Replace stock mufflers
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Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 63
Likes: 6
Replace stock mufflers
I have the base model ‘96 that is good condition as in paint, interior and it runs well. It’s used for Sunday coffee drives and local car shows. I want to upgrade the stock mufflers as the car sounds just too quiet for a corvette. I don’t have the funds to go with a all new SS tubes and Borla or Magnaflow or other high end systems, just maybe new mufflers that will give the car a bit of a hot rod sound. I was hoping you experts could point me in the right direction. Back in my early days we would install 26” glass packs to get the rumble but not sure if that would do the trick today. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
With those constraints as parameters I’d try to mod the stock system (you may get some annoying drone going this route, but that’s about the same risk outside of the cor$a system):
Muffler eliminators (do a quick google)
or
Replace resonator with x-pipe
or both…
Muffler eliminators (do a quick google)
or
Replace resonator with x-pipe
or both…
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
Try what is called "Chambered Muffler Eliminators". Straight pipes (no catalytic convertor) and in in-line X pipe. Inexpensive upgrade for sure. That's what I have on my 1985. No emissions test on an antique vehicle in PA. 
I have basically very little to no drone at all with these because of the X pipe. They give a very nice deep tone at idle and are muscular sounding at cruise. Wide open throttle and others will know you're on the move. But not obnoxious noise. It sounds like a Vette should. 
I get lots of compliments on mine.
I have basically very little to no drone at all with these because of the X pipe. They give a very nice deep tone at idle and are muscular sounding at cruise. Wide open throttle and others will know you're on the move. But not obnoxious noise. It sounds like a Vette should. I get lots of compliments on mine.
Last edited by FOURSPEEDVETTE; Jan 17, 2023 at 08:39 PM. Reason: typo
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
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From: Mooresville, IN
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4th vote here for replacing the resonator with an X-Pipe. The stock mufflers (92-96) are not very restrictive and do a great job at keeping annoying drone minimized. Start with an X-pipe and down the road if you have a desire for more volume, a set of long tube headers and High-flow (or deleted) cats would be a nice step up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,343
Likes: 1,149
From: Vermilion OH
The X-pipe would be a nice addition! I have muffler eliminator on my 84 and I've been more than happy with them. They look good and offer an excellent sound at idle while not being terrible loud on the road.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I had muffler eliminators on my '94 6 speed for about 50k miles.
They have the best sound at idle. It is a deep rumble that sounds great.
At cruise they were loud enough to be able to listen to them, but were not loud enough to prevent talking or listening to the stereo.
Under throttle they were loud. My first thought was that they were horrible. I found that by how much throttle I used I could regulate the sound to make it loud when I wanted or to make it more docile if I didn't.
After driving them for several years and a lot of miles, I really got to like them. I sold that car and I found I really missed that sound.
Good luck with your choice.
They have the best sound at idle. It is a deep rumble that sounds great.
At cruise they were loud enough to be able to listen to them, but were not loud enough to prevent talking or listening to the stereo.
Under throttle they were loud. My first thought was that they were horrible. I found that by how much throttle I used I could regulate the sound to make it loud when I wanted or to make it more docile if I didn't.
After driving them for several years and a lot of miles, I really got to like them. I sold that car and I found I really missed that sound.
Good luck with your choice.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 229
From: Pennsylvania
The X pipe can be purchased at a good parts store. A decent muffler shop may be able to fabricate one also. My X pipe came from the auto parts store. And all that had to be done was weld it in.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 699
Likes: 162
From: Huntington WV
I'm thinking about doing the eliminators as well. I don't want obnoxious so I think the chambered ones might be best for me. Is there a preferred brand for these? I did watch a YT video of a guy that used the ones RPI sells and said the fitment was awful and just ended up using the tips and having a local shop bend up some pipe. So he basically paid $250 for some tips.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 441
From: Albuquerque NM