Please post your review once it’s installed, if you want

Wilco!

Got it installed! It ended up being a littlw bit more work than expexted, but it went together.

However, it does sound really nice, at least after a jaunt around the neighborhood. I am going to go out wheeling a bit tomorrow to test the new coils I also installed today, and will try to take a few pics and videos.

Any suggestions for the install? Things to do, things to not do?

I am almost wondering if the PO replaced my exhaust at some point, because my pre-muffler piping was just slightly too large to slide into the muffler as the instructions say. But, it should hopefully be a straight-forward install for anyone else. Be ready to really torque down the clamp between the muffler outlet and elbow!

Initial review:

Bottom Line Up Front:
Overall, I would recommend this to a friend! Sounds great, only marginally more audible from inside the vehicle, and noticably peppier around town.

For some background, I honestly didnt want anything louder than stock, and neither did my wife. I bought this because it was like $100 more (with this sale) than buying a new OEM exhaust, so it seemed like a good deal.

However, it sounds very, very good at idle. Outside the vehicle and calmly pulling off, it sounds more like a hefty V8 than I thought possible (reminds me of like an old Suburban pulling off). Not that it is loud, but to call upon everyone's favorite exhaust descriptor, it is surprisingly "throaty." Above about 2500 rpm it starts to sound like a V6 again, though it is also a little mellower at those RPMs.

My wife said the increase in volume is not really noticable from the front seat, but when she later rode in the back with our kid she said it was a bit more noticeable. However, she absolutely hates loud vehicles and didnt actually complain; rather, she just remarked at the new sound.

On the highway, I did several runs at 70mph, using a phone app to measure cabin volume. I saw no overall increase in volume compared to previous measurements, but I did actually find about 0.5dB more volume in O/D (2150rpm) than in 3rd gear (~3k rpm). This seems to match my ear where a combination of the higher engine load and "throatier" tone below about 2200 make the sound just slightly more audible. In either case, even my factory radio was able to jam plenty loud enough to enjoy. Also, in my experience, tones like tire whine are much more disruptive to music and conversation, whereas this is low enough in pitch and smooth enough in tone that it was not a distraction. FWIW, I literally grew up in a recording studio, so Id say I have a pretty well-trained ear in that regard.

As to my install difficulty. My OEM muffler inlet pipe was 2.40" OD, and the Gibson inlet was 2.37" ID. So, it just barely didnt fit, and I ended up just welding it. However, I spoke with Jason and he is going to get with Gibson to make sure nobody else sees this challenge. In any case I have never heard of this issue with these exhausts (and Jason said he has sold like 25 or 30 with no issues), which is why I think mine was a fluke. Like I mentioned before, I am wondering if my exhaust had been replaced at some point and the piping was not exactly the same size. But, I trust Jason is still going to dig into it to make sure!

FINALLY comes the biggest surprise. I honestly didnt expect any increase in power or pep. However, several times today I found myself accidentally doing 5-10 over the speed limit, where previously I almost always did 0-5mph below the speed limit (I really do drive like a grandpa). After paying more attention to it, I realized it actually takes noticably smaller throttle openings for everyday driving. I can't speak to peak power or even WOT performance as I have literally done that once in this rig, but for city driving it does seem peppier. My wife was happier that maybe I'll drive a little faster now...

*edit*

Per JasonB, the OEM exhaust pipe should be 2.25" OD, so I definitely think mine wasnt the original exhaust, then.

Hopefully this video works! I don't know to to embed video.

Apparently my phone has a really sensitive microphone (listen how loud the sound of my turning the keys is). So, it sounds louder than real life, though the actual bassy tone and low-RPM "throatiness" is well-represented.

https://youtu.be/JUljwxY5sTo

Great video! Wow, that's like 4k crystal clear too.

Gibson 3rd gen Exhaust at Burtman Industries, SALE EXTENDED, ends 9/30 at midnight eastern!

You can also call or text 717-319-2100, can take order over the phone too

That actually sounds great, you put a chrome tip on it too? Bling! \m/

Hah! Thanks . And I debated the tip. I ended up putting it on because it actually looks more OEM with the tip than with just raw pipe sticking out, heh.

*edit*

I did want to note, you need headphones or real speakers to hear the true tone. Cell phone speakers will not sound anything close to reality.

wondering when did you order yours?

It was 9 days from order to delivery. Ordered Wednesday, and arrived the following Friday.

wow hopefully I receive mines soon. I ordered mines on the 29th of August lol. maybe its because I'm all the way in Hawaii. lol

Hah, goodness! Yeah I suppose that could be it heh. Id shoot him a text!

Yeah I just texted Jason. Hopefully i get it soon.