Overwhelmed choosing an Exhaust

[TurboSonic18]

Hey guys,

I've began to add performance parts to my 1.4l Sonic and sooner or later I will need to upgrade the exhaust for performance and sound. I'm not looking for something ridiculously loud, but I'd like to hear it when I get on it.

I feel overwhelmed by the variety of exhausts and the different parts of a exhaust system.

I was wondering what exhaust system you are running or your opinions on the following exhausts are?

DDM's Catback
ZZP's Catback
ZZP's Turboback
Borla's Catback
MagnaFlow catback
VCP Catback

Thanks guys,
TurboSonic18

 

[$ub$onic]

I am running the magnaflow on my 1.8 and love it.

But since you have a turbo. I recommend the zzp turbo back if you can get away with it.

 

[TurboSonic18]

But since you have a turbo. I recommend the zzp turbo back if you can get away with it.

Does the turbo back use a test pipe?

 

[$ub$onic]

It replaces the 1st cat with a "cat less down pipe" and I think you can get the 2nd cat as a cat or test pipe

 

[rdss]

If I had my Sonic still and had the option to go with what's available today I would run a resonated and muffler'd cat back and the MPFab's 3" anaconda down pipe/high flow catted test pipe.

 

[NewZJ]

I ordered an Anaconda from MPFab and a zzp with muffler to replace my full exhaust. I'll have a video up in a week when I finally get home to install them

 

[ShadowRS]

How to choose an exhaust.
1. Gather possible exhaust options in your price budget.
2. Find videos on youtube of the exhausts you wish to purchase.
3. Find the one that sounds the best to you.
4. Purchase said exhaust.

Can't find one you like? Repeat the process with mufflers and have a reputable shop install it.

Boom.

 

[Foxbox]

How to choose an exhaust.

1. Type ZZperformance.com in address bar
2. Find Sonic cat-back exhaust system and add to cart
3. Check out and input credit card information
4. Wait
5. Install

FTFY

Seriously though, the others are either smaller in diameter or cost way more money. ZZP's cat-back is the best option available.

As stated above by ZJ, adding the anaconda from MPFab is another great idea. ZZP's dp and midpipe are also great options.

 

[Dholzman]

Im running the zzp catback w/test pipe and love the aound

Chevy Sonic ZZP Catback w/Test Pipe - YouTube

Im also selling my zzp downpipe too if you want to pick one up at a discount��

 

[Blackhartredcar]

I have a ZZP catback with an MPfab intake on my RS. Pretty quiet cruising around 70mph on the freeway. Nice tone on acceleration around town. Best part was the superb cost for the whole system, with good fitment overall.

 

[TrippinGearz]

I had a custom catback with a glasspack but it wasnt loud enough for me so right now i have the exhaust dumped. I took the second cat out. if you do a catback exhaust it really wont be as loud as you may think. the second cat will Not turn on the check engine light and my car seems to run fine, possibly better than before. Its nice and loud and you can really hear the turbo spool. This may or may not help but I thought Id offer my experience

 

[13'sonicRS]

I use a 3" custom cat back system with 2nd cat removed and my local shop put it together using a magnaflow muffler right at the back of the car. car sounds amazing. Nice sound with out the ricer tone. I would put a resonator before the muffler because mine gets to loud around 90mph.

If you have a RS you can use the stock tip too. Makes for a more of a subtle looking mod.

 

[severous01]

for the prices of borla/magnaflow you can buy a magnaflow muffler or borla muffler and have a custom shop make the pipes for you. i had a quote and it was less than 400 total, with me buying a custom muffler from magnaflow's website.

all materials were stainless, welded, and mandrel bent. you can also have connecting ends put on in various places so you can easily remove it.

here's my muffler selection:
MagnaFlow Exhaust Products - For Trucks, Suv's, American Muscle, Diesel, & Sport Compact Vehicles
or this one: MagnaFlow Exhaust Products - For Trucks, Suv's, American Muscle, Diesel, & Sport Compact Vehicles

and here's the page with all universal mufflers:
MagnaFlow Exhaust Products - For Trucks, Suv's, American Muscle, Diesel, & Sport Compact Vehicles

 

[NewZJ]

here's a video i said i would post

http://youtu.be/s_KnLRKKWWI

 

[MPFab]

here's a video i said i would post

Sonic 1.4l Turbo with Morgan Performance "Anaconda" and ZZP catback - YouTube

Really sounds nice!

 

[NewZJ]

Really sounds nice!

I've got a ten minute driving video taken shortly after that one but the rattles and vibrations of the interior panels from my solid mounts are very distracting through some of it.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I use a 3" custom cat back system with 2nd cat removed and my local shop put it together using a magnaflow muffler right at the back of the car. car sounds amazing. Nice sound with out the ricer tone. I would put a resonator before the muffler because mine gets to loud around 90mph.

If you have a RS you can use the stock tip too. Makes for a more of a subtle looking mod.

Which Magnaflow muffler did you use? I'm looking to do my 2012 and the noise level isn't an issue with me! :banana:

 

[Frostheave]

I use a 3" custom cat back system with 2nd cat removed and my local shop put it together using a magnaflow muffler right at the back of the car. car sounds amazing. Nice sound with out the ricer tone. I would put a resonator before the muffler because mine gets to loud around 90mph.

If you have a RS you can use the stock tip too. Makes for a more of a subtle looking mod.

I know this is an old thread but do you have any videos of this setup?

 

[CorradoKev]

I know this is an old thread but do you have any videos of this setup?

I have that setup. I’ll send you a video.

 

[TECHSONIC]

Borla all the way.

I've got a Borla cat back, no cats at all, and the car sounds fantastic! Kind of pricy, but Chevy uses it, so why not? Best bang for the buck, fit in better than the stock system I replaced.