Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents on the Pypes system for C4's. Have seen a number of reviews here and other boards both praising and kicking the system, alas, I get to do both as well.

I bought the header back system (Race Pro's, 2.5" mains and cross over) as well as their down pipes.

The bad..
Their site says I get a free hat, patch and stickers with each system, I got stickers.
The flange on the down pipes were drilled for 4" centers at the manifold, the manifold is 3.25" centers. The 90d bend in these pipes was several degrees less than 90 and pointed down, no good when you need to bolt in the cross frame a vert has.
I emailed them 2 weeks ago and then 2 emails a week ago both to tech and sales, no replies at all from them.

The good..
The header back system portion was actually an excellent fit, seems to have very good build quality, very nicely built mufflers (very similer to Magnaflow type mufflers) and well done tips (although I would prefer dual rounds). The kit even came with superior band clamps instead of cheap U clamps. Sound seems nice, tad loud, but it's in a garage, can't play outside for months.

Just stuff to keep in mind if your looking at exhaust, the price (bought from Corvette Guys who import into Canada duty paid) was amazing compared to others and it is installable with basic tools and jack stands. Mistakes on the down pipes and lack of response should concern future buyers though.

Greg

 

You are going to tell us if it drones right? And a video would be nice.

 

Not till May unfortunatly, way too much snow! I am expecting some, there isn't even cats on this car (no test/inspection here)

Cannot be worse than the only drive I have made with this car, drove it home from Toronto, 225km north with a car that wouldn't idle, had no radio, pretty much no weather stripping left and an exhaust made of 2 cherry bombs (yup, cherry bombs) bolted to the cross brace frame (yup again, bolted to frame, no rubber) and a wack of exhaust leaks. On top of that the air pump was totally fubared causing massive back fires including flames according to my wife, any time I coasted

Greg

 

I love drone!

 

When I lived in a small town and had Flowmaters. The drone was only on the HWY and that was 5 minutes tops. I moved to Houston. It takes me 5 minutes to get out of my drive way. Long story short, if and when I drive my car elsewhere its usually at least 30 minutes on the HWY. That is headache city with drone. It really has nothing to do with loud..Drone is like a screwdriver slowly drilling in your head.

 

Finally got some underneath pictures so people can see how these look..

Greg

 

Looks good! I want to see a system for the LT1!!!!!!!!

Cant wait to hear it! And let us know about the drone!!!

 

I bought a set of these mufflers for $60 at the englishtown swap meet, I intend on getting them put on my lt1, i'll let you know how it sounds when i do it.

 

Ok, cool! Maybe I will see you around at a show or two! I am still trying to find another stock exhaust I can modify (I want my stock exhaust now to stay stock so I can always put it back on)

 

My stock exhaust had the middle resonator cut out of it when i bought it and someone welded on straight pipes in its place, so I can't be hurting anything lol

 

drone depending I may have to go up there and grab a set (their only 30 minutes from me)... my only complaint... the tips, IMO should always be flush to the end of the bumper, not stick out another inch.

 

There is enough hanger left you could cut the ends of the pipes and the mufflers would be further in. I decided to leave them because they don't stick out that much (took the pic at an angle so you could see the etching) plus I had read in a few spots that having them stick out a bit reduces drone. If there is no drone at all I can always shorten the pipes later and move the mufflers in more.

Greg

 

I have been running a set for a year now and had no issues with drone and full length headders. only issue was i needed to dimple the x-pipe for the tranny linkage other than that A++ product!

 

hamrhed42, that's really good to know! I couldn't find any real usable reviews for the Pypes system on a C4 and I am 4 months and 3 feet of snow away from finding out for myself. At $450 for the header back system (from Corvette Guys) and the appearance of very good quality materials, it was hard to pass up. It's too bad they really screwed up the head pipes and didn't bother to respond to my questions or they would be 5 star across the board.

Greg

 

When you eventually do get it out please let us know what you think of the system!

 

I have the system , no cats no drone .
Love the sound , hate the way they stick out . I cut mine down .

 

I left mine sticking out a bit because I had read it helps with drone, but this is the second time someone has said they don't drone anyway, might just have to pop the mufflers and trim the pipe back, won't take much to do.

 

You cant take much off the back or they get close to the spring . I think I toof a bit off after the x pipe or mid section .I plan on wrapping the pipes by the spring .


I was a pita to Pypes , but they took care of me .

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...t=100_3210.mp4

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c7...t=100_3211.mp4
second one is a launch at Millwakee

 

You could always put different styled tips on.

 

Not so easy, they're not a tip welded onto a stub pipe, the tip is a all one item welded into the end of the muffler.