88,249 Camaros sold in 2011 give it a decisive sales victory over direct muscle car competitors Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger

In sports, when a team or competitor dominates for the majority of the match and coasts to a decisive over-all victory by the very end, the term "blow-out" is typically used. In the case of the battle for most popular American muscle car in 2011, you might say that a "blow-out" victory was exactly the type that the Chevrolet Camaro enjoyed.

Following the vehicle's break-out success in 2010, 2011 saw the Camaro continue its dominance. For 11 of the 12 months the Camaro moved the most vehicles--and did so, in many of those months, with a considerable cushion of multiple thousand units. The only month that the Mustang took the sales crown was the month where Ford was moving all of its prior model year vehicles at a severely discounted price to make way for the new model year, and even in that month the Mustang only managed to move 400 more units than the Camaro.

In December alone 6754 Camaros were sold, which was good for a 20% increase over December of 2010, and a 1697 unit lead over the second place Mustang for that month. On the entire year, the Camaro's 88,249 units sold took a commanding victory over the Mustang at 70,438 and the Challenger at 39,534.

So, there you have it, the Camaro is the victor in its sector for a second straight year, and with the ZL1 hitting showroom floors--and the sales for both the coupe and convertible models of the Camaro continuing to climb--it looks like a safe bet to take home the crown on a threepeat.

A ZR1 LS9 Engine just produced by Chevrolet was the 100-Millionth manufactured by the company.

In the past 56 years, since Chevrolet began producing small block engines, the bowtie emblazoned automotive company and the small block engine has been synonymous with one another. In that time, every iconic car produced by Chevrolet has been known and linked to their famous small-block engine design in some manner. Most recently, the fifth generation Camaro has become a small block powered icon on both road and track, much like it's LS small block powered big brother, the Corvette.

The sheer number there--100,000,000 for those who like lots of zeroes--really highlights the durability, reputation, and potential of the small block and speaks to the iconic nature of the GM engine. It is fitting then to also consider that the first small block, introduced in 1955, was built for the first generation Corvette and the 100-millionth produced was a hand-crafted work of art LS9 made specifically for the sixth generation Corvette's special edition ZR1--the fastest Corvette ever produced.

Of course, the transition from the first small block to the modern pinnacle LS9 is a long one, filled with numerous exciting and memorable engines. In 1992 Chevrolet first introduced its second-generation Small Block, known as the LT1, in to its Corvette. This engine became an absolute staple on tracks across the globe, and adorned various vehicles from that Corvette, to the F-Body Camaro and Firebird, and the B-Body Impala SS and Caprice Police car. The LT1, which featured a newly developed reverse cooling, is still being used in races all across the globe today.

Following the second generation, Chevrolet then introduced their first LS Engine in 1997. This third generation small block, which was first placed in the C5 Corvette, was an even greater step forward. The LS engines are all-aluminum small blocks, and the first of them, the LS1, was rated a naturally aspirated 350HP and 365 lb ft of torque--numbers that, today, are still incredibly impressive for a naturally aspirated 5.7L engine. The LS engine was then featured, in some form, in numerous different vehicles and even had a more powerful, LS6 version introduced in the C5 Z06 Corvette in 2001. This LS6 featured the same 5.7L displacement as its LS1 brethren, but put out a stomach churning 405HP and 400 lb ft of torque.

Those numbers were fairly mind-shattering for a naturally aspirated engine of the LS6's size and weight, at least, until 2005 when the first of the fourth generation small block was released. In 2005 the Corvette went from its fifth generation vehicle to the now current sixth generation, and with the change in body also came the biggest change: the introduction of the Chevrolet LS2. The LS2 was almost identical to the LS6 engine in performance and displacement, but also featured a much more even Torque curve through-out the RPM range, and had the potential to be modified for incredible gains. It was from this base LS2 that the LS7--the now revered 505HP and 470 lb ft torque monster--was produced and introduced to the 2006 Corvette. Just one year after the update of the small block, this engine seemed to be where everything was building, and the Z06 became the undeniable greatest performance bang for the buck on the globe. Within the year, there were Z06's running against quarter-million dollar European exotics on racetracks all across the globe, and each one came with the distinctive sound and tone that only a Chevrolet small block V8 can deliver through the exhaust.

Of course, Chevrolet wasn't finished there (thankfully, they're dedicated to the production of envelope-pushing performance machines) and we saw such engines as the 430HP LS3 (now outfitting the base-level C6 Corvette and the Chevrolet Camaro SS), the LSA (a 556HP Supercharged monster that can be found in the world's fastest production sedan, the Cadillac CTS-V and will also hit the streets in the body of the new super-Camaro ZL1 this year), and the engine that would be made as number 100,000,000--the LS9.

The LS9 is an absolute marvel worth talking about as well, especially considering that everything before it brought us to this point. The LS9, which can only be found in the top of the line Corvette ZR1, produces an amazing supercharged 6.2L engine based on the LS3 block and putting out a ferocious 638bhp and 604 lb ft of torque. Those numbers, in combination with the Corvette's lightweight body and wide, aggressive stance, have produced a vehicle that runs track times that best it's $250,000+ competitors. Today, the ZR1 is the undeniable greatest bargain on wheels that exists for the performance minded consumer, and, as such, is the only engine fitting to be given the designation as number 100,000,000 of its kind.

Of course, Chevrolet's not stopping at 100,000,000 and the future of the small block engine holds a great deal of excitement. Already, official reports have come out that Chevrolet is updating their engine for the seventh-generation of their Corvette, and we may see the introduction of such features as direct injection and an upgraded combustion chamber design, as well as the improved performance and efficiency numbers to match. GM enthusiasts should expect to see the next small block engine first hit the streets in the C7 Corvette, scheduled for release some time in 2014.

Made from aircraft grade aluminum (not sure what classifies something as being aircraft grade, but, it sounds fancy) these caliper covers look great and apparently are very functional. When I first saw the product listing, I didn't believe in the claims of functionality. They're caliper covers, and I just always assumed that caliper covers were purely a cosmetic upgrade.

However, the heat reductive properties of Aluminum, as well as the heat channels formed by the placement of the caliper cover, actually result in lower brake surface temperatures (of 20-50 degrees! a huge jump). Lower temperatures means lessened brake fade and increased performance and explains, ultimately, why even the most expensive big brake kits utilize similar covers.

Of course, the actual benefits don't stop there, either. Caliper covers are great for shielding brake dust and keeping that annoying stuff off of my alloy wheels. That helps to keep the wheels looking great-- a plus considering that caliper covers highlight the wheels even further.

Of course, some people go for the same look by painting their calipers. This is definitely an option, but, one that will cost an equivalent amount to caliper covers, and be less removable if you wanted to return the brakes to stock down the road. Also, painted calipers wont offer the same brake heat dispersion or dust blocking benefits of covers. I used to paint the calipers on my older vehicles, but, with these aluminum covers now being available, I can't ever see myself going that direction again.

Ultimately, these are affordable, effective, and great looking modification pieces. I was really happy to get them and, even though the install took a little longer than advertised, was happy to install them. Coupling them with my DBA rotors, and Hawk HPP+ pads, I'm pretty certain my brakes are performing at a level comparable to a $6000 big brake kit for just a fraction of the price.

The new, 45th Anniversary Edition Camaro, is a thing of beauty. Continuing in the recent history of the Camaro acting as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500, Chevrolet outdid themselves this year when they unveiled this new Camaro. Done up in a gorgeous black with red accent color combination, this 45th Anniversary Camaro featured an aggressive new hood, stylish new trunk striping, RS-style tail lamp lenses, gorgeous white dash and door inserts, unique 20-inch wheels, and dark silver foglamp bezels, to really give a striking updated visual flair. Inside of the vehicle, custom interior work, badges, and stitching really set this Camaro apart.

The updates to this Camaro don't stop there. The new 45th Anniversary Special Edition Camaro also received all of the major upgrades in store for all 2012 Camaros. These upgrades, which will help address what few issues the Camaro has had, include a revised instrument panel, power-lifting passenger seat, a new smaller and more ergonomic steering wheel, new RS style tail lamps on all Camaro models, and a new spoiler made standard on all Camaro models.

For 2012, the Camaro is seeing a few performance upgrades as well. The LT, V6 Camaro will get the new LFX 3.6-liter V-6 engine. With direct injection, the new LFX is responsible for a 11-hp performance increase to 323 hp while still delivering the same economic 30 mpg on the freeway. The LFX isn't just more powerful, either. The new engine also reduces vehicle weight by 20 pounds, for a more efficient horsepower:weight ratio.

To improve the SS Camaros performance, Chevrolet is outfitting the V8 powered beast with a highly upgraded suspension package. The Chevrolet FE4 suspension package is being made standard equipment for all SS Camaros. The FE4 package includes retuned front and rear dampers, solid stabilizer bars, and 20-inch alloy wheels, which are all said to work together to improve cornering on the Camaro with sharper handling, flatter cornering, and reduced understeer--the issue most often cited with the Camaro SS's performance by major automotive magazines and reviewers.

In all, the new 2012 Camaro is exciting, and the unveiling of the 45th Anniversary Special Edition was a high-point in one of the most exciting automotive weekends we've seen in a long long time.

GHL has been making exhausts for a number of years now, and the work they do has been very well reviewed, so I was confident going in. The exhaust arrived in a single, tall, box, and everything was packaged well and efficiently within it. I opened it up, took everything out of the bubble-wrap, and inspected the various pieces--everything looked awesome! The tips are over 4" in diameter, and made from high-quality, well-finished stainless steel. The enlarged dual round exhaust tips also have a fantastic visual appearance when installed on the vehicle. The mufflers are actually kind of small, compared to what I've seen from other companies, so I was a little worried that the volume and tone may be too aggressive at first sight, but (and I'll address the sound later) I was very thankfully proven wrong on that point. The rest of the piping, back through the x-pipe, is all made from the same high-quality stainless steel, and is very obviously an improvement in quality and construction over the stock Camaro exhaust. So, just looking at it, I immediately knew this thing was going to be a hit in many ways.

The install, as with the install for all Camaro Cat-Back exhausts, was quick and easy. It took me less than an hour to get the old exhaust off, and get this new one on, doing the work underneath a lift. Everything bolted up and lined up well, and looked perfectly placed underneath the Camaro carriage. If you have any experience with vehicle installs, and have access to a lift, a cat-back exhaust is the sort of install for a Camaro that can definitely be done from home, which means that at $600, this exhaust is definitely a steal! That being said, the GHL hardware, while sufficient, isn't as solid as some of the other companies. If you can find access to an upgraded set of clamps and bolts for install, I'd recommend going with them, as Stainless Steel clamps and bolts in general tend to have some issues holding their lubrication, and have a history of being difficult to work with. Even if you do end up buying improved hardware, the price is still WELL below what you'll pay from any other company right now, and the piping, mufflers, and tips are of comparable quality to what any other company offers.  From behind, the pronounced and aggressive appearance of the 4 1/4" rolled edge exhaust tips gave the vehicle a fantastic modified appearance. I love that powerful, muscle look that the round exhaust tips offers for the Camaro.

Once installed, I was excited to get this Camaro started up and check out the tone! At start-up, the increase in volume was immediately noticeable. The system is definitely louder than stock, but it's by no means deafening. This isn't the sort of exhaust that's going to wake up the neighborhood or draw you a ticket, but it's also the sort of exhaust that offers such a muscle-y and powerful tone that on the road, it's certain to draw envious looks from more than a few other drivers. And muscle-y and aggressive are the perfect descriptors for the tone. When revving it up through the RPM range the GHL Camaro exhaust emits a deep, throaty, rumble--just the sort of tone that provides the perfect combination of classic and modern, which the Camaro specializes in so well. Combining that tone with minimal drone under load (note, there is some drone, especially around the 3600-4200rpm range, for whatever reason, but it's nowhere near the drone levels that systems like the Magnaflow and Flowmaster) gives an exhaust that offers the better of two worlds. A throaty, strong growl outside, and a gentle hum inside.

During decel, however, the smaller mufflers lack the ability to even out the decel pop noise, that is common with larger (read, V8) exhaust systems. That popping tone, which, at around 2500-2000RPM when decelerating is already noticeable on the stock Camaro, is definitely more noticeable with the GHL exhaust. It's not obnoxious, by any means, and some people even love that noise because it hearkens back to the classic muscle-car days, but it is there. I'm not a huge fan of it, personally, but even given my natural disposition to that tone, it hasn't been a personal bother at all while driving. The Decel pop can even be avoided by a couple of different means. The first is, quiet simple, dropping in to Neutral whenever decelerating at a rate to cause the popping tone. By doing that, you're allowing the engine to drop RPMs in a more natural manner so that the tone doesn't exist. You can also tune the vehicle to change the deceleration rate, and, at the cost of 1-2mpg create a much more even tone. This is something that I'm considering doing, and it's not all bad, either. The 1-2mpg are lost, but a proper tune will also allow for the exhaust system to put out even more power. And, at maybe $300, the full cost of the GHL (with tune) still comes in below the cost of many competitor's cat-back exhaust systems.

So, I mentioned the tune, and I mentioned horsepower, and that leads me to my last point on this review: performance. We know the exhaust is well-built, well-designed, gorgeous, and has a fantastic tone--but how does it perform? I can't say for certain, as I did the install myself and didn't have ready dyno access, but a few things are known for certain. Aftermarket exhaust systems allow for greater air-flow, and greater air-flow means that the engine runs more efficiently. Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to HP, too, so you can be certain that this GHL provides extra HP. How much, exactly, is difficult to say. A lot of competing companies will offer different exhaust performance numbers, and you have to remember to take them all with a grain of salt. If I were trying to sell you an exhaust, I'd publish the best numbers that I could too, and what this usually means is that those exhausts that claim 16, 18, even 20+ HP are getting those numbers post-tune, and on a generous dyno. There are many many ways to eek out extra numbers on the back-end of a dyno if you know how to manipulate it to your cause, and that's what a lot of companies do. Realistically, any and every exhaust will give you a similar performance gain. There's some variance, as the more aggressive systems ultimately do allow for greater air flow, and, ultimately greater HP, but the 9-14 range is pretty much how it is for all cases. Trust me--I've dyno'ed multiple systems with multiple people on multiple vehicles, and those numbers are the standard across the board. So, let's assume the GHL gives 11-12 HP extra (right in the mid-range of them), then. That's the sort of HP that's noticeable, but not super-obvious while driving. I can honestly say I felt like the Camaro had more pick-up with the GHL exhaust on it, but I also wonder how much of that feeling comes from also hearing how much more aggressive the vehicle sounds. No matter what, the performance is along the same lines of what any other exhaust will offer, and at a steal of a price. Again, too, if you tune your GHL, you'll still come in below the cost of a Corsa/Borla/Magnaflow/Etc. exhaust system, and be getting every bit of power there is out of your exhaust--putting it ahead of those more costly competitors in performance.

So, here's a short list of the pros and cons for the GHL Camaro Cat-Back Exhaust, and my final thoughts on it.

Pros: Beautiful exhaust system--the polished stainless steel and large round exhaust tips look great; fantastic sound; minimal drone; equivalent performance numbers to competitors; solid construction on the piping; GREAT price.

Cons: Hardware's sufficient, but not impressive; decel pop became a good bit more noticeable; that's it.

Final thoughts: The pros far outweigh the cons on this exhaust system. Far far outweigh them. Ultimately, the incredible price means that this exhaust just can't really be beat, and that's ultimately the name of the game, isn't it? The bang for the buck? It's all here. Even if you splurge on new hardware, a tune to even out the pop and give better performance, and somebody to install it, you're coming in just below what you'd pay for the Corsa Camaro Exhaust system, alone. At that price, how can you say no? I have to give the exhaust an A, all-around, for providing the ultimate economy solution for your Camaro exhaust needs, and for doing so in a gorgeous, great-sounding, well-built, aggressive package. GHL has hit a serious homerun here, and, when it has distributors like Southern Car Parts (my good friend Jim over there was the guy who alerted me to the deal that this exhaust was, and I have to give him a shout-out for that!) selling the thing at $599.99, they've certainly got a huge hit on their hands.

(Note: the photos and videos I've used here are from the www.SouthernCarParts.com website, and I'll get my photos from taking the thing out of its packaging loaded up here this evening, also.)

Here's the official press release concerning the Indy Pace Car:

DETROIT – A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will serve as the official pace car of
the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the
announcement at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale classic auto auction, where a bidder will have
the opportunity to purchase the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars.
The 2011 Camaro Convertible is the 22nd Chevrolet chosen to pace “The Greatest Spectacle In
Racing®” and the seventh Camaro. Adding to the rich heritage is the fact that 2011 will mark the
100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500, as well as the centennial year of Chevrolet.
Chevrolet will donate full proceeds of the auction to the David Foster Foundation, a charity
devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. David
Foster, the 15-time Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, founded the organization
in his native Canada.

The pace car, along with the matching festival cars, features a Summit White exterior accented
with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front
seat headrests embossed with the Indy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument
panel trim. The instrument panel trim features extensions of the orange exterior stripes.
The color combination is similar to the design used on the 1969 Camaro Indy pace car –
replicas of which have become among the most popular Camaros in the collector world.
“It's an honor for Chevrolet to pace the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, especially
during this landmark year,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “This is also
a great opportunity for us to build on Camaro’s strong momentum, while supporting an important
charity.”

The auction for the commemorative edition pace car takes place Saturday evening, Jan. 22,
during SPEED’s live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event. The vehicle carries lot number
1284 and bids can be submitted at the auction in person or online by clicking this link for a 2011
absentee bidder registration packet:

“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Chevrolet name have long been associated with
one another beginning with Arthur, Louis and Gaston Chevrolet’s participation as competitors in
the Indianapolis 500,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO Jeff Belskus. “It is
fitting in this 100th year for both brands that we reinforce that relationship through this year’s
Camaro pace car, which resembles what many argue is the most famous pace car in IMS
history, the 1969 Camaro. We are looking forward to seeing this car on track, pacing the
greatest 33 drivers in the world on May 29.”

Pace car details

Equipped with a 400-horsepower (298 kW) V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission,
the actual pace car for the race requires no performance modifications to perform its duty in
front of the racing field.

All 50 of the Festival Committees cars will be SS convertible models fitted with the 2SS
equipment package, offering the following standard features:

• - Four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers and hydraulic assist
• - StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• - Competitive/sport mode that enhances on-track performance
• - Performance Launch Control (with the manual transmission) that optimizes hardacceleration
• launches for quicker, more consistent performance
• - Twenty-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires
• - Head-up instrument display
• - Center console with auxiliary gauge package.

Along with the 2SS equipment, the cars feature the RS package, which includes HID headlamps
and unique tail lamps.

Convertible refinement

The Camaro Convertible delivers coupe-like driving dynamics, with the unmatched fun of open
air driving. The Convertible model contains an enhanced structure designed to eliminate the
traditional compromises of open cars, such as cowl or steering wheel shake. The goal is a
convertible that drives like the coupe. All the powertrain and suspension elements of the existing
Camaro Coupe carry over unchanged in the convertible. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with
acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.

Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common
convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:

• - A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
• - A transmission support reinforcement brace
• - Underbody tunnel brace
• - Front and rear underbody “V” braces.

The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same
manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it
folds in a simple “Z” pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of
the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with
dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

The regular-production versions of the 2011 Camaro Convertible will begin arriving in Chevrolet
dealerships in February, opening a new chapter in the Camaro’s ongoing 21st century rebirth.
Even before the introduction of a convertible model, Camaro ended 2010 as the sales leader in
its class in the United States for the first time since 1985.
Chevrolet’s pace car heritage
Louis Chevrolet, who founded the brand with William “Billy” Durant in 1911, was a racer,
mechanic and pioneering engineer. He raced in the early years of the Indianapolis 500, which
also started in 1911, and served a luminary of the event in the years after he retired his racing
helmet. That included driving the official Indianapolis pace car, which was developed by Indy
500 founder Carl Fisher, who believed a rolling start was safer than a standing start. The first
Indianapolis 500 featured a pace car driven by Fisher.
The first Chevrolet selected as the Indianapolis 500 pace car was the 1948 Fleetmaster Six.
The brand would go on to lead the racing pack more than any other manufacturer.

The list of
Chevy pace cars includes:
- 1948 Fleetmaster Six
- 1955 Bel Air
- 1967 Camaro
- 1969 Camaro
- 1978 Corvette
- 1982 Camaro
- 1986 Corvette
- 1990 Beretta
- 1993 Camaro
- 1995 Corvette
- 1998 Corvette
- 1999 Monte Carlo
- 2002 Corvette
- 2003 SSR
- 2004 Corvette
- 2005 Corvette
- 2006 Corvette
- 2007 Corvette
- 2008 Corvette
- 2009 Camaro
- 2010 Camaro
- 2011 Camaro

The Facts and Functions of Your Car's Exhaust

A lot of people preach installing an exhaust system, citing such benefits as improved sound and performance as the reason why this should be done. What nobody ever really talks about, though, is what–exactly–installing that exhaust does for your vehicle. The thing is, sometimes it’s not enough to know that something does good, but more specifically, to know exactly what good it does and how it does this.

The Legality

The first thing to consider is, of course, whether or not you can install an exhaust on your vehicle. This is not meant to be a determinate of whether or not your car will accept an exhaust (as all cars will!) but instead to consider the legalities of the exhaust. With Cat-Back and Axle-Back exhausts, this isn’t really an issue, of course. These exhausts install from the catalytic converters–and, consequently, the second O2 sensor–and back. This is nearly always 50-State legal–a distinction that California has made difficult with their CARB (California Air Resources Board) requirements. The same can not always be said about Headers, or any other form of exhaust system that changes out the Cats, or Catalytic Converters (which functions to reduce the toxicity of emissions gases from vehicles). For this reason, somebody should always do thorough research about the legalities of Headers before installing them on their vehicles.

Beyond the legalities of the emissions themselves, some states have noise regulations in place in regards to vehicle exhausts. Now, it’s hard to find a system loud enough to upset these noise regulations, but it’s still worth checking before making a purchase and doing an install.

If you are concerned with the legality of a system, the ultimate solution is to stick with a Cat-Back exhaust from a major company. Borla, Corsa, MagnaFlow and others pride themselves in offering 50-state legal exhaust systems for a number of different vehicles (even though MagnaFlow does have a line of exhausts that do not meet 50-state requirements, so be safe with those). Sticking with a Cat-Back system provides the most performance bang for your buck and the greatest guarantee of legality at the same time. In fact, the benefits of a cat-back system are so numerous (vehicle engine efficiency, improved exhaust tone, improved exhaust volume, legal, HP and Torque gains, etc.) that the Cat-Back Exhaust has become considered the unquestionable number 1, first most important performance modification piece.

How It Works

An exhaust functions as a long funnel with the purpose of combustion waste-gas expulsion. All combustion engines create toxic fumes from their combustion process, and the exhausts collect these gases from the engine manifolds and send them down through a series of snake-like expulsion tubes, through the vehicle’s catalytic converters for toxicity reduction, and out the tail-pipes. The catalytic-converter performs its toxicity reduction through the use of a two-part filtration system, which utilizes platinum and rhodium in the first half reduction catalyst to reduce NOx emissions, and a burning off of Monoxides Hydrocarbons in the second half. The result is more than  90% of all toxic vehicle emissions being destroyed. The importance of this piece should signify why it’s a slippery slope, legally, to change it out.

How then, if the expulsion of toxicity is the function of an exhaust, can an aftermarket exhaust provide benefits of performance and tone? It seems strange, but, it’s ultimately very simple. Aftermarket exhausts specialize in offering more efficient means of this emission flow. What this means then is that the engine may expel more waste more quickly, and, as result, breathe more easily. By doing this, too, it allows for a more efficient air intake from the vehicle. What this means, then, is that the engine has to work less hard to performance a necessary function, and as result, is able to produce extra power. By doing this, as well, the exhaust will offer a more aggressive and powerful tone, with a higher exhaust volume, as the extra air flow will resonate more through the exhaust pipes and chambers, and the increased performance will simply have your engine sounding better.

To Cat-Back, or Not to Cat-Back?

When it comes to performance vehicle exhausts, you are presented with a lot of options. From manufacturer (it’s a long long list that includes names like Borla, Corsa, Magnaflow, Akrapovic, Billy Boat, and more) the list of options only gets longer. Each manufacturer offers various different styles of exhausts, from their most reserved Touring and Street models, all the way to the loudest options, which are often times given catchy names like XTreme, ATAK, and Competition. The best way to decide between manufacturer and manufacturer models really comes down to personal preference. Some companies are reviewed more highly than others (most mechanics I know swear by Borla Exhausts), but they all offer very similar benefits when it comes to performance and build, so it comes down to the exhaust tone and volume you want. Now, sadly, unless you’ve got a whole lot of automobile crazy friends, you wont be able to hear each and every system in person. The internet offers a brilliant solution to this, though, in the form of YouTube. YouTube offers a means by which you can see and hear nearly every exhaust ever manufactured on each and every vehicle available, which makes it an indispensable tool for the exhaust shopper.

Ok, so, you’ve decided on manufacturer and exhaust model, the last choice comes down to a simple one: Cat-Back or Axle-Back? A lot of people choose Axle-Back exhausts because of the price difference, but, if you can afford Cat-Back, an Axle-Back is a mistake. For a little bit more, a Cat-Back offers much increased performance gains, and a much improved exhaust tone and volume. Often times, with the less aggressive exhaust options, there’s no real discernible difference in sound between a stock exhaust and an Axle-Back offering, and, we all know that the biggest and most enjoyable aspect of an exhaust is the enhanced ability it offers to hear your car while driving it. Also, the HP and Torque gains between a Cat-Back and an Axle-Back are almost 100%, with the average Cat-Back offering 14-25 HP, and the Axle-Back offering 8-14HP, or so.

What’s the actual difference between the two, though? Cat-Backs include all aspects of the Axle-Back (mufflers, and tips, typically, the very rear section of the exhaust) and include extended piping. The extended piping is more wide open and more efficient, and many times includes a mid-pipe option like an X-Pipe or an H-Pipe, which evens out the exhaust tone for a more clean and aggressive crescendo across the RPM range. By adding on these exhaust section pieces, a Cat-Back provides a much more powerful exhaust tone.

Other Improvements?

On top of the benefits listed above, a new exhaust also offers improved build quality over the stock. This quality comes as result of companies specializing their efforts in to exhaust R&D, as opposed to the stock exhausts which are more of an after-thought than anything else, typically. Aftermarket performance exhausts are often times made with higher quality materials, as well. Aircraft grade stainless steel tends to be the industry standard, but some exhausts are built with full titanium construction, also. These materials are stronger and more durable than stock, lighter, and tend to be more visually attractive, also. All of these aspects provide a product for your vehicle that will help to reduce its weight and make it more visually appealing.

Installing an Exhaust

Exhausts are not the most difficult install in the world, surprisingly. Cat-Back exhausts tend to be direct bolt-on replacements, and can be performed by an individual with minimal experience if they have access to the right tools. Those tools are, though, solid jacks/a lift, the proper wrenches (an air-powered wrench works wonders), and a steel resolve. The system can be removed and put on in pieces, which makes it simple, but is still a rather time-consuming process, and can take 2-3 hours. If you have the determination to do it yourself, though, by all means go for it. A number of videos exist on the internet that detail how to install an exhaust, and a talented or experienced installer can switch an exhaust out in about an hour’s time.

All that being said, if you feel uncomfortable with this as a DIY job, any competent mechanic can install an exhaust for you with relative ease. If they ever try to charge for more than 3 hours, also, it’s worth giving them an argument, as the work definitely will not take that long (unless they’re actively dyno-ing and tuning the system, of course). Thus, the issue of tuning comes in to play, and this is one of the questions most often asked. Do you need a tune with an exhaust?

The short answer to that is: no. The long answer to that, though, is: no, but it couldn’t hurt. Anytime you modify your vehicle, especially an aspect that changes the air flow through the engine system, you’re asking the engine to perform differently that it did at stock. An Exhaust, by itself, should never ever throw a code when changed out, but when installed in conjunction with other modification pieces (i.e. intake, headers, etc.) a tun is very very useful to ensure that your vehicle is running as properly and efficiently as it can.

So, ultimately,

I hope that this helped you understand your exhaust system better. Also, I hope it helped you make the decision to begin your vehicle tuning and performance modifications with a new exhaust. Few components are as important or as useful, and even fewer will provide you with the HP Bang for the Buck that an exhaust will. Once an exhaust is installed, too, every new modification piece you install will help get both more HP from the new enhancement, as well as from the exhaust itself. Now, the last thing to do, is to figure out which exhaust is right for your vehicle. My vote goes to Borla (mostly b/c of their price to quality ratio, and their general availability), but, there are always other, very viable options from a variety of different manufacturers.

Thoughts Before Choosing a Borla Exhaust For Your Camaro

The Borla Exhaust have been HUGE sellers...Since they are so popular and I get the same questions, I wanted to share some thoughts before you make a decision on which one to go with...

There are several flavors for the Camaro now.....
In the ATAK Series you have the
Camaro ATAK CatBack Exhaust System

Camaro Axleback ATAK Exhaust
Camaro ATAK Catback Exhaust for Camaros with Ground Effects Package
Camaro ATAK Axleback Exhaust for Camaros with Ground Effects Package

Then you have the Borla Camaro Catback Touring System (which does not sound much different than stock. For the person who wants the increased performance with no additional change in exhaust note)

and then in the Borla Sport lineup (which is my favorite)...
Camaro Borla Sport Catback
Camaro Borla Sport Axleback Exhaust

and the only 3" Borla system (OEM system and the other above systems are 2.5")
Borla 3" Camaro Sport Catback Exhaust If you get the 3" system, you will also want to get a new Camaro Billet Tunnel Brace as the 3" system will most likely touch your OEM tunnel Plate and rattle, which will drive you nuts!!!

Some thoughts before purchasing any of them.....

All of the Axle back systems require cutting them OEM system (which i am not a fan of, just in case you ever want to go back to stock). There is also one more "dirty"secret about the Axelbacks which needs to be known....When you install the Axleback it leaves in place the OEM Pre Muffler that is up towards the middle of the car. Not a big deal, but it DOES change the exhaust note slightly as compared to the Catback systems and does not make the system a true dual exhaust as the Catback does.

Both Axle Back and Catback systems are great systems and make a huge improvement in sound, but if you can afford to spring for the extra cash, do it right and get the Catback.

From a sound perspective, you have the touring which sound not much different than stock. Then the Sport (my favorite) which bumps it up a notch from the sound perspective, but not too much. At the ATAK which is the most aggressive sounding of them all.

All of Borla's systems are awesome, but thought prospective shoppers would want to know the down and dirty on each one...

Upon registration, something in the computer systems flagged the vehicle's VIN as being fishy. Because of this, the Camaro in question was submitted to a state inspection in attempt to figure out where the vehicle's VIN discrepancy arose from. During the said inspection, California state DMV officers came to realize that the VIN number in the vehicle's window was not an original. Further inspection provided the DMV with the vehicle's original VIN number from another part of the Camaro's body, and thus the hunt for the rightful owner began.

One month later, Robert Andrews, the Camaro owner who had reported his vehicle stolen 27 years earlier, was reunited with his vehicle. We're fairly certain that after such a time the owner was certain he would never see his vehicle again, but, stranger things have happened. Now, the question becomes what will become of the vehicle. Andrews may take it back to Nevada, to where he lives, and treat is as a restoration project (and I can think of few resto projects that would have such a story and connection involved with him) or he may sell it, as a number of the West LA CHP officers have expressed an interest in purchasing the vehicle from him. Either way, it's a cool story, and should put a little smile on your face.

(Also, if you're my wife reading this, I already have all of these items, but I would love a new set of Forgeline Wheels for Christmas!)

5. A Set of Lloyd's Mats

If the Camaro suffers in any category at all, it's the interior styling--while functional and streamlined--sometimes lacks a little luster. A great way to give the car a little more visual pop, and to also provide it with a nice new means of keeping it clean and in mint shape, is with a set of new car mats. You could buy the GM produced mats, but when they tend to cost in the $200+ for a set of the front 2, that seems a little ridiculous. Couple that with the fact that the Ultimats by Lloyd's are made with a thicker, higher quality carpet and match the Camaro interior 100% perfectly at a more affordable price, I can't see any reason why anybody would want to order GM standard mats. With SCP's Free Shipping and great prices, you can score a set of embroidered custom floor mats for your Camaro lover's car at right around $100! That is an awesome present that will not break the bank, for certain!

Camaro Lloyd's Floor Mats

4. Camaro Color Anodized Billet Aluminum Racing Pedal Set

Again, this Camaro present focuses on the interior styling of the Camaro, and this is a damn good looking modification piece. This pedal sets are made from high quality billet aluminum, anodized in a highly durable coloring process, and provide an awesome, race-car look and grippy shifting feel for the Camaro Manual Driver in your home. Once again, these pedals come with SCP's free shipping and cost just $129, making them another perfect Christmas gift for a Camaro owner that they'll be certain to love, and so will your wallet. These Camaro Pedal Sets are available in Orange, Blue, Red, and also in various Black and Silver arrangements for a little bit more, elsewhere on the website.

3. Camaro Billet Aluminum Seat Adjuster

Once more in to the breach for interior styling cues! These seat adjusters are subtle for showy, and provide a great little interior touch for the Camaro owner who doesn't like to draw too much attention away from the sound and performance of the car. These adjusters are also more comfortable to use and make shifting the seat's position much easier, so you're thinking of yourself as a passenger a little bit when buying them also. And, when they cost just $40 (!!!) you've got to be certain that they're as affordable and appreciable a Camaro present as there is out there.

Camaro Billet Seat Adjusters

2. Camaro Skip Shift Eliminator

Now, this product doesn't look like much, and the cost is as affordable as they come, but if you have a Camaro driver in your family who loves getting every bit of excitement out of their Camaro, this is an absolute must own. In fact, if you're reading this and DON'T already have one of these, BUY IT FOR YOURSELF NOW! This thing is one of the favorite things I have on Camaro, and it only cost me about $25. Why do I love it so much, do you ask? Do you know the ridiculous 1-4 skip shift you get when you're running your Camaro with some force? Say you're at 5000 RPMs in 1st gear, yeah? The only place you can go from there is 4th gear! That's just ridiculous! This tiny, little, non-descript piece is brilliant in that it easily installs and eliminates that Camaro driving annoyance, quickly. So, at such an affordable price, this is a must have for any and all Camaro owners!

Camaro Skip Shift Eliminator

1. Camaro Sequential Turn Signals

Ok, this product comes as result of a tiny bit of Ford envy, I'll admit it, but it just looks so cool that I couldn't deny it! This Sequential Turn Signal Harness changes the blinkers on the Camaro to function in sequence instead of simultaneous. It's a small modification in theory, I know, but the number of compliments and comments I get as result of having these installed on my Camaro are absolutely amazing! They're also functional, as they increase vehicle visibility while turning, and, in doing so keep your Camaro extra safe against potential rear-endings. And at just $89, this Wiring Harness for the Camaro Lights is a great great great gift that any Camaro owner is certain to love.

Camaro Sequential Turn Signals