Hello Guys , I have an HHR on order and have read quite a few tips here and wondered if anyone has used the muffler I have seen on Ebay from CGS Motorsports ? It appears that the IMCO muffler gets the best reviews here on this forum or some other forum , i'm not sure . The one on Ebay looks nice but does anyone know what it sounds like ? Does the IMCO muffler rust out ? It looks to me like its quality is less than a stock muffler and looks too much like a cheap muffler prone to rust . I live near Chicago and the streets get salted . The CGS muffler looks to be much more durable . I'm looking for quality and sound , not a cheapo that will rust in 2 yrs . . Any advice ?
Mike.

 

For you area, definatly go with stainless. You will only get a few years with anything else. Not sure what muffler you saw on ebay, but if it was the "axle back" system, that is only the muffler and a short section of pipe. Hardly worth what they want for it.

Your stock muffler is stainless, not sure about the IMCO, never heard it mentioned it was stainless.

 

 

Hey Guys , Thanks for the info and the Welcome ! I'm new here and have an HHR on order and would like to plan ahead some . That stainless one looks nice and I suppose it would have a good life span . I have a catback on my PT Cruiser (great car , 5 1/2 years and only a brake job with 56K on it , I hope the HHR is as good) which sounds awesome . 2 1/2" pipe all the way back to duals with small resonator tips . Sounds low and deep . All aluminized coated . Its on there 5 1/2 years now with no rust showing other than the clamps . I only want an axle back that will sound a bit lower than stock . The stainless one on Ebay is a bit pricey for a muffler thats for sure . I am an anti rice-burner guy ! I hate that sound . Awefull is'nt it ? So you know where I'm coming from . I will cringe the first time I hear one on an HHR and cringe everytime I hear those goofy rice burning go carts . I actually hope this gets them pissed if they read this too ! I'll put a new grill and a K&N air filter on . I have heard the ones without running boards have a tendancy to let the rear lower fender get chips from road grit. Does anyone know of that clear fender guard stuff ? I think it is a thick clear soft plastic which has a clear glue backing .Mine won't have running boards , all show and useless as a true running board in my opinion . Without them leaves a perfect place for lakers .I noticed they do have a clear guard in place already but I'm not sure its adequate . I have a panel on order to arrive in 3 weeks . 17" polished 5 spoke wheels , auto trans , fog lights and a 2.4 . No other options .The panel has clear fender stone guards while the window version has a larger plastic painted door guard . Any ideas for protecting that area ? Boy I sure do have a lot of questions Huh ?. This seems like the right place to ask though .
Thanks Again,
Mike.

 

I've already heard it..........

Good luck, nice to hear that the panel has the protective film. I'm sure plenty will be curious of it over the guard they now use.

 

I just installed the IMCO on my HHR. It was a nice improvement over stock, a little deeper sound compared to stock. (non-ricey)
It got louder when I installed the CGS cold air intake. It sounds a little ricey now, but only at wide open throttle.
Sorry, can't help you out on if it will rust out early or not, the IMCO has only been on for a week and a half.

 

Thanks guys , So the Ebay SS $$$$ muffler is out . I'm seriously thinking about the IMCO now . Its probably best to find someone who has one and hear it myself. I have time . Thanks again guys ,
Mike.

 

Go to SoCal's web site, he has a clip (if it's still there).

 

to the site!!!

 

For the price I'm sure the Imco couldn't be stainless, so it's hard to say how it will hold up where they put salt on the roads in Winter. That's not a big problem here around Phoenix! But, then again, for the price you could replace an IMCO every 2/3 years (Whatever!) if you like the sound. It wouldn't break the bank!