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GHL 2.5" Street Catback Review
So about 2 weeks ago, I received my GHL 2.5" Street Catback and had it installed. Here's me review:
Ordering: I went to Westside Automotive, and Rob helped me to order the system. The system actually came from Autobraun as I think they are a distributor for GHL. So Rob phones up Vince and they work together to get the system ordered. I probably could've gone directly to Vince but his hours are so unreliable. The system was ordered and it came in about a week later.
Price: They only charge me $800cdn for the exhaust. A pretty good deal imo.
Installation: The boys at Westside did the installation. They encountered a problem when trying the mate the catback to the stock downpipe (2.25" --> 2.5"). So the boys ran over to the exhaust shop next door and within 30 min, they created a flange (about $30) to mate the 2 together. The next problem was that the exhaust did not line up correctly in the center of the rear valence. They said that they would have to heat up the pipes and bend them into shape. I said no to this because I wanted to try to center it myself first. Its only a bit off center so I was ok with it. Installation took about 1.5 hrs, but they only charged me 0.9hrs (about $80).
Driving impressions: I didn't notice any noticeable gains right away. Guess it takes some time for the ecu to adjust. However, the next day, I noticed an increase in power in the upper rpm range (or maybe it was just me thinking there was an increase). Seemed to free up the top end a bit and rev more freely to redline, as opposed to that lag from 4000 rpm on.
The sound was a bit loud during the first week. There was also a lot of rattling when the car was idling. I was rubbing against the rear axle. So I brought it back to Westside and they fixed it for free, no more rattles now.
The exhaust has gotten a lot quieter since then. There is just a low rumble at idle and low rpms. When you get on it though, it comes alive. The rumble becomes a roar.
On highway driving (which I do 80% of my driving) the exhaust is not very noticeable. Only when you get up to 130km/h+ is where the exhaust drone starts to get annoying. But from 100-120+km/h, its not even noticeable.
Overall, I am very happy with the exhaust. I love the new sound, it is very addicting. I love driving with the radio off just listening to the exhaust. I am now debating on whether or not to get their 2.5" downpipe that they brought in also for $600.
Eric.
P.S. I will post pics and possibly a sound/movie clip soon.
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So I took some pics last night (sorry about the night time shot!):
Closeup of exhaust:
Sideview:
Another rear shot:
Ordering: I went to Westside Automotive, and Rob helped me to order the system. The system actually came from Autobraun as I think they are a distributor for GHL. So Rob phones up Vince and they work together to get the system ordered. I probably could've gone directly to Vince but his hours are so unreliable. The system was ordered and it came in about a week later.
Price: They only charge me $800cdn for the exhaust. A pretty good deal imo.
Installation: The boys at Westside did the installation. They encountered a problem when trying the mate the catback to the stock downpipe (2.25" --> 2.5"). So the boys ran over to the exhaust shop next door and within 30 min, they created a flange (about $30) to mate the 2 together. The next problem was that the exhaust did not line up correctly in the center of the rear valence. They said that they would have to heat up the pipes and bend them into shape. I said no to this because I wanted to try to center it myself first. Its only a bit off center so I was ok with it. Installation took about 1.5 hrs, but they only charged me 0.9hrs (about $80).
Driving impressions: I didn't notice any noticeable gains right away. Guess it takes some time for the ecu to adjust. However, the next day, I noticed an increase in power in the upper rpm range (or maybe it was just me thinking there was an increase). Seemed to free up the top end a bit and rev more freely to redline, as opposed to that lag from 4000 rpm on.
The sound was a bit loud during the first week. There was also a lot of rattling when the car was idling. I was rubbing against the rear axle. So I brought it back to Westside and they fixed it for free, no more rattles now.
The exhaust has gotten a lot quieter since then. There is just a low rumble at idle and low rpms. When you get on it though, it comes alive. The rumble becomes a roar.
On highway driving (which I do 80% of my driving) the exhaust is not very noticeable. Only when you get up to 130km/h+ is where the exhaust drone starts to get annoying. But from 100-120+km/h, its not even noticeable.
Overall, I am very happy with the exhaust. I love the new sound, it is very addicting. I love driving with the radio off just listening to the exhaust. I am now debating on whether or not to get their 2.5" downpipe that they brought in also for $600.
Eric.
P.S. I will post pics and possibly a sound/movie clip soon.
-------------------------------------------------------------
So I took some pics last night (sorry about the night time shot!):
Closeup of exhaust:
Sideview:
Another rear shot:
although since i got chipped its way louder..
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