Possible to have a "GOOD" sounding exhaust??

What's up people?! I haven't posted in years!
I joined back maybe 4 or so years ago but got caught up in life and bills. Finally starting to fix up my Rivi again. Went back and forth whether to trade in and get a new car but I figure I can put into the car what i'd spend in car payments each month of repairs/mods and when money gets tight, just STOP....can't do that with car payments. The main problem on my car is the terrible paint damage! ($$$)
Anyhow,

Looking for an exhaust set-up that (a.) won't drone and (b.) won't sound like that 1980's Pontiac raspy crap at higher RPM's. I own a 97' Buick Riviera L67. I've found that it's best to keep the resonator in place and I think I'll keep that stock cat as well since I've read people regretted it. I plan to do the ...3 in. downpipe thing and delete the restrictive bend but as for mufflers? The only thing I heard online that sounded good was Hooker Maxflows. I'm looking for low rumble and as little rasp as possible. Lets say I have a set-up like that and then add headers.. how much will it effect the sound output? What do you guys think? Thanks!

-CeeKay

"good" is very relative. But if you want a good sound, amazing flow, and no drone. Try the Dynomax VT's. Best sounding muffler for the 3800 IMO, more people just need to try it to get it to catch on. IT really tames the 3800's inherent rasp and makes something out of it.

I think a downpipe change unless you are also modding the engine isn't productive.

I think you are right about the Maxflows.

If you really want a stealth system get the whole system for a 2004 Park Ave Ultra (with the stainless tips) from a GM Dealer. Have to find one that will cut you a break on the price. It could come in at about $450 - $500. The mufflers are huge and the system's tuned to get rid of that flat spot at ~2250 RPM.

Albertj

I'd just keep the stock exhaust and throw headers on there. Should give you a little growl but the resonator and mufflers on the stock exhaust should quiet things done enough.

Magnaflow!!! The way to go....................

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't want it that quiet but I basically would like the stock sound... only slightly louder..without the rasp. does anyone know the loudness difference between the dynomax vt's and the hooker maxflows. It would be nice to have the highest flow possible while keeping sound just slightly louder than stock. This really impressed me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHnK887DUT0 but since that's another car and set up, no promises mine would sound that way. Thanks again everyone for the suggestions.

CeeKay wrote:

This really impressed me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHnK887DUT0

Yeah that has a turbo which changes things drastically.

What are you mod plans?

Here's a clip of my Riv with headers installed w/ stock from cat-back (cat deleted). With this set-up, dyno measured 300 crank HP and 13.9 sec 1/4 mile.

^^ That's exactly the same exhaust I want. Sounds good.

I personally like mine, theres no rasp except very little at high RPM. This video doesnt really do it justice as the car was still a bit cold at the time of the video. It sounds really nice a operating temp, here ya go:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9KnhQgRasc&sns=em

97 park ave wrote:

I personally like mine rasp

Sounds like you're missing some exhaust parts......

Go to the showroom,want to here all your back sides and listen to the many different setups. You mite find your sound there!!!

Northeast wrote:

97 park ave wrote:

I personally like mine rasp

Sounds like you're missing some exhaust parts......

WTF are you talking about, try putting some headphones on. Sounds like youre missing some decent speakers and a brain jackass, lets hear your POS.

Thanks to all for your input. I will consider what each of you said and will listen to each when I have time. I work overnight, graveyard shift and we don't have have flash installed on this PC so I hasvn't been able to listen to the clips yet... and so worn out when i get home.. ugh.. Anyhow, It's good to know most of you have experimented with different set-ups. Is there anything NOT to do like remove the resonator? I heard about putting a glasspack muffler in it's place. Good or bad idea?

I have no resonator with glasspacks for muffs

When you get around to listening i would recommend using headphones, i find this gives the most accurate perception of how the an exhaust sounds in person.

If you really want mufflers for these cars, I'd go with Dynomax Ultraflos. They have a very deep sound at idle and low rpms but they muffle a lot of noise in upper rpms. My Regal has that with a Magnaflow cat and 18" Dynomax bullet resonator and it sounds fantastic (or at least as good as these cars can sound with exhaust).

Got a sound clip Rick?

I've been wanting to get one forever. Don't have a decent camera for it. Maybe I can find someone nearby who can get one.

cell phone with recorder and computer mic?