BRWK

Ok...probably a dumb question but.....I have not heard mufflers that I like for at least 3 years of listening. That being said, how dumb would it be to add LTs, flow-thru cats, x-pipe, tune but keep the stock C5 mufflers?
Thanks

Indy

Where did you listen? Actual real life mufflers, or you-tube videos?
I'm sure LTs with high flow cats and x-pipe sounds good. But an aftermarket muffler will give it that edge...

Dave68

The stock mufflers were designed for stock engines that produce factory-rated horsepower. As engine horsepower is increased, the mufflers become more of a liability (performance -restrictor). For example, back a few years ago, Lingenfelter gained more than 50 horsepower on a twin-turbo setup by simply switching the exhaust from stock to Borla Stingers. That's because the engine was producing far more power than the stock cat-back could handle without excessive flow restrictions.

have you ever attended/participated in a dyno day event? That's how I decided which exhaust system to buy (Borla Stingers). I wasn't concerned about how polished the pipes were, as they cannot be seen unless I am working underneath my car. Rather, sound was of utmost importance and my basis of comparison was my 68 with Doug Thorly headers and Dynomax Superturbo mufflers. The Borla sound was closest and I've never regretted buying them.

BRWK

Indy...actual

Dave68...Thats what I thought and all I heard so far were the NASCAR sounding muffs. Still listening for that deep low sound that doesn't wake the dead.

1998whitecoupe-a4

I was running stock mufflers for a while, just didnt have that punch, then went to TI's.

Much better sound and good performance, though not as loud as I would like, but that's a good thing, I get less LEO attention this way.

BRWK

I was thinking about TIs but I want some noise. Just dont want to buy the TIs and then be disappointed and then buy a new cat-back system. Hense the reason to just keep the stock muffs.

road pilot

Is this true?? I run 520 rwhp on stock mufflers(catback)
WOW!!!!50 more hp with just a aftermarket catback.
OH BOY!!!!!
I will probably be in the papers. Look for me!!

00 Rooster

how about the bypass mod. might be worth a try and it should be cheap. that way you won't have invested much if you don't like it.

post#9
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...r-exhaust.html

BRWK

Road Pilot....cool

00 Rooster....Still thinking about that one. But probably once I go with LTs, etc....it might be way too loud.

I do appreciate all the feedback, thanks.

AU N EGL

Part of performance is FREE FLOWING air though the whole engine. From a CAI, Intake, head chamber design, and valves, out though the exhaust manifolds or Long tube headers, free flowing cats, and smooth X-pipe, and low resistance exhaust or muffler.

By restricting the low resistance exhaust or muffler almost all performance up grades are moot.

So what does this mean? SOUND, LOTS OF LOUD SOUND.

This partly way race cars have open exhausts and no mufflers.

It is very difficult if not impossible to have it both ways.

Good Luck

BRWK

I do know you are right....I was just hoping.

dobewillie

air in and exhaust out

02MillenniumVette

Are you twin turboed? I didnt see it listed in your mods. Just because Lingenfelter can get 50rwhp more out of it doesnt mean anyone can. If your not twin tuboed then your not going to get 50hp more just from a catback.

1slowFRC

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought our stock catback was good for about 800 RWHP??? The only reason for changing that I have ever heard have only been because of looks and sound. I would love to see a dyno of C5 corvette gaining any horsepower with only a catback upgrade.

BRWK

1998whitecoupe-a4

I hear ya, to me TI's are a good deal - I paid I think $400.00 for the set.

They look good and sound better than stock.

I could not stomach spending $1200 to $1500 for an exhaust, got me a cam instead

I'm not sure any exhaust system out there would ever sound good on a Vette.

To me, the best sounding exhaust is on a Mustang, no car ever comes close to that sound.

Did you go on Youtube? some intersting C5 exhaust videos on there, of course it wont sound as good as "live" but you would get an idea.

Dave68

I have the dyno screen shot somewhere to prove it, but yes, having high horsepower and stock mufflers is like trying to send a blowdart 50 ft with a 2 mm diameter straw. I am confident that you will see a nice chunk of HP increase by simply swapping out your OEM cat-back with an aftermarket one. Your C5 will also lose 20 lbs of weight in the process (if you aren't running titanium).

BRWK

Yup....every time I hear a mustang I always shake my head and wonder why cant I find some muff similar to that sound.
YouTube...been there, done that

road pilot

Gosh darn I thought I was going to have finally a easy 50hp!!!
Thanks.