Beware of Billy Boat Exhaust

2170 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Ice-947, 5 mo ago

CTSV_19

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

Hey ya'll, I was holding off on this post as I've been in communication with Billy Boat but due to the unresponsiveness of the manufacturer I wanted to warn others. I did some light research prior to upgrading to a catback exhaust. I really liked the sound of the BB system and decided to take the plunge even though they are on the high end of pricing. The ordering process was decent although it did take about 3 more weeks than they estimated. I ordered the exhaust with black tips and was told that's where the delay came from, ok no worries I'll have it soon enough.

Installation was done by a reputable local performance shop that does a lot of GM cars. I dyno'd my car twice before the install and it was right in line with stock CTS V's, even gained some HP after a Rotofab CAI install. So the car had been sitting most of the day at the shop and the temperature was comparible to the other dyno's. This time my car lost about 5 HP and a shocking 30 torque. Got to say though that the exhaust does sound awesome. There was also some slight drone when traveling on the highway between 70 - 80 MPH. Called and spoke with Billy and was brushed off. The Cadillac dealership did find an issue with my SC so that could also be culprit of the decrease in torque. My car is currently at the dealership waiting on a new SC under warranty and it's been 9 weeks already

Now the nasty: A few months after the installation I noticed that my right exhaust was way lower than the left. Got under the car and noticed that the rear muffler hanger had broke so I synched it up with a couple steal clamps. Called BB back and was told that I could send it back to them or take it to a local shop for repair. I chose the latter as I didn't want to be without my car for a month or so. While I was waiting for my appointment the LEFT hanger broke. This time there was some non repairable damage to the carbon fiber and I was livid we all know how expensive those are to replace. I was getting the runaround from Billy but he finally agreed to send me headers, when my warranty expires in March I wanted to do some upgrades. Well since then I have tried calling and emailing multiple times but have not gotten a response. Since the warranty seems to not cover damage to the car I'm not hopeful that headers would be sent.

Hangers

front of muffler.png

CTSV_19
7 mo ago

rear of muffler.png

CTSV_19
7 mo ago
2

Look at the weld on the rear one lol... I should of inspected the system before install so that's my bad. When I took it back to the shop they fixed all 4 welds and said they would all eventually break with the shotty weld job done at BB.

Here is the damage to the Carbon Fiber

Image[3].jpeg

CTSV_19
7 mo ago

Image[1].jpeg

CTSV_19
7 mo ago

So in closing I do like the sound of the Exhaust but would never do business with BB again. If you happen to order from them please do a thorough inspection.

Cheers!

See less See more

Save

Reactions: 4

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

Ice-947

· #2 · 7 mo ago

I have the full setup. Headers all the way back. My system was done pretty well but I did have a bit of a run around with them.

I will say, the sound is ungodly at WOT. I get compliments all the time, "that's the sound of my youth". So I will say, it screams and on the highway there's a slight drone however, I don't really notice it at 70. I will say this, the valves so ALLOT more when you're headers piped back...I close them it's noticeable. open them it's a war hammer. I'm still chasing other gremlins but I can't complain on the sound.

I am going to get under the car and check my welds now when it comes back.

Save

Reactions: 1

CTSV_19

Discussion Starter · #3 · 7 mo ago

Ice-947 said:
I have the full setup. Headers all the way back. My system was done pretty well but I did have a bit of a run around with them.

I will say, the sound is ungodly at WOT. I get compliments all the time, "that's the sound of my youth". So I will say, it screams and on the highway there's a slight drone however, I don't really notice it at 70. I will say this, the valves so ALLOT more when you're headers piped back...I close them it's noticeable. open them it's a war hammer. I'm still chasing other gremlins but I can't complain on the sound.

I am going to get under the car and check my welds now when it comes back.

Yeah the sound is amazing for sure, can't imagine what it sounds like with headers and a cam

Definitely go and check the welds, after this happened I found a bunch of references to broken hangers on forums but was mostly with Vette's.

Save

kittyboy

· #4 · 7 mo ago

I don't want to diminish your issue, by just want to say that 'fortunately' I've had positive experience with BB and their product for my V2.

Save

chalizmo

· #5 · 7 mo ago

Ice-947 said:
I have the full setup. Headers all the way back. My system was done pretty well but I did have a bit of a run around with them.

I will say, the sound is ungodly at WOT. I get compliments all the time, "that's the sound of my youth". So I will say, it screams and on the highway there's a slight drone however, I don't really notice it at 70. I will say this, the valves so ALLOT more when you're headers piped back...I close them it's noticeable. open them it's a war hammer. I'm still chasing other gremlins but I can't complain on the sound.

I am going to get under the car and check my welds now when it comes back.

There are plenty of videos of how the system sounds in sport/race mode, there isn't anything that I've been able to find on how it sounds in touring mode with the valve closed. I don't suppose that you'd be willing to record how it sounds in both modes in the same fixed recording position from the rear?

Cold start in touring mode
Cold start in sport mode

Save

CTSV_19

Discussion Starter · #6 · 7 mo ago

chalizmo said:
There are plenty of videos of how the system sounds in sport/race mode, there isn't anything that I've been able to find on how it sounds in touring mode with the valve closed. I don't suppose that you'd be willing to record how it sounds in both modes in the same fixed recording position from the rear?

Cold start in touring mode

Cold start in sport mode

It's at the dealership getting the SC replaced. Should have it back soon and will send you a PM once I get vids.

Save

Reactions: 1

chalizmo

· #7 · 7 mo ago

thanks I'm anxious to hear how it sounds but sorry that you're having to get your supercharger replaced. My V3 has about 25k on it and big things like this are always a worry for me.

Save

djdonte

· #8 · 7 mo ago

I find it hard to believe a catback made you lose 30 ft/lbs of tq so I bet thats your SC. Either way those welds are garbage. Unfortunately a lot of industries are going thru poor QC like this due to supply and labor shortages. I have seen bad ammo from once revered suppliers since covid as an example. My 1400 dollar SW exhaust didnt have bad welds that broke, but it fit like ass and I also got the runaround as well. First they told me to send them pictures, then ghosted me. Only after I told Mont my experience did they get back to me and tell me it might need adjustment due to hangars being bent in transit. The end, no more help. The hangars are solid steel with good size welds. They needed a ton of force to be fixed at the shop so no they did not bend in the box. Poor design, poor QC, and poor follow up. Never again SW.

Save

Ice-947

· #9 · 7 mo ago

I'd be glad to post, when my car comes back. It isn't quiet by any means, but you can talk in a normal slightly raised voice behind it with the valves closed....with it open...it's a race car, pure race car.

I also do not have resonators on my system or cats, so it's true straight pipes w/ Mufflers. The sound is extremely deep. I have been toying to put the resonators on but to be honest. I love the sound.

Save

Reactions: 1

Black Molly

· #10 · 7 mo ago

I tried to order the aftermarket cats from bb...after three months of delays I had to cancel my order and just get some long tube headers.

Save

CTSV_19

Discussion Starter · #11 · 7 mo ago

djdonte said:
I find it hard to believe a catback made you lose 30 ft/lbs of tq so I bet thats your SC. Either way those welds are garbage. Unfortunately a lot of industries are going thru poor QC like this due to supply and labor shortages. I have seen bad ammo from once revered suppliers since covid as an example. My 1400 dollar SW exhaust didnt have bad welds that broke, but it fit like ass and I also got the runaround as well. First they told me to send them pictures, then ghosted me. Only after I told Mont my experience did they get back to me and tell me it might need adjustment due to hangars being bent in transit. The end, no more help. The hangars are solid steel with good size welds. They needed a ton of force to be fixed at the shop so no they did not bend in the box. Poor design, poor QC, and poor follow up. Never again SW.

Yes, most likely the SC. I took it out for a few 1/4 mile runs and it trapped at 119 with 11.94 which I think is a little low for stock. New SC should is being installed today so should have the car back tomorrow

Ice-947 said:
I'd be glad to post, when my car comes back. It isn't quiet by any means, but you can talk in a normal slightly raised voice behind it with the valves closed....with it open...it's a race car, pure race car.

I also do not have resonators on my system or cats, so it's true straight pipes w/ Mufflers. The sound is extremely deep. I have been toying to put the resonators on but to be honest. I love the sound.

Nice, I would also like to hear them.