C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Corsa Exhaust - leaks?

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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 09:19 AM
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Default Corsa Exhaust - leaks?

I installed a Corsa exhaust on my 95 LT1 coupe about 6 weeks ago. Love the sound.

This past weekend I had the car up on stands to install a RD cross frame and found some tell tale marks indicating, I think, that there are some leaks in my exhaust system.

These marks show up as black soot streaks about 2-3 inches long coming from the connecting points. I noticed one at the easy seal clamp that connects the pass side header to the corsa head pipe. Two marks at the conections between the head pipes and center muffler and one between the pass side muffler and the over the axle pipe.

I checked the torque on the clamps and they seem to check out good.

Did others have the same problem and if so how did you fix? Did you use higher torque?
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 09:35 AM
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I have had mine work their way loose a couple times. I can usually tell pretty quick with the change in tone. I would get a small pick and slide it in the expansion groove cut into the pipes and see if the pipes are still fully seated.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 10:43 AM
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Just talked to Jeff from Corsa and he explains that to have these escaped carbon marks is normal. I asked if having the system welded would be good and his reply was not reccomended. The stainless needs to expand and contract.

So I guess the system is OK.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 11:42 AM
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I have those too. I never checked with anyone, but I guessed that some minor "leakage" was normal. I live with it & I did NOT weld my system. It has never got loose on me in 2 years.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 12:24 PM
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Mine does this, and it's fine...
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 12:58 PM
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Yep, noticed it on mine as well, but it never sounds like I have an exhaust leak so I just leave it alone.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 01:16 PM
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Make sure you go under and re-torque all your fasteners for the first couple of months. They tend to loosen just a bit, but after a couple of times they should be fine.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 02:47 PM
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But I must confess I did not ever recheck mine, just torqued to the mfg. spec & drove it away.

I'd like to add that probably all aftermarket exhaust systems that are "clamped" together will have a little carbon trail/leak.

Ever get up close & examine a race cars exhaust connections after an event?

The only way around this (if you must) is to weld. I don't recommend weld, you may need to remove it someday. Try getting to the beam fastners with the exhaust in place.

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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by redgb
Just talked to Jeff from Corsa and he explains that to have these escaped carbon marks is normal. I asked if having the system welded would be good and his reply was not reccomended. The stainless needs to expand and contract.

So I guess the system is OK.
I have a B&B S/S catback and I had the same problem with the clamps not providing a good seal. I broke 3 of the clamps trying to get it to seal which B&B replaced quickly with no charge. I also found that the system would slip after a bump or two, so I lined everything up and had a S/S welder weld it up. Now it is just like a factory catback and much easier to remove/reinstall and no leaks at all.
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Old Sep 7, 2005 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by redgb
Just talked to Jeff from Corsa and he explains that to have these escaped carbon marks is normal. I asked if having the system welded would be good and his reply was not reccomended. The stainless needs to expand and contract.

So I guess the system is OK.


Yep, mine does it too. It never sounds like it's leaking so I don't care.
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