I found the longer LT resonator helped with the quiet, I’m not looking forward to my 2011’s exhaust to rust out.

 

Do a muffler delete 😈😈😈

 

I had to learn the hard (expensive) way that most car manufacturers spend a lot of money getting the exhaust systems right on most cars and are not as restrictive as many people think. I learned through research that very few aftermarket exhausts give a significant performance upgrade without certain trade offs, for example, drone. I have a Camaro and hated the ugly "suitcase" exhaust but after spending (wasting) money on an aftermarket exhaust, mainly for looks and sound, it droned so bad that I started to almost hate the car and I ended putting the stock exhaust back on. I should have known better because every aftermarket exhaust I bought over the years turned out to be a waste of money, especially on non-V8 cars. Yes, they may sound cool revving it up in the driveway or in sound clips but actually driving a car with some of these aftermarket exhausts is a lot different that what you may expect. In short, if you really plan on actually driving your car for long distances, a stock system is probably best.

 

Or a well thought out exhaust system, like the mandrel bent 2” catalytic converter pipe and 2 1/2 inch cat back Walker system I installed on my 2007, 2.2 LS , it was factory quiet but flowed much better then the restrictive OEM pipes.
On most of my cars with a V8 I would install dual 2 1/4 inch pipes through Walker Lincoln mufflers , never got pulled over for excessive noise.

 

I agree 100%. And Walker seems to be the systems I always went back to after screwing up with other brands.

 

I don't notice the Gibson 2.5 inch system unless I'm into the gas a little bit...

 

I bet there are original SS mufflers lying around in garages everywhere. Stainless, straight through, and not loud.

 

Yep, I agree. All HHRs have aluminized stainless exhaust systems stock. Mine is perfect, & I can hear the stereo. I don't need a loud 4 banger.

My V-twins are loud enough fer me.

 

Old thread, but figured I would update...
first off, I have cai, headers into zzp 3" high flow cat, into resonator, no muffler...

I found options, zzp makes fine inserts, but never did anything about it.... well sort of... I bought wife a 15 chrysler 300 after I made this original post. Then gave hhr to the kids, who like the exhaust...

anyways, if anyone ever needs to lower their nose add muffler if you did muffler delete, still not quiet enough, order exhaust cone inserts from zzp.