Ok - from what I gather the concensus seems to be that (if you don't mind spending the bucks) the Corsa system is the best out there. What I'm trying to figure out is - if I don't want the resonance and just want to change the OEM mufflers (or maybe go CAT back) - what's the second best choice? I want a bit more rumble but I don't want any resonance. Do I have to get a Corsa system or can I cheap out?

 

If you fill out your profile we could give you better advice, knowing what year car you have is a great help. If you have an L98 car installing an LT1 stock exhaust would be a great upgrade. You could probably pick one up for free by advertising in the parts for sale/wanted section.

 

I have experience here with 3 different setups. My brother had a 94 6 speed car and had the stock mufflers replaced with the muffler eliminators from Mid America Design. Honestly, all it did was make the car loud with allot of resonance. And the loudness had no "character" to it...it was just loud...the sound was missing "something".
On my car (93 6spd), my first set up was a Borla cat-back with the LT1 style tips. I liked the stock look tips and Borla-equipped LT1 cars really sound freakin good. There was some resonance in the cabin, but on a 6 speed car that is not a daily driver, I was able to live with it. And like I said, the sound from outside the car was incredible. HOWEVER, after not even a few thousand miles on the car, the tip on the driver side got loose and needed to be welded back. At idle, you could hear the tip rattling. I thought that was complete BS...I always thought Borla had a great reputation....
My current set up is EM long tubes, high flow cats, and a Corsa cat back. I like the tips, construction looks solid. Price wasn't an issue for me. I love the fact that I don't have to "put up" with any resonance. Only drawback...and this is strictly an asthetic observation, only the inner tips get really dirty, the outer tips stay clean giving the "illusion" that the outer tips are fake....I know, I know...they are NOT fake.
If I would do it over again...and I may just do that down the road a bit, I would go with the 3" B&B's with the X pipe. I think the B&B tips look the best on a C4...
Just my experiences...
Good thread though...keep it going.

 

I had Borla mufflers with no cats on my 85. Sounded great outside the car....wore earplugs while driving.

I had Power Effects on my 88 Callaway with no cats. Great exhaust but a lot of resonance when wide open, doesn't flow for crap when closed.

I just picked up a used Corsa set for my LT4 but I have yet to install it.

 

Good thread though...keep it going.
[/QUOTE]

 

Go with the Corsas.....96 LT1...love them!!

 

I have to say, I struggled around with this for a bit.

My job took me to the Flowmaster HQ last year - very interesting watching them put their product together. I have to say I was VERY, VERY impressed with the workmanship and quality of their products.

But, the Corsas and Billy Boats really caught my eye when I was looking for exhaust systems.

I ended up going with the Billy Boats because they seemed to have a lower "muscle car" sound to them. The Corsas seemed a bit louder.

Now - I was only able to see this stuff on the internet - I couldn't find a dealer locally that I could actually hear what these specific exhaust systems sounded like.

Now that I have my Billy Boats - I'm kind of sad that they aren't louder. I kind of expected a bigger sound out of them.

Do exhaust systems break in and get louder in time?

Anyway, I love the looks of the Billy Boats and I went stainless - so I'm going to have these puppies for awhile.

I got them through "Corvette South" and they ran me about $700 - installation was about $100.

Here's a pic.

 

If that's your criteria, I could beat your $200 easily. I can buy an exhaust cutter for about $2, and your exhaust wouldn't beat me down the 1/8th or 1/4. So your system must be a ripoff too...

 

Love my Corsa Cat System. Love the looks...love the sounds. Easy install. I think it was worth the extra money.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/P4020193.jpg

 

Less than $400.00 cat-back from Corvette Central.

 

I have been reading, posting and searching for exhaust info for three plus years. Got tired of noise and resonance and did not want to spend a fortune on another disappointing system... I went the economy route! Go Corsa if you want to spend the money or go back to original exhaust!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1982130

My B&B mufflers are for sale!

 

I was pretty satisfied with the Flowmaster II catback setup and inexpensive. The II series didn't have the resonance like I did with the regular Flowmaster. With the old ones your head would vibrate at a certain point

 

1995 LT1
X-Pipe No mufflers No resonator with 3 inch the whole way down.

Total Cost somewhere around 400 installed.

Here is the idle
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1...ust_150945.htm

 

Great Thread!!

Steven

 

Great subject! What about KDB Targa exhaust, how loud are they, any performance gains?

 

I'm looking for the perfect balance , great sound with little resonance and not too expensive. Does it exist? I know this subject has been beat to death but I also know someone has the right set up. Seems like the x or h pipe with no mufflers seems to be the way to go from what I've read. Any more feed back from those that have this set up or something similar.

 

Would anyone else agree that this looks like an exhaustive thread on the subject?



Anyways, good thread as well! I've enjoyed reading it. Thanks for giving all this information

 

Full Melrose for the win! approx (1400.00) thats with headers X pipe and 2 cats... Cost the same as most of these cat backs. And then add 200 for the muf. deletes and install!

I would never spend my money on these cat back systems. Just TOO much money in my honest opinion...













I have more pics somewhere... I just have to find em... *edit found em!*

 

Just be thankful you dont have an 85. There are pretty much no exhaust options with out some fugly tip.

 

Melrose with muf delete LT1 tips ftmfw! Melrose makes a set up for the L98's...