DanMan35

I want to get long tube headers and an exhaust system. I'm a little confused on exactly what I need.

For the long tube headers, do all long tubes come with an x-pipe whether it's with high flow cats or no cats?

Because I see exhaust systems that look like full exhausts with x-pipes as well. If I already have an x-pipe on my long tubes then I'm getting a full exhaust with an x-pipe also....that's confusing to me?

Help a newb out?

Also for headers I'm going with either: Kooks, LG or ARH
For exhaust I'm going with: Corsa, Borla, or maybe one other brand, not sure yet

paulrichy

Your selections for long tube are good choices, either one. Yes, if you want the most performance a matched x-pipe is recommended and so is a tune, to optimize your changes. As far as the axleback, that is a matter of personal taste, depending on how loud. I found a set of used NPP and the NPP in a box and that is the route I went. I love it, best mod I ever did on any of my vehicles,PERIOD. Loud when you want it, stock sound when you dont. The aftermarket mufflers with NPP(bi-mode) like the B&B fusions are about the same price as OEM but much higher quality finish wise and I believe they are lighter. Spendy project with new parts running about $4000.00 and labor about $1200.00 with a dyno tune. I did mine in phases, did the NPP first and I can't say enough about it.

DanMan35

So if I get long tubes with an x pipe - when it comes to my exhaust am I then getting a cat back exhaust or an axle back exhaust? I'm confused which one hooks directly up to long tubes and an x pipe

HK770

Long tube C6 exhaust system

1. Headers ..... x pipe hooks to headers ....REAR

2. X pipe catted /no cat .... Axle back, hooks to x pipe ....REAR

3. Axle back mufflers

HOXXOH

The terminology people use when referring to Vettes or other rear mounted muffler systems seems to be interchangeable with whoever is speaking. The term "cat back" is more correct when the muffler is in front of the rear axle and "axle back" when the muffler is behind the axle, yet some people refer to that part simply as the "exhaust".

The entire exhaust system on a stock pre-2012 Vette consists of a manifold, cat, mid-pipe (H or X), and a muffler. The muffler includes a welded attached pipe that extends forward over the axle to connect to the mid-pipe.

When a conversion is made to use long tube headers, the system consists of headers, then usually either a connecting pipe or a cat (customer's choice), then the x-pipe (although some brands offer a catted or non-catted X pipe rather than a two-piece affair), and finally the over-the-axle muffler aka "cat back" or "exhaust".

Google the name of a manufacturer and "headers" to reduce the confusion. Or search posts here about header installation for photos on a C6.

BigBlok502

Here's a pic of my Kooks LTs with HF Cats & X Pipe, they bolted right up to the factory NPP (Axle Back.)




Kooks 1 3/4" with HF Cats.