question about a good exhaust and how to paint chrome gas lid

[jaystylez15]

whats up guys i have 2 questions maybe you can help me with. i want to upgrade my stock exhaust i want a more aggresive sounding exhaust after market if you have anyy suggestions i would greatly appreciate it. i hear magnaflow is good and its in my price range. also i want to paint my chrome gas lid black but stripping the chrome is real hard i cant find a place around my area (central NJ) that does it maybe you guys know some easier way. would love some input

 

[06 H3]

Welcome, use plasti dip on the chrome it should hold up well

 

[ABNTROOP]

Or buy a black lid and swap, otherwise 3-4 gallons of household unscented bleach. Remove and let sit in enough bleach to cover chrome piece by 3-4", swap bleach bath out daily, and scrub piece with green scratch pad then rinse with cold water in between each fresh bath. but after 4-5 days item will be dechromed. Always wear gloves, and do this in well ventilated area. Cannot stress those two things enough. Once dechromed, prime and paint.

 

[Bigunit]

Here is a link to a good thread from the forum discussing H3 exhaust options: http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?257-h3-performance-exhaust Here is link to a site that lists them all so you can get a good price comparison & some sound comparisons: http://www.carid.com/hummer-h3-exhaust-systems/

 

[4speedfunk]

V8 or I5? Some I5 guys have removed the rear muffler and replaced it with a straight piece of pipe, and they seem to like that. Its cheap and reversible if you don't like it.

 

[LoJac963]

Are you having the fuel door powdercoated? If not then why do you need to strip the chrome?? Just scuff it up and rattle can it with whatever you want. Don't waste your time with Plasti Dip-its a temporary solution. Do something permanent you'll be happy with.

I did mine in Plasti Dip to see how I liked it but the first time you bump something into it you'll mess it up. I accidently hit it with the gas handle at the station and it ripped a couple chunks in it.

Here it is when I first sprayed it....looked great.

Then I pulled it all off and went with VHT wrinkle coat engine spray. Definitely permanent, heat resistant, solvent resistant, etc.

Plasti Dip is great if you're unsure how something will look black but it won't last forever. I still have it on my wheels and the sun fades it over time into a greyish color among other issues....

 

[Kyle]

Me and a few other forum members cut off are mufflers and love the sound. Just make sure to run a pipe out the back or you could get exhaust fumes in the car. Heres a video of mine with no muffler. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wm90TDHrZA

 

[cdarveaux]

Remove the muffler! Saves money and sounds so sexy. But I'll admit when having a conversation and getting on the freeway it's a little difficult lol. But it sounds great and it turns heads!

 

[jaystylez15]

man that sounds reAL GOOD BUT I LIKE THE WHOLE MUFFLER TIP LOOK COMING OUT THE BACK

Me and a few other forum members cut off are mufflers and love the sound. Just make sure to run a pipe out the back or you could get exhaust fumes in the car. Heres a video of mine with no muffler. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wm90TDHrZA

 

[jaystylez15]

Wow that looks incredible i want to do that also but my chrome lid started pealing and chipping away so it looks horrible so before i attempt any of that i have to strip it

 

[jaystylez15]

I5 one

v8 or i5? Some i5 guys have removed the rear muffler and replaced it with a straight piece of pipe, and they seem to like that. Its cheap and reversible if you don't like it.

 

[Kyle]

man that sounds reAL GOOD BUT I LIKE THE WHOLE MUFFLER TIP LOOK COMING OUT THE BACK

Add on on! Its not hard


Sent from the top of a mountain in my h3

 

[Highatop]

Have an I5, no emissions on the hill here. Does the I5 need the compressin of the muffle for performance or can it run just as good or better w/out it?

 

[Kyle]

Have an I5, no emissions on the hill here. Does the I5 need the compressin of the muffle for performance or can it run just as good or better w/out it?

Theres no loss of low end torque from what i noticed. i think it actually helps performance.

 

[LoJac963]

Wow that looks incredible i want to do that also but my chrome lid started pealing and chipping away so it looks horrible so before i attempt any of that i have to strip it

ah I got ya. I know when I started prepping mine I was hitting it with my gas pressure washer and the chrome actually started flaking off. That's something you could try also. There's also chemical stripping if you have anyone local who does it. I had to get my U-steps stripped before I had them re-powdercoated and for all for it was only about $60. A fuel door would be next to nothing.