Headers and Exhaust size question

[jsteinm1]

I'm working on trying to plan out my mods so I end up with a good mix of things that don't need to be changed down the road (most bang for my buck). I'm not sure where I want to go with exhuast, or what is cost effective.

I would like to grab a set of ARH long tubes, although the price is huge. Would running these be worth while performance wise on a truck that has basic mods (intake, TB, tuner, etc)? Or would JBA shorties net me the same gains at a much better price? Any difference with sound between the two?

Secondly, for exhaust. The 2012 sports have 2.25" piping correct? Is there any benefit in getting a catback system and increasing to 2.5"? Or would I be best off going with something like the mufflex kit and leaving stock piping? I don't want to replace good parts if its not going to give me any benefits...thats money that could be spent somewhere else

 

[ATXHEMI]

Long tubes will give you much better gains than shortys. Especially with supporting mods(intake tb tuner). And the pipe after the y is 3". I'm not sure if the arh headers come with the y pipe but if they do the they should match right up to the factory pipe. And a better flowing muffler would be beneficial with this setup. Hope that makes sense.

 

[09SMOKINHEMI]

what he said ^^^

although the ARH long tubes are more expensive, they'll yield you more power. you might talk to Chaney about his long tube set up. he just had his installed not long ago. also, since you have the tuner, it'll definitely make the LT's worth it

 

[jsteinm1]

Sounds good. With the LTs, is there much/any benefit with replacing all of the cat back piping? Otherwise I will probably look at swapping to either the mufflex or a borla universal muffler which would really save a dime to leave all the stock piping in place - except the resonators.

 

[ATXHEMI]

All you will need to do is swap the muffler. Get a single in dual out. It should drop right in. And if you want a little more rumble get rid of the resonators.