Finished installing my Corsa"s today. Sounds GREAT in the garage! More snow coming. Going down to -2 tomarrow night. Looks like it will be a while before I will be doing a sound test on the road.

Installation was relatively easy. Did it myself on jack stands. A convertible requires removing the x-brace however since the LT4 was very clean all bolts on the x-brace and the exhaust system came off very easily. The back bolts on the x-brace have spacers on top of them with small metal washers that fall off when removed. I think these are used by the factory to hold the bolts and shims in place to aid assembly. So before installing the x-brace, insert the bolts through the x-brace and shims then screw on the small washers. The shims and bolts will be held in place for you while you line up the holes.

I'm really impressed with the GM spring mounted suspension system for the exhaust. Almost no adjustment required until you get to the rear of the project to align the muffler height and exhaust tips. Being a little **** and wanting perfection, this took the longest time.

Now the PAIN begins! Getting too old for this stuff but still enjioy the work. All the muscles in my neck and upper chest hurt! I think the pain will be worth it. This is my first mod. on this car. Will order the K&N filter next week. What should I try next?? Nothing complicated please, this is a weekend driver, no track.

A note on the CORSA instructions:
1. They provide a anti-seize compound to put on the bolts for the clamps provided. Dis-assemble the clamps and apply this before installation, wipe off the excess re-assemble the clamps and wash your hands. This lubricant may stain the stainless so if a mirror finish is important keep it clean.

2. Their diagram shows the correct side to position the bolts on the pipe clamps. However on convertibles, rotate the front clamps that secure the center muffler to the head pipes slightly higher up. When tightened the bottom of the bolt should not extend lower than the exhaust pipe. There is very little clearence when the x-brace is re-installed.

3. CORSA cautions on their instructions not to over tighten the clamp bolts. However it takes a lot of pull to compress the two pipes tightly so your final settings don't move. When you think you are done, grab the mufflers and try to move or turn them. Odds are you do not have the clamps tight enough.

Did't mean for this to be so long. STILL WAITING FOR SPRING!!!

 

I have ordered mine, just waiting for it to be shipped. :cry

Going to do the Hurst shifter while I am under there. :yesnod: :steering:

 

Thanks for the pointers. I'm planning on doing this in the future. Glad to hear it went well. I know you cant wait to hit the road. Give us an update. Guy

 

Sounds like you did a great job.

The sound will keep improving after you drive the car. The Corsas seem to need some breakin in order to reach their full sound. It will probably take 5,000 miles before they are at their final sound level.

 

:cool: Corsas rock.:)

 

I love my Corsas!!! :cheers:

 

:cool: I love my Corsas ..... and also my Borlas :D

 

Corsa's rule :party:

 

:iagree: :seeya

 

Next mod = camber brace. :yesnod:

There's a night and day difference. I couldn't believe it.! :steering:

 

I know what you mean buy hurting I ended my wrench turning career with two torn rotater cuff tears!

 

Take your pictures now, because they will never look the same again. The 2 inside tips get black and I have to use a dremmel to get them clean.

 

You will love your Corsa's, I do. I would recommend a cut lid w/ k&n, tb bypass, and hurst shifter (will have to drop exhaust again, but worth it).

 

LOVE MY CORSAS!!!! :cool: :cheers: :cool:

 

This is great information as I am also waiting delivery of my Corsa's. I've been told that the passenger side stock exhaust requires a hammer to release from the cat's. Did you heat or is this not true? I have 93k on my stock exhaust and was going to pay $ 150 to have installed if true. If not then I will do it myself. I appreciate the info. :seeya

 

Mine has 70K and yes it came off hard but for $150 I can do a lot of cussing...

Heck if you live near me I'll do it for $75... :seeya


[Modified by fsr402, 10:51 PM 3/2/2003]

 

The passenger side cat pipe connection is the one area I had problems with but it was not during removal. I only have 17,500 dry summer miles on my '96. No rust at all. With all clamps and hangers removed and the jack supporting the hanging exhaust and lowered slightly, my right cat pipe slid apart easily when the exhaust was pulled back from the rear. This joint slides together rather far, 2 1/2 to 3 inches. It may take heating and tapping if you have an older system. Mind didn't. If heat is necessary you should be able to handle it with a propane torch used to sweat copper water lines together.

Before assembly I test fit all the CORSA parts to make sure they all slid together easily. Some had burrs from their cutting operation that I de-burred with a file. The only area that cannot be test fit until removing the old system is the right side cat connection. The CORSA pipe was slightly egg shaped and even after sanding the cat extension it would not slide on without being forced. Not wanting to hammer it on and possibly jamming it only halfway, I took the CORSA pipe to Midas and had them round it and slightly stretch it. (No charge.) With a little oil on the cat pipe it slid right on and I was able to easily turn it to the correct alignment.

If you have to heat and tap to break the seal, do not dent or bend anything. It will make installing the new system much harder if the cat pipe is out of shape in any way.

Try doing the job with a friend. If you cannot get the cat to come apart and your stock system is still sound it will only take 15 minutes to rehang the system and drive to a muffler shop. Re-install the x-brace when you get home if you have one. Let me know how you make out.

 

Get me some tickets & I'll fly out & help you :D

Seriously tho, I think my 94 had about 40K on it and I can't remember having an "extremely bad" time getting the old system off. Seems like the pipes separated with one good pull and the rest of the job was fairly simple. You've already gotten good advice here but just take your time, follow the instructions, and if something doesn't seem quite right, call Corsa for tech help. I think they have an 800 number. I had my Corsas off about 2 weeks ago when replacing the rear end. I was experiencing an alignment problem when reinstalling the Corsas ... called the factory & got an explanation/solution right away. Terrific service.

 

dscottr - Get some Meguiar's Quik Detailer, spray it inside the tips, and wipe out the soot everytime you wash the Corvette. It won't completely bring them back to original, but they still shine! :thumbs:

I've had Corsa's for over two years and they just get better and better. Stock was too wimpy, muffler eliminators were too loud for me, Corsa is just right.

 

There's nothing like a good after-market exhaust system to make a Corvette SOUND like a Corvette should.

Good job and good choice. You won't ever regret it.

Karl