OK, here is the comparison of the stock 2.4L HHR exhaust and the IMCO muffler we will be offering as a replacement. Pics first:

http://www.songramp.com/photos/ArtistArticle5974.jpg

Note how much nicer the IMCO tucks up and in. It looks light-years better than the stock "aluminum turtle" with its massive heat shield. (IMO)

Here are the sound clips: (stock first / IMCO second in all cilps)

1) Starting/Idling (http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/f/HHR_Exhaust_-_Starting.wav)

2) Revving (http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/f/HHR_Exhaust_-_Revving.wav)

3) Accelerating (http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/f/HHR_Exhaust_-_Accelerating.wav)

It is difficult to get the exact tone from an outside recording, but it is close. We recorded this with stereo microphones (on video camera), mounted on a tripod about 28" off the ground and 3-feet behind each HHR.

I love the sound. I'm getting mine installed this week!
Video to follow in a day or two...

Your thoughts gentlemen? :confused:

Does look better than the stock!!!! Cool deal.

Is it only 2.4?

like the sound of stock better but the other one looks good second one sounds like a moped

Is this just the muffler you replaced ? Nothing else?

Have this been dyno? or is there reference to dyno charts?

Sounds like a fart in a can Honda exhaust and I like the stock tip better. The stock tip is way cooler and better built. ;)

Sounds like a fart in a can Honda exhaust and I like the stock tip better. The stock tip is way cooler and better built. ;)

LOL

I heard a subie the other day that sounded really good. May have been the turbo on it, but the exhaust note was really good. I may have to start trolling subie boards.

"Is it only 2.4?"

No Adam, this muffler will fit either model.

"Is this just the muffler you replaced ? Nothing else?

Yes, this is just an aftermarket replacement for the stock muffler.

No dyno numbers yet. No big power promises – just better sound.

I’ve heard the Magnaflow cat-back and it’s just too “ricey” for me. I’ve been trying to work with Gibson on one but they are not showing much interest. I’m at the point where I can’t see dropping $350 for a cat-back; only to find out it sounds like a wanna-be Honda racer!

While some may think the recording sounds like a “fart can” I can only say that in person it sounds much better. We didn’t have time to experiment with mic placement here. It was a one-shot deal on a closed off street.

Perhaps after I get mine done this week, I’ll post clips recorded up at ear level, as opposed to “street level” – I have a feeling the mics were too close to the muffler (3-feet), and that is why the sound is off. It really does sound nice and throaty.

Best of all, the noise inside the car is barely louder than stock under normal driving conditions. When you put your foot in it, it gets louder, but never “droning” like the Magnaflow or Flowmasters were.

Kenny tested all 3 and preferred the performance, interior and exterior sound of the IMCO over both Magnaflow and Flowmaster replacement mufflers.

All I can say is if you like it – great! If you don’t – hey, that’s great too. I’m just trying to provide an option that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – and doesn’t sound “ricey” going down the road. :thumb:

Your thoughts gentlemen?

You know, I don't mind it when they call me one of the guys....But I draw the line at being called a gentleman :p: .

You know I am only joking Mike. Kenny's ride sounds great in person. Just my 2cents.

Becky

Just info for thought..
I have a G35 also.. I added so many mods to it..
But one thing that helped alot with performance was a full Cat-back system..
I changed the exhaust from the headers to all the way back to the tail pipe... and its noticed when you gentlly add pedal... zoommmm

I know its a V6.. but .... a inline four will need all the help it can get also...

Ooops! Sorry Becky! (You know more about cars and engines than a LOT of guys I know!)


"Kenny's ride sounds great in person."

BTW - your check's in the mail! ;)

Just info for thought..
I have a G35 also.. I added so many mods to it..
But one thing that helped alot with performance was a full Cat-back system..
I changed the exhaust from the headers to all the way back to the tail pipe... and its noticed when you gentlly add pedal... zoommmm

I know its a V6.. but .... a inline four will need all the help it can get also...

The HHR already has 2-1/4" tubing throughout. I don't think a cat-back is going to do much more for it. The most problematic issue will be finding a cat-back that has the sound you like. That can cost quite a bit!

I like the sound it sounds deeper and fuller to me. Also like the new tip.
What do you expect the cost to be?

Charles

Still working that out Charles. Hope to have an answer this week. :thumb:

Did I miss the part about cost ?

Read 2 posts up. ;)

the imco sounds like a rice rocket crossed with a bug

Has anyone heard what a flowmaster 60 series muffler sounds like?

Has anyone heard what a flowmaster 60 series muffler sounds like?

Yep. Too much muffler for the HHR.

It's great if you like no backpressure (gutless performance), and a loud droning sound at pretty much any rpm except idle. :D