I'm a first time corvette owner,'96 collectors edition,LT1. Thinking about new performance exhaust. anyone have any suggestions? all info appreaciated. thanks much.

 

Unfortunately, my system has been discontinued, (SLP 3" SS Cat-back) or I'd recommend that. However, there are several good systems available. Borla, and Corsa may be the two most popular here. And then there are systems from Magnaflow and Flowmaster as well. All of which sound better than stock!

 

Magnaflow! IMHO, best value and great sound.

 

This is a very common question here, and there are many options for exhuast on C4s, so there are many differing opinions on what's best! I personally have a Corsa exhuast on my 96LT4. I chose it because it was said to have no resonance whatsoever at cruising speeds, and because I really liked the way the tips look. Additionally, I read many good things about the ease of installation - very simple bolt together - excellent craftsmanship.

The Corsa indeed has ZERO resonance (unlike the Flowmasters on my previous (non-vette) vehicle), the tips *do* look really good on my car IMO, and the shop who did my installation said it was the nicest system they'd ever seen. So there ya' go...

As for other systems, there's Borla, B&B, Magnaflow, Flowmaster, and PowerEffects. I may have left one or two off, but those are pretty much the most common ones. They all differ in price and sound, so you have to make your decision based on what works best for *YOU*. Not everybody else...

My best advice is to hook up with a local Corvette club and listen to exhuasts for yourself - then make a decision!

Good luck, and welcome to CF!

 

i have borlas and I love them....... cat back

 

I was at a sanctioned Corvette race over the weekend and the Corsa exhaust sounds awesome!!! I too have a 96 CE... welcome to the clan!!! I had to pull my exhaust to install my shifter and I noticed my stock pipes looked like they had mandrel bends in them. I elected to just replace the mufflers only. I went with Hooker AeroChambers because they are supposed to be as quiet as the stock system, but produce more power. I wanted to keep the car quiet so people don't know what I've done under the hood. There is a lot of internal resonance though... I'm not too happy about that.

 

just replace the mufflers !!! the stock exhaust pipes on LT1's flow just as good or better than performance exhaust the restrictions are the stock mufflers!!! P.S. save that 1k for long tube headers!!

 

Another vote for Magnaflows. VERY reasonable cost and good looks and sound. For 92-96 Vettes, though, it is only mufflers. I put these on my Grand Sport, and the sound completely changed from stock. The sound is now what I call a nice "tuned" sound; very deep at low RPMs, then very good controlled sound the rest of the way up. They had some resonation at first, but now the only RPMs when that is a problem is from 1600-1900 RPM. But I solve that by either letting off the gas a little or just changing gears. If your rear-end gearing puts you in that RPM range on the highway, it may be a little annoying.

You may also want to check out the Flowmaster cat-back system, too, that system has a more aggressive sound than my Magnaflows. I like them both.

Good luck, whatever you choose!

 

IMHO, Corsa.

 

thanks to all for all the great info! you have all had great advice, and I will consider all.redcorvette dave your advice sounds like it may be the way to go.kwik_ta don't you just love that ce! I think everyone here is very helpful.

 

I HAVE BORLA AND THEY LOOK AND SOUND GOOD

 

I have the Borla cat back and I love it.
Same resonance as the stock exhaust but way better sound and power.
Put it on myself, took about an hour and a half including raising and lowering the car.