I had the GM Performance Exhaust installed

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Joseph Garcia

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I was able to drive some more today while running errands, and you're spot on. With the radio off and paying attention, I can hear the DFM kick in under 55 or so, and I know it's the DFM because I hit L9 on the shifter (which deactivates DFM) and it went away immediately. And then over 65 the exhaust note becomes more apparent again, didn't matter if it was in L9 or not, but when going over 75 it became less noticeable again. So my observations match yours, the frequency or resonance of the engine and exhaust between 65-75 is when any drone is most audible. I didn't think it was obnoxiously loud, but I haven't road tripped for hours yet either.

In a perfect world we would've gotten active exhaust where we can turn it off and on via the Sport setting on the dash like some GMs, but alas they decided not to offer active exhaust on these SUVs. I'm just going to chalk it up as a necessary compromise at this point, because it sounds great running around town, I love the sound when accelerating, and it has a great rumble at idle, but the tradeoff is apparently some resonance between 65-75.
Easy fix. When cruising between 65 and 75, turn up your audio system volume. ;)

I have a major drone on my exhaust system (I knew it would be there before I installed it, but I already knew the easy fix), and when I turn up my audio system volume, the drone disappears.
 
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Sean Michael

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As @swathdiver stated above, the sound will change as the muffler breaks in and receives its initial coat of exhaust microparticles. Then, you will hear the fully developed sound. Take a video of the noise at that time, post it to YouTube or similar posting site, and provide a link to this thread, so that everyone can hear the new sound.
When exhaust breaks in does it usually break in louder, or quiet down, or just change tone? I'm on day 3 with this new GMPP exhaust and I can't tell if it sounds a little louder or I'm just giving it more gas more often because I love hearing it.
 

Marky Dissod

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When exhaust breaks in does it usually break in louder, or quiet down, or just change tone?
I'm on day 3 with this new GMPP exhaust and I can't tell if it sounds a little louder or I'm just giving it more gas more often because I love hearing it.
How it changes tone depends on how the particulates are distributed when they settle.
All sorts of resonance and cancellation waves are bouncing around in there ...
 

iamlegion

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I forgot to add some context for anyone else that reads my perspective. I also disabled my ANC (aftermarket JL subwoofer and amp) so I may hear different tones than others.

One day I want to install a toggle that reconnects the ANC mic and turns the amp off.
 
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Sean Michael

Sean Michael

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On my original post I mention that GM claims the GMPP exhaust "Helps increase power by up to 11 HP and 6 lb.-ft of torque" and "30% backpressure reduction at 300-g/s, based on correlated flow testing" (those qoutes are directly cut & paste from their website). I was sincere that it was a secondary consideration of mine, but is it believable that I think the truck does indeed feel a little peppier? I have realistic expectations, and I'm familiar with the placebo effect, but I can't shake the feeling it does actually feel a bit quicker. It's subtle, and maybe I'm just enjoying the skinny pedal more now that I can hear my 6.2L better, but that's my thought.
 

Jdchap1

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I asked questions here, watched every video I could find on YT, and read as much as I could about the GM exhaust options, and after much consideration I ordered the GMPP exhaust and had it installed today. Specifically the GM Performance Parts exhaust, NOT the GM by Borla exhaust. Some conversations online are vague about which one they're referring to, it can be confusing since GM offers three options - the GMPP exhaust, and two GM by Borla options (with and without black tips).

I tried in vain to hear them in person first, but ended up having to rely on video and written reviews and comments. I went with the GMPP version despite it being more expensive because some comments claim the Borla was louder (I only wanted a mild increase in volume), and because GM's own descriptions on their website qoutes "Helps increase power by up to 11 HP and 6 lb.-ft of torque" and "30% backpressure reduction at 300-g/s, based on correlated flow testing" but they do not make any performance claims whatsoever for the GM by Borla version. So the GMPP version appeared to me, based on GM's own description, to be an actual performance upgrade. I know it's unlikely I'll feel an 11hp increase, I primarily wanted a mild increase in sound, the qouted performance increase just helped justify the upgrade in my mind, but was a secondary consideration. I went with GM exhaust also to maintain warranty, especially since the new exhaust itself is covered under the factory warranty just as it were stock, not just that it wouldn't negate my overall warranty.

I plan on updating this post with a better review once I've had it for a few days, but based on a 20 minute drive home from the dealership this evening, I can provide my initial experience. For reference, I've owned my 2024 RST 6.2L since early September and put 3,000 miles on the factory dual exhaust before upgrading.

When I went to pick it up tonight, I asked if we could walk out to my Tahoe instead of having service pull it around so I could hear the cold start. Cold start wasn't necessary that much louder, but it was unmistankenly deeper and had more growl, then when idle slowed down it idled at about the same volume as stock, just a little more rumble. The service guy pulled it out front while I walked behind to hear, and at a slow creep it was almost as mild as stock. I left the dealership during rush hour, so I couldn't really get on the throttle like I wanted due to traffic, but it is definitely louder and much deeper when accelerating. Some of the reviews who claim it is "as quiet as stock" either didn't own their stock exhaust for long enough to get a frame of reference, or have a different threshold for what they consider louder. It's primarily louder in the deeper octaves though, which likely contributes to it's reputation for being mild for an exhaust upgrade. Due to heavy traffic I could only cruise at 65 mph, and it does rumble a little maintaining that speed, but I did not detect any drone. My initial feelings are positive, I think I'm going to enjoy it quite a bit. I did get one chance on my drive home to get on it, and it does sound great at full throttle.
@Sean Michael: I'm sure you're enjoying the 6.2 with the upgraded performance exhaust.
I asked questions here, watched every video I could find on YT, and read as much as I could about the GM exhaust options, and after much consideration I ordered the GMPP exhaust and had it installed today. Specifically the GM Performance Parts exhaust, NOT the GM by Borla exhaust. Some conversations online are vague about which one they're referring to, it can be confusing since GM offers three options - the GMPP exhaust, and two GM by Borla options (with and without black tips).

I tried in vain to hear them in person first, but ended up having to rely on video and written reviews and comments. I went with the GMPP version despite it being more expensive because some comments claim the Borla was louder (I only wanted a mild increase in volume), and because GM's own descriptions on their website qoutes "Helps increase power by up to 11 HP and 6 lb.-ft of torque" and "30% backpressure reduction at 300-g/s, based on correlated flow testing" but they do not make any performance claims whatsoever for the GM by Borla version. So the GMPP version appeared to me, based on GM's own description, to be an actual performance upgrade. I know it's unlikely I'll feel an 11hp increase, I primarily wanted a mild increase in sound, the qouted performance increase just helped justify the upgrade in my mind, but was a secondary consideration. I went with GM exhaust also to maintain warranty, especially since the new exhaust itself is covered under the factory warranty just as it were stock, not just that it wouldn't negate my overall warranty.

I plan on updating this post with a better review once I've had it for a few days, but based on a 20 minute drive home from the dealership this evening, I can provide my initial experience. For reference, I've owned my 2024 RST 6.2L since early September and put 3,000 miles on the factory dual exhaust before upgrading.

When I went to pick it up tonight, I asked if we could walk out to my Tahoe instead of having service pull it around so I could hear the cold start. Cold start wasn't necessary that much louder, but it was unmistankenly deeper and had more growl, then when idle slowed down it idled at about the same volume as stock, just a little more rumble. The service guy pulled it out front while I walked behind to hear, and at a slow creep it was almost as mild as stock. I left the dealership during rush hour, so I couldn't really get on the throttle like I wanted due to traffic, but it is definitely louder and much deeper when accelerating. Some of the reviews who claim it is "as quiet as stock" either didn't own their stock exhaust for long enough to get a frame of reference, or have a different threshold for what they consider louder. It's primarily louder in the deeper octaves though, which likely contributes to it's reputation for being mild for an exhaust upgrade. Due to heavy traffic I could only cruise at 65 mph, and it does rumble a little maintaining that speed, but I did not detect any drone. My initial feelings are positive, I think I'm going to enjoy it quite a bit. I did get one chance on my drive home to get on it, and it does sound great at full throttle.
@Sean Michael: I'm sure you are enjoying your 6.2L with the GM Performance Exhaust. I ordered it on my '23 Yukon AT4 and never looked back. My first AT4, a '21 was limited to the 5.3 L as the the 6.2L couldn't be accommodated due to the oil pan interfering with the AT4's front skid plate set up. It was horribly underpowered and I could not wait until GM figured out how to get the 6.2 accomodated. Fortunately, when the lifter issue doomed my '21 to a buyback, GM stepped up and replaced it with a Silver Metallic AT4 built to my spec order.

The larger tips make a great visual statement and the enhanced growl around town is just cool. My 23' also was delivered with the performance air and is pushing peak HP over 450 on the Dyno. I've had it out on several 500+ mile trips and pulling up grades at 80+ mph with a full load makes it all worthwhile. The drone is just barely noticable.

These beasts have some giddy up and having owned a string of Yukons since 1995, this platform (whether it be in Chevy or GMC trims) are clealy the best of the breed. The independent rear end and the now flat floor makes these vehicles a joy for hauling family and stuff. I only wish the supercharged version of the 6.2L was available in the off-road trims!
 
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Sean Michael

Sean Michael

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@Jdchap1, I am enjoying the new exhaust. Tomorrow will be a week with it on, and I'm convinced GM's published hp & torque increase for their performance cat-back system is real. I read comments about how exhaust, even cat-back systems, don't add much, and I think those people have good intentions about keeping expectations realistic. We're only talking about 11hp and 6lbft here, it's obviously not going to feel like I installed a super charger or anything. But going into it with no expectation of a difference I could actually feel left me pleasantly surprised when it did feel a little quicker. Has me interested in getting an aftermarket intake now too, like an S&B CAI.

Btw, how did you get that 450hp dyno figure you mentioned? Did you have a shop put your AT4 on the dyno out of curiosity, or were you getting a tune or something done?
 

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