A question for all the experienced vette owners. I have had an 87 vette for about a year and a half now and have loved it. I am looking at doing a few modifications to boost the power a little from the 250 hp that it currently has.

One thing I definately want to do is to put custom exhaust on it. I need at least one new muffler anyway, so I figure while replacing that I can get a little more power and a more throaty sound. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what type of exhaust to put on the vette? I looked at another thread posted just before this one and saw the links to some custom exhaust dealers. I looked at them, but was unsure which ones would leave the car legal and which ones wouldn't.

I have also looked at headers. Again does anyone have any suggestions?

I really do not know much about doing these things myself, does anyone know of any good shops which could do this work for me? I am located in Quantico, VA.

Thanks for the help! Anything other ideas about modifications would be appreciated. I am not looking at going too crazy, but would like to upgrade.

 

If money were no object I would get Melrose's stainless system from headers back. However, it's pretty pricey ($1650) and you may not feel like you're getting the best bang for your buck. Headers make a good bit of power difference, and a whole lot of sound difference. However, for the 87 I don't know of anyone who makes an affordable (under $1000) system that is designed for headers. Your 87 has 2.25" exhaust stock and most aftermarket systems are designed for the 2.25" stock exhaust and the factory manifolds, which are pretty restrictive. Basically, if you're just looking for sound your best choice would be a cat-back system. They are 50-state legal as long as you buy one with mufflers, not eliminators. You didn't tell us just how loud you want it, or if you'll be needing to pass emissions where you live. I'd check either

www.corvettecentral.com

or

www.madvet.com

and look at their selection of cat-back exhausts. If you are keeping the catalytic converter and you are retaining the stock manifolds you may really like the sound of the eliminators.

If you want headers and true-dual exhaust the eliminators would likely be a little too loud. The truly best option for your car is to take it to a local shop and have them do a system for you. Headers are going to run you anywhere from $180-$900. I've got ceramic-coated Hedman Elites and I am quite satisfied with them at $450. If you take your car to a muffler shop they can install dual cats, dual mufflers, and a nice 2.5" mandrel-bent system for probably $800-$1200 including mufflers and cats. Let us know exactly what your budget, goals, and acceptable noise level would be.

 

Corvette Central has a Magnaflow catback system with crossover rear y-pipe. It should add at least 10-12 RWHP. It is $299.00 part # 324120.
You can do headers as well or wait 'till later.

 

Apack, I am undergoing an exhaust upgrade to my 87 as we speak. I will have post-dyno numbers and pics next week, I hope. I performed a pre-dyno on the stock 87. I am installing TPiS header, with 3'" back to a high flow cat, and then a MagnaFlow SS cat-back system. I should also be able to make a sound recording.

BTW, the TPiS headers fit perfect. You do have to change your EGR line if you keep it. The headers were designed for an 86 EGR hookup. Piece of cake, but another $65.

STay Tune...

 

Your best result will come from: coated FL headers, ture duals with 2 1/2"- 3" pipes, hi-flow cats & fufflers. This will set the stage for any future mods you may want to do, such as heads, cam, intake, etc.

Since you rate your '87 at 250chp instead of the stock 240chp, I suspect you have already done the "free" mods.

 

All catbacks are smog legal, and noise is subjective. Cops have never said anything to me about mine. Pick based on sound preference alone, all give roughly the same power. Any shop can install a catback, and you could do it yourself if you can get under the car, its basically dummy-proof.

TPiS or Hooker headers. You may wish to read my webite first.

 

I picked up the full dual exhaust from Corvette Central, it included an h-pipe and magnaflow mufflers. I'm happy with it. If you try a search, you'll probably come up with sound clips (I have pics of that install on my website).

And also try a search for headers. If you had iron heads, I'd recommend Hedman, but I dont know enough about your aluminum heads to say anything.

 

I think that you have a pretty active and friendly corvette club in your area...talk to those guys and see what the locals say about emmissions in your area and get a real world listen to exhausts on a car like yours. I feel that an expensive exhaust without further modifications is a waste of money, I run coated hedmans and 3" dual cats with a full dual exhaust, all for less than a set of tpis(which I'm sure are great)coated headers. I run muffler eliminators, the cats kill enough noise to make the sound more than bearable and I really like this low cost setup

 

Thanks for the responses! I am looking for the car to be loud enough for me to hear the throaty muscle car sound while idling, without making the vehicle's sound overbearing to where all the other vehicles around me are annoyed by the noise. The added power would be nice as well. Even though I don't race or even drive my vette hard, and the torque and 240 HP gives the feel of power, just the fact that family sedans now days come close to 240 HP is a little dissapointing (I know my vette would smoke them still, but you know what I mean).

rhelwood how much did the sytem that you are installing cost you?

65Z01, actually I have not done the "free mods". I just listed the HP at 250 since I was not sure the exact stock HP, I just knew it was around 250. What exactly are the "free" mods you mentioned?

It looks like for me a cat-back system would be the best. If I go with the muffler eliminators does that affect the vehicles ability to pass emmisions? I currently live in a county that does not require emmisions. The vehicle is registered in Texas and since I am in the military the only time I need to pass emmissions is when I bring the vehicle back to Texas. Unfortunately, California requires you to pass their emmssions standards to be able to register your vehicle on a military base and I may end up their one day.

427t-top do you know how I can get in touch with the local corvette club?

 

The TPiS headers were $750. Very nice Jet coat. The EGR piece was $65. The High-flow Cat and all fab Labor and installation was $800. I did not buy the TPiS Y, but had it built. The MagnaFlow was $550.

Not cheap, but top notch.