[Z06] Which Exhaust Is Best??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 4
From: Pennsylvania
Which Exhaust Is Best??
O.K. Guys, I've had my z06 for almost a month, and I think I'm getting serious about my first real mod, I put an new shifter **** on, ordered some black letters to inset on the rear bumber and some sick red floor mats for my tr with red and black interior.
Now I've been reading everything I can find about the exhausts, my question is some, like the Corsa, say they sound loud when you put your foot in it but are quiet at cruising speed, while others like the Borla, speak more of "loudest exhuast out there" I guess what I want is a nice idle loud is good when I get on it, but I would like to be able to talk on the cell phone, or pass a cop without attracting any more attention then I already do! I wish there was some place where you could hear the actual exhaust. also is this as easy to install as they say? I would appreciate any input, Thanks.
ED
Now I've been reading everything I can find about the exhausts, my question is some, like the Corsa, say they sound loud when you put your foot in it but are quiet at cruising speed, while others like the Borla, speak more of "loudest exhuast out there" I guess what I want is a nice idle loud is good when I get on it, but I would like to be able to talk on the cell phone, or pass a cop without attracting any more attention then I already do! I wish there was some place where you could hear the actual exhaust. also is this as easy to install as they say? I would appreciate any input, Thanks.
ED
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Ventura County CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,788
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Hi 02z06tr-
The Borla's are not THAT loud in my opinion.
I have a 99 A4 coupe that I cut the mufflers completely off of the car, put in straight pipes and some chrome tips.
I can easily talk on a cell phone at 80mph. The car has the 3:15 rear end ratio.
Here is a short vid of that system -
http://www.iammoon.com/vids/billy_bob_exhaust.wmv
My opinion, your car came with the best catback you are gonna get - light, good flow, and a nice sound. Have a look at this interesting info:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...06exhaust.html
I would save my money for something that will do real noticeable improvement - like long tube headers, a computer tune etc....JMHO.
I bought my Z06 in Dec 2001, and I have a cold air intake on it (Halltech Trap). I have not had the heart to remove the stock Ti system. I would have a Ti on our coupe, but the wife is happy with the "bobbed" exhaust (she just doesn't enjoy spending on mods as much as I do lol )
I am putting my money where my mouth is, I have an appointment with the good folks at LG Motorsports for a set of Longtube Pros, off-road pipes, and a tune. I will leave the Ti catback.
Interestingly, Bobby at LG warned me that the headers would make the car somewhat louder....when I told him what my wife was drivng (the coupe above) he laughed and said that I would be ok with it...
best regards -
mqqn
The Borla's are not THAT loud in my opinion.
I have a 99 A4 coupe that I cut the mufflers completely off of the car, put in straight pipes and some chrome tips.
I can easily talk on a cell phone at 80mph. The car has the 3:15 rear end ratio.
Here is a short vid of that system -
http://www.iammoon.com/vids/billy_bob_exhaust.wmv
My opinion, your car came with the best catback you are gonna get - light, good flow, and a nice sound. Have a look at this interesting info:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...06exhaust.html
I would save my money for something that will do real noticeable improvement - like long tube headers, a computer tune etc....JMHO.
I bought my Z06 in Dec 2001, and I have a cold air intake on it (Halltech Trap). I have not had the heart to remove the stock Ti system. I would have a Ti on our coupe, but the wife is happy with the "bobbed" exhaust (she just doesn't enjoy spending on mods as much as I do lol )
I am putting my money where my mouth is, I have an appointment with the good folks at LG Motorsports for a set of Longtube Pros, off-road pipes, and a tune. I will leave the Ti catback.
Interestingly, Bobby at LG warned me that the headers would make the car somewhat louder....when I told him what my wife was drivng (the coupe above) he laughed and said that I would be ok with it...
best regards -
mqqn
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
The best exhaust is whatever sounds good to you, and is also the one you can live with on longer trips. Your power gains will be negligable, so you may wish to spend elsewhere (e.g. CAI) if that's what you're after. Personally, I like the stock TI exhaust with my Magnaflow x-pipe. Nice little howl as the revs climbs, no drone on the freeway, and wonderful noise once the throttle is firmly planted. 
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Meriden Ct
Originally Posted by 02z06tr
Please excuse my ignorance, what is a gtg
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 29
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Before breaking down my car for the TT build, I ran the Ti (stock, titanium) exhaust with headers as well as a cam. The sound at idle as well as WOT was great for me - it definitely had that rumble/growl that it needed to have.
I know guys that have went with aftermarket exhausts, and a few of them complained about the noise levels - especially at highway speeds - especially when they had added other modifications, like headers or a cam.
If you are after some boost in performance and some enhancement in the sound of the car, then you may want to consider going with headers and an intake first and leaving the exhaust as is. The headers/intake will give you a better increase in performance as opposed to going with just the aftermarket exhaust, and the sound that is produced by the headers + intake may be exactly what you are looking for. However, if you find that you still want more, you can upgrade to an aftermarket exhaust. Notably, you can probably find more than a few guys with aftermarket exhausts that will do a trade with you for your stock, titanium exhaust - that way you've saved yourself even more cash.
I know guys that have went with aftermarket exhausts, and a few of them complained about the noise levels - especially at highway speeds - especially when they had added other modifications, like headers or a cam.
If you are after some boost in performance and some enhancement in the sound of the car, then you may want to consider going with headers and an intake first and leaving the exhaust as is. The headers/intake will give you a better increase in performance as opposed to going with just the aftermarket exhaust, and the sound that is produced by the headers + intake may be exactly what you are looking for. However, if you find that you still want more, you can upgrade to an aftermarket exhaust. Notably, you can probably find more than a few guys with aftermarket exhausts that will do a trade with you for your stock, titanium exhaust - that way you've saved yourself even more cash.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
There's only one correct answer to your question. That's the exhaust system the responder currently has on his car.
There is no such thing as "BEST". If there were that would be the only item sold.
I had the B&B PRT's and they were the BEST IMHO. So you can see your going to get as many different responses as there are systems I suspect.
Good luck
Tom
There is no such thing as "BEST". If there were that would be the only item sold.
I had the B&B PRT's and they were the BEST IMHO. So you can see your going to get as many different responses as there are systems I suspect.
Good luck
Tom
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 4
From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for all the great info. I think after reading all these great ideas, I should probably keep the TI and look into headers, That being said, does anybody know of a shop in the Harrisburg PA area that they would trust to do the job, and which headers would you suggest? Thanks again!
ps. where would I find out about a local vette gathering?
Ed
ps. where would I find out about a local vette gathering?
Ed
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Sanford Maine
Borla Stingers sound great!
Borla Stingers are not too loud. 
I personally think they make our Z06 sound like it should have come from the factory. It has made us enjoy our car even more. In fact, we get compliments on the sound from people all the time. We never did when we had the stock exhaust.
The only drawback is some resonance at low rpms on the highway. However, you just have to adjust your rpm's and it goes away. If you ever add LT Headers you will believe how tough it will sound.
If you like the muscle car sound, go for it. It will give you the perma-grin.
BRYAN
I personally think they make our Z06 sound like it should have come from the factory. It has made us enjoy our car even more. In fact, we get compliments on the sound from people all the time. We never did when we had the stock exhaust.
The only drawback is some resonance at low rpms on the highway. However, you just have to adjust your rpm's and it goes away. If you ever add LT Headers you will believe how tough it will sound.
If you like the muscle car sound, go for it. It will give you the perma-grin.
BRYAN
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
I would attend a local Corvette gathering, and ask the owners what exhaust system they have, and listen to them. It's best if you can follow a car with the exhaust you're interested in, as it can sound different while driving than just revving in a parking lot.
That's what I did. Went on several driving events, cruises, etc. I originally wanted the Borla Stingers, but after hearing a bunch of exhaust systems in person, I decided on the Corsa Indy's instead, and I'm totally pleased with my decision.
Sound is a personal choice, just like the color of your car. Some like yellow, some like black, etc., just like some like Borla, some like Corsa, some like GHL, etc.
That's what I did. Went on several driving events, cruises, etc. I originally wanted the Borla Stingers, but after hearing a bunch of exhaust systems in person, I decided on the Corsa Indy's instead, and I'm totally pleased with my decision.
Sound is a personal choice, just like the color of your car. Some like yellow, some like black, etc., just like some like Borla, some like Corsa, some like GHL, etc.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 2
From: London(UK)/Troyes(France)
Yeah, try to hear them in person. Videos or sound clips just give you an idea but when you hear it in person, it is a different story.
People told me not to get my B&B Bullet since they are so loud. I got them and I couldn't be happier. The car sounds like a race car! And now I want it to e even louder and I guess I'll get the LG headers with HF cats!
Good luck
People told me not to get my B&B Bullet since they are so loud. I got them and I couldn't be happier. The car sounds like a race car! And now I want it to e even louder and I guess I'll get the LG headers with HF cats!
Good luck
, and when I need a little more I open my 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 78
From: Winter Garden (central),FL,USA
Originally Posted by RPO_Z06
Stock mufflers with long tubes and high flow cats, it does more than just sound better.
Its the only way to go unless your only going for show.
Its the only way to go unless your only going for show.
Sounds awesome @ WOT--very clean as well.
Nice @ cruise too.
Not to mention it's the lightest out there.
I had a 427ci C5 for a while--I replaced the Corsas w/ the Ti--loved it...