Exhaust advice!!
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: Covina CA
Like everyone is saying, this is a personal preference issue. What you like versus what your wife will tolerate will determine what you end up with. Being able to drive a C5 with the exhaust setup that you are considering is the best way. Sound clips don't do an exhaust system justice. It's not only the sound, it's the deep base that you feel and the low rpm drone. A number of exhaust systems give you a drone at 1500 to 1800 rpm. My C5 is an every day driver, so I wanted a little deeper throaty sound without drone but a good WOT sound. I went with Magnaflow's Cat-Back Exhaust with X-pipe.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 0
From: Redding, CA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by 2002-C5
If you want the sound and looks go with Borla Quads!!! Monster sound with amazing looks.... 
Might be a bit loud for the little lady though...
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Guthrie OK
Originally Posted by MY1STPEWTER
Ghl bullets, quiet at cruising and you know it's a V8 when you put it to the floor with no resonance.
Borla Stinger = Loud
SLP Loudmouths = Louder
Stock zo6 = nice (way better than the stock c5)
B&B PRT = Very nice
Here was my choice
GHL BULLETS AWESOME!!!!!!!! This was the exhaust I was looking for and my wife agrees. I took her for a drive in a car that already has the exhaust on it and she could not hear the exhaust at cursing speeds nor was there any drone or resonance while cursing.
I just wanted say thanks to the corvette community who took there personal time to help me find my right exhaust.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota / Cape Coral Florida
please correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I understand, the common exhaust volumes are in this order:
Stock
ZO6 Ti
Corsa Touring
B&B rt. 66
Corsa Pace Car
Magnaflows
GHL Bullets
B&B PRT
Borla Stingers
B&B Bullets
Adding headers and or H/C packs can easily change this order...
Stock
ZO6 Ti
Corsa Touring
B&B rt. 66
Corsa Pace Car
Magnaflows
GHL Bullets
B&B PRT
Borla Stingers
B&B Bullets
Adding headers and or H/C packs can easily change this order...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: North of TMS Texas
Originally Posted by edensknight
Good advice. Many exhaust manufacturers now have example sound tracks. Listen in on as many as you can. However, nothing compares to REAL time sound. Therefore, contact a local Corvette club and ask what members have the exhaust systems you are considering, and, go on out and hear these systems in public. Moreover, go for a ride with them inside the car to test for your personal tolerance of perceived interior resonance. An exercise like that should really help you narrow down your decision. Good Luck to You. 
Go to a corvette club event and hear it first hand!!! 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota / Cape Coral Florida
Originally Posted by frckid
Don't forget to add Borla Straight pipes to the bottom of that list.
I love my stingers and wouldnt trade them for anything, but if I had another c5 it would definitly have the xr1s
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,133
Likes: 1
From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
Originally Posted by Allzwell
Honestly ... you should listen to as many as you can and decide for yourself. Everyone's desired best will differ from your own.
Consider the steps you will want to take as well (headers, shorty's long tube, x - pipe, cam, etc) figure out where you want to be longer term or you will be reselling them in the not too distant future.
Good Luck,
Allzwell
Consider the steps you will want to take as well (headers, shorty's long tube, x - pipe, cam, etc) figure out where you want to be longer term or you will be reselling them in the not too distant future.
Good Luck,
Allzwell
, great advice!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 12
I Vote for Bassani
I have '99 6 speed with Bassani x-pipe and dual pipe catback. I love the sound and it is not louder than stock cruising 65-75mph. You can still talk and the tires are still the loudest sound you hear. Absolutlely no resonance. At first I thought they were not loud enough but when I hit the throttle they are jsut great. 
P.S. ALso added Blackwing and ported throttle body from Lingenfelter. The entire systems sounds just great.
P.S. ALso added Blackwing and ported throttle body from Lingenfelter. The entire systems sounds just great.
Last edited by Joevette99; Oct 21, 2013 at 07:30 PM.