When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Has anyone kept their factory exhaust manifolds but removed the 2.5 exhaust and had 3" installed?
Thoughts on 3 inch exhaust on a basically stock C4 1992?
back in the early 80s I had a muffler shop. A customer requested 3" true duals on a Chevy Pickup. He came back the next week with 4 tickets for excessive noise and a request for quiet mufflers.
But really everything is tuned for what you already have. Unless you make modifications to the engine/computer, modifying the exhaust by opening it up will not make a big difference other than sound.
But having said that, my current headache, excuse me "project" has muffler eliminators but with two shorty glass packs mounted between the factory resonator and eliminators. It sounds awesome for about 30 minuets then I start thinking about how nice and quite the exhaust on my other car is.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Isn't the OEM LT-1 exhaust 2.75"? And, really, more than it "needs". Some say 2.5" is good for 500hp though I calculate it at 415fwhp. (Of course, you could subtract 20% of that for curves/turns in the exhaust path....which still means 2.5" is enough). You know...if it's not already 2.75".
On a stock '92 I don't see the point of going to a 3". It is already 2.75" (although it necks down to 2.5" at the muffler and resonator).
The stock exhaust is pretty good and well matched to a stock LT1.
If you want it louder there are many other options. I had muffler eliminators on a '94. It was very loud. (obnoxious loud). At first I hated it. Then I got used to modulating the sound with the gas pedal. You could keep it quieter with less throttle, or very loud with a heavy foot. After a few years I got used to it and actually liked it. I sold that car and I still miss the sound. Best sounding car at idle (deep rumble) and very loud if you want it to be.