Funny, I saw this post since I was about to put one up on my exhaust experience with my 2001 SE 3.1 L with the single exhaust and single muffler. I wanted to convert to a dual exhaust on my 3.1 which almost no one does but I just had a feeling that there was much more performance in this motor. As a reference, I have owned a 1998 GP GT with the 3.8, a 2004 Impala with the 3.8 liter, and my dad currently has a buick LeSabre with a 3.8 liter. I did not want an obnoxious sounding duals just something with a nice rumble at idle and a moderate rumble on the highway but still allows comfortable conversation. Remember, I put this on a 3.1!
After much research and sound clip listening, I went with the GMPP exhaust for the W body cars and was shocked to find when it arrived that this exhaust is actually Magnaflows SS pipes and mufflers for the W bodied cars, specifically designed for the 3.8 motor, although it will fit the 3.1 as well.
GM PART # 12498617
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $630.00
OUR PRICE: $458.64
DESCRIPTION: W-body Exhaust Package For use on 1999-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo; 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala; 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. This replacement exhaust system is constructed with 409 stainless steel tubing and 304 polished stainless steel muffler and tips. Four Inch tips exit under the rear bumper and have adjustable depth to accommodate both stock bumper and ground effects kits. Exhaust adds a throaty rumble while still maintaining a palatable interior noise level. Cars not orginally equipped with dual exhaust will need the dual exhaust conversion kit 12498653 (sold seperately)
I would run, not walk, to buy this system at this price!!! I put this system on my SE 3.1 and eliminated the U bend after the converter when it was installed with a staright piece of 2.5 inch pipe. The wholes system is 2.5 inches which is MUCH bigger that the GT's OEM pipes and obviously my 3.1. The sound is NOT obnoxious and if you choice to leave the U Bend in the system it will be even more muted since that piece is VERY restrictive.
I was shocked at the power increase on my 3.1! As mentioned above, I have owned multiple 3.8 liter W bodied cars with all stock exhaust systems and my 3.1 with the U bend delete and the Magnaflow exhaust (GMPP, everything says Magnaflow on the parts) is more powerful now than the stock GT's and the other 3.8's I have owned with stock exhaust systems. The power increase over the stock 3.8's is not much but this out of a stock 3.1 motor!!! Mileage with this exhaust on the highway is 30-32!!!! I guess you have to wonder with anyone would buy a Honda Fit at 35 MPG.
Please check it out. The best exhaust deal out there!!!