The 2.0 L engine is a real soot producer ! To make matters worse, the shape of the beautiful exhaust tip is such that it displays the soot for all to see.

Has anyone tried modifying the exhaust to try to reduce the appearance of this phenomenon ?

I was thinking of drilling a 1/4" hole in the bottom of the exhaust tip a couple inches from the rear, which would hopefully let the soot drip out before it reached the tip end.

 

haven't noticed on my SS with over 800 miles now, post some pics so we can see what yours is like............

 

I've got 3 late model vehicles, all with chrome exhaust tips. All of them create the same black soot residue around the chrome lip on cold start up. I think it's just more noticeable on my SS because of the lip design. My other two GM vehicles have rolled tips which also have drain holes from the factory to prevent rust. If the SS tip would have needed a drain hole, I believe GM would have put it there. I wouldn't recommend drilling a hole unless you want to start rust.

That moisture you're seeing on startup is coming from the catalytic converter. They tend to suck moisture back into themselves while they are cooling down. You might try warming up the vehicle first and then wiping the tip down again just before cruisin'. But now you have to keep your foot out of it or take a rag with you. I've noticed black smoke belching out in my rear view mirror under hard acceleration.

 

+1 on the rust not a good idea to drill holes in exhaust.

 

You can coat it with rust prevention but you are still more likely to get rust than if you didn't drill a hole. Plus my S4 tips get just as dirty if not dirtier, so it's not just the SS.

 

I can quote you pages from the SAE paper on the SS motor but the short
version is GM spent alot of time with chamber design and injector timing to
minimize soot. The soot comes from the DIRECT INJECTION . It is a known
condition with all DI motors including AUDI. The AUDI racecars have particulate filters to remove. it is NOT because it is rich. It is not rich. If
you log data with DASHHAWK , you will a/f is 13-14 to 1 in lower rpm range
dropping to mid 12's at higher rpm. This engine runs much leaner than an
equivelant port fuel turbo motor.
Other than the appearance, nothing to worry about.

turbofreak
mostly retired GM roadracing engineer