1stVetteFinally

So I'm looking to do my first upgrade here in the next month or two. From everything I've read and been told, exhaust upgrade is the least expensive upgrade that would actually yield an increase in performance.
Right now, the car is a completely stock 1992 LT1. I plan to get my first tune done after the exhaust upgrade. So with a budget of around $1500, I'm looking for suggestions as to exactly what to get. I'm talking about links to the product and reasoning for the suggestion. The car is a semi-daily driver so it needs to be able to pass Virginia state inspection, but it will also see some short track racing. Cat-back or full system, whichever fits within my budget. I don't want the car to be excessively loud, but a nice growl under hard acceleration is expected.

Advice and parts suggestions are greatly appreciated.

TA

Unless you're talking headers, I don't there's too much gain to be had with an LT1 system. LT1s have a pretty decent exhaust right out of the box. I'd pick the system I like the sound of and put on a cat back.

1stVetteFinally

if it's possible with my budget, yes, I'm talking headers.

96 lt-4

You could go with some long tube headers and high flow cats as well as delete the resonator or put an x pipe in its place and keep the stock mufflers.

GJ Camacho

My 93 (same as your 92) woke up with headers..Short headers by pacesetter. Is good for the midrange to upper end of the rpm range. For an additional 250.00 change 48mm throttlebody to 52mm (I'm in the process of doing that now). I went with a full electronics kit from spark plugs to optispark by msd , a good choice. The last piece of equipment would be a decent chip. Try pcm4less, they will custom make your chip, good for 40 to 55 ponies. Right now for around 40.00 if you have an automatic transmission you can get a shift kit by B&M. You can do it all for under 1500.00 easily. It all makes a difference.

GJ Camacho

The air filter housing needs to be opened up so you can get more air flowing, also change the filter to a high flow type like the k&m filters good for 5 to 8 ponies. Move the air temp sensor to the front of the car somewhere by the bottom where the spoiler entrance to the radiator is. That helps too. Good luck and enjoy.

blue94

Long Tubes with high flow cats an x pipe with the stock mufflers are great at cruise but wake up when you step on it.

1984Z51auto

Headers are not a lot of fun to install unless you can get a lift for the afternoon. As was said before, the stock LT manifolds are pretty good and if you are not going to change heads and cam the motor you may not see much for your work. Check out the top line exhaust systems from CORSA and Billy-Boat, at, just above, your budget and they go on without the agony of DIY headers (save the headers for when you do the heads and cam and only bust knuckles once!).

HlhnEast

Thyere are quite a few options on headers, it kinda epends on how much money you want to spend. Stainless steel is generally the best (and most expensive) option, ceramic coated next, then regular steel. Ranging from most expensive down would be Stainless Works (?), TPiS, Exotic Muscle, Hooker, Hedman. All are good and some fitment may be necessary. Use 2-1/2" piping, an H or X connection and a good set of mufflers. Mufflers will range in tone so choose carefully as to what sound you want. Magnaflows I have had are droney but a popular choice. Borla I have heard is a good choice. I would check into Walker, I have had good luck with them, no drone and good sound when you punch it.

All in all you will be pleased with the improvement that a free breathing exhaust will make. Considering the investment, choose carefully after doing your due diligence.

Good luck and tell us what you went with and how you like it.

1stVetteFinally

I do have access to a lift to install the new exhaust. I was actually thinking of going with 2 3/4" or 3" pipes. Don't think I can afford stainless though. A cam upgrade is in the cars future, but that probably won't be until next winter.

I would greatly appreciate some recommendations for actual kits to get, and links to the kit's product page. I already know which brand names are good. What I am looking for is recommendations for exactly which kit and headers to get.

blue94

I installed a Melrose system several years ago on my 94 and other than having to tweak one of the pipes it is a good system. The nice thing is if you are running an auto you can get the cats away (behind) the trans.

http://www.melrosecorvette.com/c4-headers-exhaust/

Several manufacturers mke good quality stainless headers also.

96 lt-4

You don't need 3" pipes on a stock motor.The factory 2.75 pipes are more than enough.If you are after sound do a magnaflow axleback and call it a day.

My Corsa 2.5 catback on my 383 made 441rwhp so there is no need to go with 3" pipes.

The most cost effective way to go would be to do the magnaflow rear section.If you want more sound then look to replace the factory resonator with an x-pipe.

For whole catbacks be patient and they pop up here for sale from time to time and keep a watch on ebay and your local craigslist.

I tried almost every configuration of exhaust on mine and ended up with Corsa and should have done it first regardless of the cost.

1stVetteFinally

Thanks blue94. That's the kind of response I was hoping for. Ill definitely check out the link you gave.


I'm thinking of going 3" because I do plan on doing more to the car as time goes by. Next upgrade will be going into the engine with a cam upgrade and head work. I know it don't need 3" with it being stock, but I want a system that will serve me well with the future upgrades that will be done as time goes by. Eventually, I plan on the engine being converted to a LS induction system, bigger cam, and stroked out to a 383. All in due time though (I am far from being rich).

86C4Z51

With that plan in mind, you won't be rich any time soon!

But you'll have fun doing it.