The Hooker systems are aluminized...
The Hooker systems are aluminized steel and feature a straight-through muffler design, creating a good compromise between price, sound, and performance. Only one muffler sound level is available.
Hooker
Product
Formula/Trans Am '84-'02-3-inch aluminized steelPriceApprox. $230 (Third-Gen) to $350 (LS1)
Details
Hooker is part of the performance group of Holley brands. Its after-cats and mufflers are well regarded, and we've had good results on project cars with these systems but would have preferred better tips. Hooker is one of the few major manufacturers that only has one level of muffler option, simplifying its Web site dramatically. The company doesn't sell from the Web site, but it does have an online dealer locator as well as links to major online sales dealers.
Hooker Headers
(A division of Holley)
1801 Russellville Rd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(800) HOLLEY-1
www.ilovemyhookerheaders.com
Its stainless, dual x pipe...
Its stainless, dual x pipe system for the '04 GTO is a stock exit design: two out one side. Magnaflow's system for the '05-'06 GTO is similar in layout, but exits are on either side of the back bumper, like the stock systems for those years.
MagnaFlow
Product
Formula/Trans Am '93-'02-3-inch stainless
Price
Approx. $370 (LT1), $440 (LS1)
ProductGTO '04-'06-2.5-inch stainless duals
PriceApprox. $940
Product
Solstice '06-2.5-inch stainless
PriceApprox. $575
Product
Sunfire '96-'05-2.25-inch stainless
Price
Approx. $780
Product
Vibe '03-'06-2.25-inch stainless
Price
Approx. $550
Details
MagnaFlow builds a wide product line for late-model Pontiacs, and it also produces the CarSound high-flow catalytic converters. The company's systems are all 304L stainless steel, and its mufflers are the straight-through design used by the majority of the manufacturers, a perforated core with fiber packing material, and they have proven to be solid performers. MagnaFlow has a well-designed, complete Web site that includes decent photos and sound clips, as well as dyno charts for some applications. The company has a lifetime warranty and provides an online link to the MagnaFlow Express site for purchasing the products.
MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust
22961 Arroyo Vista
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(800) 824-8664
www.magnaflow.com
Available in both 3.5- and...
Available in both 3.5- and a full 4-inch (shown) systems, Mufflex only sells direct. If you need to move a lot of air, contact Mufflex.
Mufflex
Product
'83-'02 Formula/Trans Am-3.5-inch aluminized steelPrice$490.87 and up
Product
'83-'02 Formula/Trans Am-4-inch aluminized steel
Price
$664.12 and up
Details
When looking for serious power potential, more area equals greater flow, so it's great news that Mufflex offers a 4-inch diameter system for F-body Firebirds. You have the option of running either a Flowmaster or a SpinTech muffler on the system (both are chambered sound trap-type systems), but the tubing is all bent in-house at Mufflex. As you can imagine, these require some patience and fiddling to mount properly but should be unmatched for flow. Different mufflers are available to suit various applications. Mufflex's Web site has a few F-body videos with sound, but we only found these large diameter systems for sale directly from Mufflex, either on its Web site or by phone.
Mufflex Performance Exhaust
2369 Nottingham Way
Trenton, NJ 08619
(609) 890-0481
www.mufflex-performance.com
Pypes is the only company...
Pypes is the only company offering ceramic coating on its systems as an option to the standard aluminized steel. Tips aren't included but are available.
Pypes
Product
'83-'02 Formula/Trans Am-3-inch aluminized steel
Price
Approx. $290
Product
'83-'02 Formula/Trans Am-3-inch ceramic-coated steel
Price
Approx. $520*exhaust tips available separately
Details
Pypes Exhaust Systems are an offshoot of the Performance Years company, so the majority of its systems are designed for the Pontiacs of the musclecar era, but it does offer a few select applications for late-model Formula and Trans Am owners. Different upgrades are available for higher-flow mufflers and exhaust tips. The Web site doesn't have sound clips but otherwise is complete and well designed. Products can be purchased directly from the site.
Pypes Performance Exhaust
2880 Bergey Rd., Unit O
Hatfield, PA 19440
(800) 421-3890
www.pypesexhaust.com