

If I were to do mine again I think I'd get HPC coated 1 7/8 Pacemakers vs the non coated 1 3/4 that I already have!

Most of the systems mentioned are not legal for sound btw, I don't really think it's much of an issue though.

I'd be all over a DF twin 3 if it were priced reasonably - I can get the local exhaust shop to knock up something that sounds as good for $1500 in stainless! (And yes I've heard their twin 3 on an L76 VZ!)

[AngryChubby]

If you want to hear a LS1 with XForce front to back (4>1's 1 7/8" extractors, 200 cpi cats, 2.5" cat back) come for a drive to Bundy and I'll take you for a spin. Mine was $1700 all up supplied and fitted from a guy in Ipswich. Whilst I wouldn't had minded spending a lot more on some better exhaust options I think it does the job nicely, and the $ you save on exhaust can go to a decent OTRCAI+diff ratio+tune etc.

A lot of it comes down to what you want. There are deeper sounding systems out there. The XForce can be a bit raspy, but to me it reminds me of being in some full on race setups. I still often put all the windows down to get the full noise

Without getting off topic of exhausts... Which Diff ratio should I be going for, I have read during my time lurking the site before signing up that changing the diff ratio makes your car a totally different machine... Does changing the diff ratio get rid of that annoying LAZYNESS that is down low in the rev range on LS1's?

[Wonky]

Without getting off topic of exhausts... Which Diff ratio should I be going for, I have read during my time lurking the site before signing up that changing the diff ratio makes your car a totally different machine... Does changing the diff ratio get rid of that annoying LAZYNESS that is down low in the rev range on LS1's?

Your auto LS1 should have 3.07 ratio with A4. In my VZ A4 I went from that to 3.46 (from an M6) and that made a noticeable difference to the low down doughiness LS1s are renowned for. A good tune also makes a big difference in that regard. Some people will say even go 3.73 or 3.91 but that's all very objective depending on how/where you normally drive and your personal requirements. I have a mate with a VX SS A4 (exhaust/OTR/tune with 230rwkw) who went 3.73 and absolutely loves it!

[heavyduty1340]

Mate-I have tried a lot of them, and still have my monaro with full Difillipo system

Difillipo ARE the best hands down once you cam or mod the motor - prior to that it is a bit subjective

Manta are good, BUT they do drone to some extent, and I have had both mild steel and S/Steel versions

My Sureflo was 100% drone free and a nice system and a touch quieter than difillipo

No name version was 100% crap and rattled to boot

Diff ratio - go 3.9's and you will love it - this is honestly the best bang for buck you will get.

It all comes down to dollars and if you will be happy, and how long you plan on holding onto the car.

As stated earlier - keep your eye out for second hand gear as people strip their cars hoping to regain cash spent on lease cars etc