Top 5 Best Sounding Exhaust Mods | VE/VF Commodore

[@ashjackson7]

Hey Fred, once again, watching your channel has eventually cost me another small fortune. Took my stock VF1 Calais V 6.0L, did a stage 1 OTR CAI, Iodised headers, 100 Hi-Flo cats, with a full 3" system and tune for the 140,000 service. Then for the 150,000k service, as the lifters were tapping from the Stage 1 tune, I did a full DoD delete, Crow Pro Cam, new timing kit, lifters, headers, and a heap of other stuff. She now runs smooth as silk, rocks side to side at the lights, and produces 300rwkw. Definitely a long way from a standard Calais. All thanks to watching your show too many times. Keep up the great work. Much appreciated.

[@ClunieGarage]

Ah mate that is awesome and fills us with joy. The purpose of this channel is to share knowledge, ignite passion and have a bit of an outlet from day to day life. Your Calais sounds awesome and all you need now is some forced induction! Maybe a 2300 blower as your xmas present? 😃

[@ashjackson7]

@@ClunieGarage Thanks for the prompt reply. I was cosidering a SC, however, as it already has 150,000k's on the clock, I was advised to leave it as it is, as that could cause all sorts of problems, far exceeding the benefits. That said, it already sounds and goes great, and the rumbling idle shakes houses, so pretty happy at this point. Thanks again for all your helpful hints and advice. Much appreciated.

[@ClunieGarage]

@@ashjackson7 G'day, no worries. Didn't realise it had a few kms on it. Yes, better to leave NA and enjoy the beast!

[@zcodax9638]

My ss straight through with rear muffler delete that you keep saying I don’t want.. sounds bloody awesome.

[@DeathBaseTURBO]

Been actively look for exhausts for a VE V8s recently, glad this came up

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice one mate, hope this helps with your decision making!

[@beauruutz]

Great advice and information! Finally an honest, experienced and a genuine educationalist on the tube for us noobs. Appreciate your hard work - keep it up! Cheers.

[@ClunieGarage]

I appreciate that!

[@Adventurepil0t]

I have a VE1 SSV- I bought some second hand vf2 ss bimodal mufflers and also deleted the centre muffler and is now true dual as well. Sounds good, not too loud, not a single hint of drone or hum and can be quietened down further with the bimodal system. Lack of crossover is bad for performance but I can't tell the difference on the street. Those Holden mufflers are engineered very well for sound, by no means a race car but a decent mod for cheap. (You'll need an aftermarket controller to switch the stealth mode on or else the bimodal stays open)

[@quantametric]

In my experience, a mild steel exhaust system is the single best thing you can do for the sound of one of these cars. The mild steel provides a deep growl and purr, stainless systems sound extremely tinny and raspy in comparison.

[@NicholasCox85]

The overall design and mufflers has more to do with it than just material type. You can get tinny mild steel and deep stainless systems and vice versa. If you look at something like a Harrop/DPE/Manta Pro even in stainless steel it's so low and growly.... Best on the market.

[@frankt7769]

What sound deeper di filippo or harrop

[@lukeneill1568]

@@frankt7769Harrop are di fillipo systems. They used to have the Harrop extreme system which was a dpe with a shorter resonator in the centre with made it louder but also insane cabin drone in sedans and wagons.

[@trixnhoez2964]

Whilst I believe mild tends to be slightly thicker which could give a deeper note I always remembered the DF 'Big Boy' exhaust was always the ultimate vt-vz system and sounded super deep, it was also only available in stainless.😊😊

[@Jakeyboy____11]

I got a series 2 vf SS and went 1 7/8 pacemaker headers, high flow cats and 3” xforce catback with the varex so I don’t annoy the neighbours at 5am cold start. When she’s open she screams at the top end I love it

[@BigWillba]

How quite is it with the varex system? I just bought a VE SS and I leave for work at 2am sometimes so looking for something I can keep quite lol

[@simo7321]

I'm also interested in a varex system., I'm up at 3am for work. How are you finding the cold start ups?

[@Jakeyboy____11]

I didn’t see this first comment. But honestly, when the systems closed it’s so quiet it sounds like a stock SV6 no joke, but when it’s open it’s loud and sounds like a proper V8, definitely worth the money especially for those morning cold starts

[@simo7321]

@@Jakeyboy____11 thats good to hear about the cold start ups. Can I ask why did you go with the pacemaker header's and the x- force cat back? And what cats do you have 100 or 200cells?

[@Jakeyboy____11]

@@simo7321 so I originally went Xforce specifically for the varex system, I don’t like to be loud all the time (especially around cops). I went pacemaker headers so I sound a bit different to the other systems I hear on the streets, I went 100 cell cats

[@pedroangelo4244]

About time we saw Clunie back on the channel!

[@ClunieGarage]

I included some old clips of Clunie in this episode Pedro. Good to see him back nonetheless!

[@tomreynolds5774]

Boom tubes and NASCAR references. Love Clunie Garage! ❤️

[@ClunieGarage]

Thanks Tom! More NASCAR mods comimg soon to the channel!

[@paulh8515]

Bought a full stainless 3" Manta system (with headers) and very happy with it in my Sportwagon... drone is minimal and the note is excellent.

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice work, can't go wrong with Manta!

[@craig2762]

Is your wagon standard and auto

[@paulh8515]

@@craig2762 Manual, engine currently being rebuilt with cam, rods, pistons etc.

[@pB-ox3qr]

Back in the 90s had a ZJ - F with a 351 XB motor stage 3 cam plus other mods , C10 tricked auto with high stall ...running a set of pace makers with high flow mufflers hot dog resignator straight through 3 inch exhaust ...had a super nice note to it ...sounded like a real street car with out the crackle and pop... running at 102 DB ...had a exhaust guy write a note to say its running at 95DB ...in high rev range absolutely flawless grunt.. that's what you want no popping etc

[@ny8472]

Keep in mind, the cops don’t have to stop you to test the decibel level of your vehicle, all they need to do is listen to the noise level coming from your vehicle then send off a recommendation to the EPA to have your vehicle tested for excessive noise and that notice will arrive in your mailbox by registered mail. My vehicle has an LSA engine with a Diffillippo full system attached to it...... this has cost me a fortune to get this passed by the EPA after not even being pulled over. It all comes down to the police officer’s delicate ear holes. I installed the original factory crap and choked the hell out of it with a single system with denser cats........ and it still failed by 1 decibel. The EPA tester passed my vehicle 2nd time round out of shear pity I think, even though it failed again by 1 decibel. So just a heads up.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, our VE and VF are now both dedicated race cars without rego so we can avoid these issues going forward.

[@angry9901]

You need to make yourself a cheater plate and stick it in the collectors.

[@kurts9085]

@@ClunieGarage probably important to mention that in the video or in the description. Over 90db in most states, which the mods you've suggested will do, and like the bloke above you'll fail an EPA.

[@patb4493]

A stock ve/vf ss fails with a factory system (in my state anyway)

[@rhysgilbert5942]

I don't know what brand my headers are, but I have an xforce 3inch mild steel system, flattened from being to low, and I think it is one of the best I have heard. It's deep and not obscene

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice one mate. They might be X-Force headers as well?

[@makagio]

If you don’t want to be spending a fortune on making your car sound better, putting a catback system will give you more sound the stock system. Once you start touching the headers; you will need a tune and the cost will be $2000+ (headers + tune) if you start messing around with Cams + exhaust, the cost can easily start going above $5000 It all depends on what you want to spend and how long you plan to keep the car for too

[@NitroRex11]

Love what you guys do here, lots of great modifications that you guys do and educate us viewers on. Would you please be able to do an exhaust mods video for us scrubs with v6 commodores?

[@lachlancardwell6738]

Not a whole lot you can do to make a V6 commodore sound decent

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we don't really have experience with V6s. Our best advice is to save your pennies on mods for the V6 and buy a V8!

[@jonathonbarnes3582]

Great vid, very informative. Thanks muchly!

[@ClunieGarage]

No worries mate, glad you liked it!

[@grahamerosewarne6656]

Great content Clunie. Nothing sounds better than a healthy V8. Mine has all the mods that you said 💯💪🇦🇺👍

[@ClunieGarage]

You betcha! Love the sound of a V8 on full song. Can't beat it!

[@rocketmagnet427]

I already have gm motorsport rex 2" headers with high flow cats fitted to my standard 2.5" lsa gts exhaust. About to remove the center mufflers to make it a bit louder and ill use the bimodal to keep it quiet when i need to.

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice one. We have done the centre resonator delete on our VF race car. Makes a big difference.

[@rocketmagnet427]

@@ClunieGarage good to hear it sounds ok. ATM it's loud when you step on it as it has 600hp at the wheels with other mods too. But idle is a little quiet. Hopefully this helps and the bimodal helps keep it quiet when the family is onboard. Keep up the good videos

[@lukeneill1568]

2.5 cat back for all ls unless blown or turbo. Gained power all across using the 2.5 most gains down low torque.

[@efrenarnold5379]

Hi I just come access to this channel . Since I own a 2009 V.E SS I thought I stick around and watch this video .

[@mrnicktoyou]

You didn't mention the effect the intake can have on the engine sound. A pod filter actually makes your V8 sound really deep. My V8 had a pod and I changed it to a over the radiator and I lost that deep baritone sound. I'm not going back to a pod because it just draws hot air but it definitely sounds better.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, thats true. The pods create a real guttural bellowing style noise hey?

[@stinkfinger1942]

Build a box for the pod and she'll suck cold air as intended 👍

[@Aussieholdenguy70]

Hey Fred the crackle is it in the Tune I have a VF Calais V with a OTR but it’s quite will a delete make it louder to hear when it’s running it’s too Quiet

[@peterjoyce3275]

1 7/8" Rex Triple Step Polished Stainless Steel Headers and 2 1/2 x force Stainless with cam and gm motor sport tune sounds mint if you drive it easy no one will hear it but if you want to get attention and drive it hard it will be heard

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice one mate. Any performance gains?

[@peterjoyce3275]

@@ClunieGarage think its about 320kw was way better then the stock tune

[@peterjoyce3275]

forgot to mention Ramjet III Cold Air Intake with K&N Filter

[@lukeneill1568]

@@peterjoyce3275yup. I have 1 7/8 headers 3 inch cats 2.5 dpe cat back heads and can and 375kw at the wheels

[@wombat696969]

Thanks for doing a clip like this, appreciated! Quick question - I’ve got a series 1 VF SS-V Redline and considering doing Di Fillipo extractors. Any problems with ground clearance over stock exhaust?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, no problems if running standard suspension. The cats or race pipes will become the lowest part of the car once the new headers are fitted. We always scraped our cats once they were fitted and we had coilovers though.

[@anthonylardo6969]

I've got 2.5 full Di Filippo on my wagon. You will not be disappointed. Headers are where the magic happens. Don't cheap out on them. For what it's worth DPE isn't around anymore and was purchased by Manta a few years ago. The current Manta exhausts are the old DPE ones as far as I know.

[@AdrianMack-ur7uu]

Have to ask, had seen any issues with Xforce headers that are 1 5/8" and not 1 3/4"? Have mildly worked engine with headers and 100 cats, but need to replace the standard exhaust and think its causing more noises than normal. Probably doesnt have I am upgraded springs in the cyclinder heads.

[@paulsgreenspace]

I have a V8 VF calais as my daily drive and I have installed a OTR cold air intake and full 3 inch xforce system with high flow cats and 1 7/8 headers on it Sounds very civilised until you put your foot down 👌👌 My next mod will be a big lumpy cam followed by a tune 👍

[@ClunieGarage]

That sounds awesome mate! Cam upgrade with your existing mods will be a neat combo. Depending on your tune and dyno, you might be lookimg at 330-350rwkw as well which will be a lot of fun on the street.

[@paulsgreenspace]

@@ClunieGarage yeah mate I can't wait till its all finished Hopefully ready for this summer Will get the car ceramic coated and detailed as well The VF is a beautiful car all round 👍

[@lizardspawnofdeath]

​@@paulsgreenspace You'd beed a massive cam, a new torque converter and a pretty happy dyno to make 3 fiddy with that set up

[@Christian3174]

​@@paulsgreenspace mild or stainless?

[@wongway40]

nice skid at the beginning - wish my VE could do that, I have this horrible axle tramp - is this due to my ESC trying to stop it? Happens even when I switch it off

[@zeedeos1134]

G'day guys, awesome video on the v8s. Any advice or knowledge on a good option for an SV6 VE in terms of exhaust?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, we don't have any experience on the V6 platform sorry!

[@angry9901]

Isn't it possible to fit a V8 exhaust to the six? Not the headers obviously.

[@ROGUEyoutube]

X-force 2.5". Don't put 3" on a 6 cylinder - it sounds like ass.

[@darrenwillis9918]

Any 6 cylinder with twin exhaust sounds like ass.don’t waste ya money, you just annoy everyone.🤣🤣

[@tyleranderson9970]

Hi mate, in your experience, do you know exhaust cutouts make the car faster by any chance?

[@z0ke]

Hey clunie. Will deleting the centre resonators on the manta system change the unique sound it gives? For a auto.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, in our system it definitely made it louder and enhanced the deep growl the system already made. We also needed to do the mod with the amount of boost and power it now makes.

[@z0ke]

@@ClunieGarage what do you think about keeping the resonators and changing the rears instead?

[@Keep_Crying_Son]

Hey mate, not much of a Holden guy. I have a Toyota aristo v300 Vertex Edition with 2jzgte motor. Would swapping out the factory heads help with this or will it throw my boost all over the show?

[@frankt7769]

I got an amazing 2.5 inch walkinshaw catback on my ve ss sounds awesome deep no raspy or tinny note the neighbour asshole next door has put a complaint into epa got a letter to book a date to get tested,its loud at cold morning start i leave home at 330am but once its warn it quiets right down to a low deep noise,do you think i will pass epa test

[@chasroberts3613]

I have 1-3/4" Manta ceramic coated headers and full 2-1/2" Manta alloy-steel system on my CV8Z Monaro and it sounds like nothing else. Very happy with it.

[@ClunieGarage]

What a combination, nice work mate. Must sound awesome!

[@stevenbullock9274]

Do you have to do a tune after headers and full exhaust

[@RandyRandhawa]

I’ve got hurricane full system with centre hotdogs great note sound like actual v8

[@ClunieGarage]

Nice one!

[@Hqmish]

i know its a long shot but whats your opinion on v6 commies with exhausts and if so whats the best setup without it being too loud...

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we don't have any experience modifying 6 cylinder Commodores. Our recommendation is to save your pennies and upgrade to a V8!

[@Atwu100]

Anybluck on any mods on your v6 bro?

[@aaronwendt-smith5910]

I bought a WM caprice 6L that had factory exhaust except for rear muffler delete pipes. Don't ever do that, terrible! I had straight through mufflers fitted to the rear and hotdog style resonators with balance pipe replacing the centre muffler. It's volume is sensible, sounds great at high rpm and often get comments from others on how good they think it sounds.

[@ismaelsaad2328]

Do you have a video of it I have a wm caprice 6l and I want a nice deep sound not loud

[@jamiecruickshank370]

Would a centre muffler delete on a VFII ssv ute make it just that bit better without spending a fortune?

[@MichealRackstraw]

Have a 2009 VE SS (not a collector car) but it's only done 50,000km... Would it be better to do these things or keep it original?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate mate, depends on your objectives with the car. With such low kms, I would enjoy it, maintain it and keep it forever. You can always do some mods and retain the stock items to turn it back to original spec if you want?

[@MichealRackstraw]

@@ClunieGarage Thanks mate appreciate your response 👍

[@lizardspawnofdeath]

My cammed 6.0L VF has otr, headers, 100 cell cats and a full stainless 3" catback into sports mufflers and I'm after a bit more volume, but wouldn't deleting the resonators/center mufflers create horrific drone? On a dedicated teack car drone wouldn't matter, but in a daily I want to avoid it. Anyone got any good suggested? Replacing the mufflers with j pipes maybe?

[@ighfee]

nice supercharger whine at 3:46 :D

[@jonwilliam1441]

Whats the catch can on the green one mate?

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, that is what you call an ebay special! Frankie sourced it and I will find out for you.

[@angry9901]

Wishitwasmoto?

[@index6738]

Noting after headers replaced, have to turn off rear Oxygen sensors or Engine Management light will illuminate shortly after driving.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we have plugged our O2 sensors back into the headers on the VE and we don't get an engine light.

[@index6738]

@@ClunieGarage that’s good, but strange since O2 sensors outlet cats using 4 into 1 headers, eg XForce with mine had to visit tune shop to switch them off though was still on factory tune.

[@3800scgp]

I have a '09 G8 GT with the solo mach shorty catback, and a basic superchips tune. Just has a center muffler, and resonating tube chambers out back. No drone, sounds good, and has the right amount of crackle. Not sure how much of it is from the tune, did it at the same time as the exhaust install. If anyone reading wants to do exhaust on their V8 Holden that has AFM, you might not want to- the drone in 4cyl mode is horrid.

[@angry9901]

Easy fix, get rid of the useless AFM.

[@ianmackay6775]

Hey Fred what about a budget vf as 6.0 litre family wagon is stainless steel 3” cat good

[@lukeneill1568]

2.5. Too much drone with a 3.

[@D800Lover]

Can a VF SV6 made to sound better?

[@FJaypewpew]

So really guys, how much should I be looking to spend on a v8 commy Let’s say not primo so 250kkm plus edging toward the plus side for value

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, prices have really shot up after covid. What model are you looking for? Get ready to shell out over $20k for a decent VE.

[@efrenarnold5379]

You will only get them popping sounds if it’s a manual transmission yeah ?.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, yes the poppimg is from fuel over-run in the tune and it crackles and pops on exit. Much easier to create with a manual when backing off the throttle.

[@efrenarnold5379]

@@ClunieGarage thanks for your time

[@tablefish6684]

What about cut outs or just be naughty and straight pipes

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, we recommend a centre muffler delete but probably not cut outs or full straight throughs. That is a bit naughty!

[@angry9901]

It's only a problem if someone starts asking you awkward questions on the side of the road.

[@AndrewMitchell001]

Straight pipes give a high frequency note that sounds terrible usually done by people who cant afford a cam because with a cam there is no need for straight pipes, when I first got my VY SS I straight piped it and it had mufflers back on in less than a week.

[@Brodie525]

Can anybody help me out, I want a loud exhaust for mt vf but I want to make sure it still has a deep grumble and sound mean all while having my neighbours hate me more every morning that goes by I do a cold start at 5am. Cheers

[@ClunieGarage]

Sounds like you need a full Manta system with some mods as outlined in this video. And of course some goodwill with your neighbours to compensate for the 5am starts! 😂

[@Ap0c86]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention an OTR mod?

[@shreckm6470]

Just stay away from XFORCE cats they fall apart internally I'm currently looking for a replacement for my cats.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, from what I have heard, they don't deal well with boost. Internals blow out or melt altogether.

[@sport7778]

Does anyone have any suggestions between the 1 & 3/4" manta and 1 7/8" manta headers on a L98 6L block - I don't want to stuff it up given the price tag

[@lukeneill1568]

I have a ls3 redline. I went 1 7/8 3 inch cats to a 2.5 dpe cat back. Heads and cam and It put 375kw at the wheels. 11kw more than the 3 inch

[@michaelbennett2617]

The rims on the red commodore where are they from or called and will they fit a ve

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, they are Koya SF01 semi forged motorsport wheels. We have just ordered another set for our VE ute so yes! Contact Koya directly and just double check what brakes you are running with the VE though.

[@michaelbennett2617]

Cheers mate plus love what you guys do keep it up plus giving me ideas in what to do look forward to future videos

[@michaelbennett2617]

Also witch video is it that you do to get 700kw out of it I’ve just got a v6 and just want to get some more power out of it

[@ClunieGarage]

@@michaelbennett2617 check out our second most recent video. It features the Dyno tune and run. Btw - turn it up loud for full effect!

[@AndrewMitchell001]

I run 1 3/4 pacemaker long tubes into 3inch stainless with 100cell cats into a 3 inch Lukey alluminised steel catback with centres and hotdog rears sounds awesome but thats on a cammed LS1.

[@ClunieGarage]

Sounds like a pretty nice combo mate!

[@hemlhemi3303]

just bought a VF com what best site buy frrom

[@keananconnor4221]

If you gotta v6 commie and you’re gunna get an 8 this episode is also for you.. outcomes vary depending.. on work put in 🤘🏻

[@ClunieGarage]

You bet mate, hopefully all our V6 subscribers get the motivation for a V8!

[@jaydosbeats5608]

Quick question does anyone know what are the rim on that red vf?

[@ClunieGarage]

Sorry for the delay mate. Koyas SF01s

[@Atwu100]

What about a v6?

[@pauledwards6446]

All these mods are the ducks guts

[@ClunieGarage]

Haha classic comment right there!

[@4411825]

Intake, intake, induction!

[@HSVWPN225]

I have xforce 1 3/4 header's to difillipo twin 3inch full stainless system on my vy ss and seriously the note is unreal gets comments all the time deep and throaty v8 not tinny cracking type

[@ClunieGarage]

Awesome!

[@frankt7769]

What cats are you running xforce or di filippo

[@RBFR01]

sounds good but very American ;) also hanging out for that engine for the vp :)

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, yes VP engine is in the pipeline!

[@armourhud9189]

i have a v6, however i want it to sound like a v8

[@Tangaroa775]

Re-branded with their name price added😂

[@robertmoffattrob122]

Got a V6 and I want that to sound like a V8 lol

[@Christian3174]

Ive gone from a VF v6 to a v8 recently, my advice is just get a v8

[@Daryl465]

aren't extractors illegal

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, extractors are a replacement for the stock exhaust manifold. All good.

[@grettagrids]

Sir, perhaps you can enlighten me why. 2 step is so popular ( other then. Being loud and popping)? The cars you demonstrated all sound good. Some popping is nice when. It dont sound like. A. Gun going off. Theres plenty of REAL guns being shot in my city. Asking about two step becuase there is this jerk who loves two stepping. Right past the apartments or in our. Parking lot around 2 and 4 am.. folks have called the cops but its ignored. Thus guy could just be showing off. As hell drive past pedestrians doing it.. smile and do a thumbs up..

[@Shivaay0111]

Im finding v6 more effective

[@adrianpurse6419]

5 litre have always sound better 🇦🇺💪

[@stinkfinger1942]

I couldn't agree more with the mid muffler delete, taking the rears off sounds disgusting.

[@ClunieGarage]

Yep, we agree.

[@kurts9085]

You just need J pipes not deletes they sound pretty mint and cost peanuts

[@angry9901]

Do you have to have cats???💩💩💩💩

[@ClunieGarage]

That is a personal decision Angry! Young Frankie is quite partial to the odd ginger marmalade cat out in the paddock I am led to believe.....

[@stephenhamer9232]

Leave the pop and crackle to the Ford focus’s of the world. Sounds shit on a V8,.

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day mate, Ford Focus' and Hyundai i20\i30n's seem to be the main culprits for the popping exhausts these days. Also the odd AMG merc!

[@mrporsche4236]

The person who invented crackle and pop should be in jail

[@vipermarn]

Boring!!

[@angry9901]

Your haircut??

[@ClunieGarage]

G'day, have you got an exhaust mod video? Would love to see it and hopefully I can stay awake and watch it. Muppet.