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

Exhaust

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 12:31 AM
  #1  
Dr_Shakalu's Avatar
Dr_Shakalu
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
Default Exhaust

Hey everyone. Well, it looks like i'm going to buy a 1996 Corvette. I live in California and we have smog checks. The car i'm buying is completely stock. I would like to have a more deep sounding exhaust so what would you recommend? Should I just buy new aggressive mufflers or change the whole exhaust system with a more aggressive exhaust. I would like to change the whole exhaust if it doesn't cost too much. I have about $700 to pay for a new exhaust but if it cost more, I would be happy with just changing the muffler into a more aggressive sound so I can have money left over to rebuild what needs to be done regarding the engine or transmission. Let me know what the best thing to do is and how much it would cost. The car has a bit of mileage on it so i'm wondering what would be more worth it. Thanks in advance, Ed
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 01:29 AM
  #2  
87 vette 81 big girl's Avatar
87 vette 81 big girl
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Default

Most bolt in C4 catalytic converter back exhaust systems are expensive.

Paying the Corvette ownership tax to buy them.

All stainless steel Borla or Corsa exhaust systems are very nice & impressive to look at and hear with your Vette running.

Probably the lowest cost Catalytic converter back Ex. system is Muffler Eliminators.
What I use.

Muffler eliminators may be too loud for you.

California state emission testing guys may not like them either.

From what others say living in California..........
They want stock mufflers on all vehicles.
Don't know why, but it is BS to me living here in Illinois.

We have many C4 owners & racers living in California on Corvette Forum.
They will know better what is compliant with the emission testing centers there than myself.

Brian
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 06:47 PM
  #3  
Dr_Shakalu's Avatar
Dr_Shakalu
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
Default

Do they make Flowmasters for a 1996? How do they sound? You mentioned borla or corsa. If they do make Flowmasters how do the sounds compare. I probably don;t have enough money to buy a whole exhaust system. The louder and more aggressive sounding muffler the better. Thanks in advance, Ed




Originally Posted by 87 vette 81 big girl
Most bolt in C4 catalytic converter back exhaust systems are expensive.

Paying the Corvette ownership tax to buy them.

All stainless steel Borla or Corsa exhaust systems are very nice & impressive to look at and hear with your Vette running.

Probably the lowest cost Catalytic converter back Ex. system is Muffler Eliminators.
What I use.

Muffler eliminators may be too loud for you.

California state emission testing guys may not like them either.

From what others say living in California..........
They want stock mufflers on all vehicles.
Don't know why, but it is BS to me living here in Illinois.

We have many C4 owners & racers living in California on Corvette Forum.
They will know better what is compliant with the emission testing centers there than myself.

Brian
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 06:53 PM
  #4  
87 vette 81 big girl's Avatar
87 vette 81 big girl
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Default

You may not like loud forever in your C4.

Need to listen to different exhaust systems on a c4 to see if its You or not.

Fiberglass body & floorpan transmits more exhast noise than most other cars.

BR
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 06:57 PM
  #5  
Dr_Shakalu's Avatar
Dr_Shakalu
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
Default

What about this Magnaflow http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...item56446e38de
I actually like a loud exhaust. I also have a 1988 Chevy Monte Carlo SS with Flowmaster 40's. I would like something a little louder than that. As long as the muffler sound isn't as loud as a Harley, I can live with that. Thanks.


Originally Posted by 87 vette 81 big girl
You may not like loud forever in your C4.

Need to listen to different exhaust systems on a c4 to see if its You or not.

Fiberglass body & floorpan transmits more exhast noise than most other cars.

BR

Last edited by Dr_Shakalu; Jun 26, 2011 at 07:07 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 07:27 PM
  #6  
87 vette 81 big girl's Avatar
87 vette 81 big girl
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Default

I don't want to make the call of what exhaust system you should buy for your newly purchased C4.

I like Open Headers best.

Cops hate that & me in the past racing around with open headers.

17 - 34 years old I did that.

41 years old now.

Stealth is better I found racing around in a Vette unless at the racetrack.

Around 100 tickets for loud muffler or no muffler tickets & many more speeding tickets in Illinois courts sometimes with my lawyer present to speak on behalf.........

It gets expensive....................

I think back now & smile & laugh.

Brian

Last edited by 87 vette 81 big girl; Jun 26, 2011 at 07:48 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 07:48 PM
  #7  
BADDUCK's Avatar
BADDUCK
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Default

Originally Posted by Dr_Shakalu
What about this Magnaflow http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...item56446e38de
I actually like a loud exhaust. I also have a 1988 Chevy Monte Carlo SS with Flowmaster 40's. I would like something a little louder than that. As long as the muffler sound isn't as loud as a Harley, I can live with that. Thanks.
Those Magnaflows are not as loud as Flowmaster 40's. They are single outlet according to specs.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 09:22 PM
  #8  
Caboboy's Avatar
Caboboy
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley Calif.
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Default

Maybe post on your regional board below & get a ride in different exhausts.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 09:30 PM
  #9  
87 vette 81 big girl's Avatar
87 vette 81 big girl
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 5
Default

Many of these aftermarket exhaust companies or performance muffler companies like Flowmaster has websites to checkout & play a video with full audio sound to listen to the system of your choice.

If your Vette you bought this past week is Bright Red like my 87 Vert.......

Cops love Red Vettes to chase down to begin with.

Really is true.

LOL

My 1st hotrod was a 1978 Formula Firebird with T- Tops & 4- speed & SBC 350ci.
1987 at 17 years old.

Was Red too.

1st night out in it driving & playing.........I landed 11 tickets.

1st time I had to hire a lawyer.

All got dropped 1......speeding.

That cop was P'O'ed in court............lol

I loved that car too.

I kept it till 1994 when I found & bought my 70 TA.

BR
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 09:43 PM
  #10  
STL94LT1's Avatar
STL94LT1
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Default

I'm running a Flowmaster Force II cat-back system. It gets pretty loud at WOT, but very reasonable at idle and cruise. Also, it's in your price range.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLO-17217/

Last edited by STL94LT1; Jun 26, 2011 at 09:45 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 11:05 PM
  #11  
Tony A.'s Avatar
Tony A.
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Tipp City Ohio
Default

Sounds like CORSA is what you want! Deep throaty sound at idle and accel, quiet and drone-less at cruising speeds. Best money you'll ever spend! Friend of mine has it on his 89 and I heard it before and after the install - WOW! What a huge difference and it sounds mean now! Best of all, you can talk and hear each other as you cruise (drone-less).

I just bought my CORSA Sport Exhaust for my 88 and it shows up in a few days. I went out to Mid America Motorworks and theirs is advertised for $899 but is on back order.

I found a deal at AutoAnything.com and got the exact same catback system for $777, saving $122. If you want another exhaust brand, they carry them all and you can still get the 15% off allowing you to get more for your budget or just simply save some $$$.

You gotta use this link below to get the discount (15%) and you'll get free shipping to boot! The coupon is only good til June 30 so hurry if you want to take advantage. Good luck!

http://autoanything.extole.com/a/clk/CvSLL

Last edited by Tony A.; Jun 26, 2011 at 11:08 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2011 | 04:11 PM
  #12  
Tony A.'s Avatar
Tony A.
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Tipp City Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Tony A.
Sounds like CORSA is what you want! Deep throaty sound at idle and accel, quiet and drone-less at cruising speeds. Best money you'll ever spend! Friend of mine has it on his 89 and I heard it before and after the install - WOW! What a huge difference and it sounds mean now! Best of all, you can talk and hear each other as you cruise (drone-less).

I just bought my CORSA Sport Exhaust for my 88 and it shows up in a few days. I went out to Mid America Motorworks and theirs is advertised for $899 but is on back order.

I found a deal at AutoAnything.com and got the exact same catback system for $777, saving $122. If you want another exhaust brand, they carry them all and you can still get the 15% off allowing you to get more for your budget or just simply save some $$$.

You gotta use this link below to get the discount (15%) and you'll get free shipping to boot! The coupon is only good til June 30 so hurry if you want to take advantage. Good luck!

http://autoanything.extole.com/a/clk/CvSLL
Coupon does not expire...good indefinitely...

http://autoanything.extole.com/a/clk/CvSLL
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2011 | 06:05 PM
  #13  
mtwoolford's Avatar
mtwoolford
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
Default

there's probably a hundred exhaust threads on this forum; read some of them.

But, allow me to summarize:
Flowmaster 40's totally, totally, suck. Corsa is the best. Everything else is somewhere in between.
Reply
Old Jul 2, 2011 | 09:20 PM
  #14  
Dr_Shakalu's Avatar
Dr_Shakalu
Thread Starter
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
Default

I went to a friend of a friend's house and he has a 1995. I wanted to listen to his exhaust because he didn't use any mufflers, just the cats. I loved the sound so I did the same thing. The droning doesn't bother me.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Exhaust





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:34 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE