Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Z06 Exhaust Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 09:53 AM
  #1  
TomG3's Avatar
TomG3
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 6
From: Flowery Branch GA
Default Z06 Exhaust Question

I have been thinking of changing the exhaust on my 99 Vert and I see a lot of the Z06 ti exhausts being sold (rather quickly) to stock C5 owners. I know these exhausts are a little louder and should flow better than stock but other than price why not go on to a Corsa or Borla system. Isn't that what most of the Z06 owners are doing? Do the Z06 exhausts emit the dreaded drone that some other after market systems do?
Thanks for your input.
Tom
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:03 AM
  #2  
steve8's Avatar
steve8
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,289
From: Central Ma
Default

The Z06 is the tamest one out there. It depends on what kind of sound you are looking for. I recommend you hear some in person. I went with the GHL's and love them.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:09 AM
  #3  
Mad_Maxxx's Avatar
Mad_Maxxx
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: TN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by TomG3
I have been thinking of changing the exhaust on my 99 Vert and I see a lot of the Z06 ti exhausts being sold (rather quickly) to stock C5 owners. I know these exhausts are a little louder and should flow better than stock but other than price why not go on to a Corsa or Borla system. Isn't that what most of the Z06 owners are doing? Do the Z06 exhausts emit the dreaded drone that some other after market systems do?
Thanks for your input.
Tom
Hey Tom, The Z06 ti's do not emit any drone at all, in fact, it's only slightly louder than a stock system at idle, but has a nice growl at WOT. The system is almost half as light as the stock system, if you pick up each one in each arm, the difference is very dramatic those stock pipes (and most other aftemarket systems) are very heavy!
Yes, for some more money, you can go aftermarket such as GHL, B&B, Corsa, Borla or other reputable manufacturers. Yes, some have some highway drone, and most are alot louder than the Ti's. After owning several loud cars and motorcycles in the past I am done with loud, rough cars. I can say I love the Z06 ti's, I can easily hear my music, hold a conversation, or listen to myself curse that lady in front of me doing her makeup in her rearview mirror while doing 60 mph! When I stomp on the gas, I like the subdued growl, it's noticeable to you in the car, but not to everyone else around you(vette's are already cop magnets, why make it even more so?)!
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 11:38 AM
  #4  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,389
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

The Ti's will give you some weight savings and not have any drone - a big plus if that is a concern. The aftermarket exhausts are almost all high polished stainless and look very good and are louder than the Ti exhaust.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:28 PM
  #5  
billjax's Avatar
billjax
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
St. Jude Contributor
Default

One more thing to consider is your mod plan. There have been several posts over the years from folks who installed one of the louder systems and then regretted it after adding heads/cam/headers. Their system became too loud (a relative thing, to be sure!! ). Just something to think about...
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:31 PM
  #6  
FASTFORM's Avatar
FASTFORM
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: CIGAR CITY (TAMPA) FL
Default

If the Z06 catbacks were that great, why would all of the Z06 owners be selling them? They are definitely lighter, but sound is very similar to a regular C5 exhaust, slightly louder at WOT. The Z06 exhaust is good if you are running headers and no cats. Otherwise, go for the aftermarket exhaust.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:34 PM
  #7  
Z06Aggie's Avatar
Z06Aggie
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 889
Likes: 11
From: Houston-ish
Default

Stock

Z06
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:43 PM
  #8  
tboneinsc's Avatar
tboneinsc
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: Goose Creek SC
Default Z06

I have heard from more than one of the CFs tuners that the Z06 exhaust flows as well as if not better than any of the aftermarket exhausts and weigh a lot less.

If I had to do it all over again that is what would be on my car now.
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 Sep 13, 2006 | 12:43 PM
  #9  
dndrsn's Avatar
dndrsn
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 81
From: Fishin' Pole FL
Default

I put Z06 exhaust on my car because I think they look better. The stock exhaust tips look like a Cadillac.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:57 PM
  #10  
GUSTO14's Avatar
GUSTO14
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Default

Originally Posted by FASTFORM
If the Z06 catbacks were that great, why would all of the Z06 owners be selling them? They are definitely lighter, but sound is very similar to a regular C5 exhaust, slightly louder at WOT. The Z06 exhaust is good if you are running headers and no cats. Otherwise, go for the aftermarket exhaust.
For one reason primarilty... the sound. As has been stated above the ZO-6 system flows about as good as the vast majority of aftermarket systems so there is little performance to be gained. That leaves sound as the only otherwise legitimate reason... in the majority of cases.

On the other hand, the ZO-6 system looks terrific, sounds excellent (but not particularly loud), lasts as long as most aftermarket systems and weighs about half as much... oh and they cost less than half as much as well... what's not to like...

Good luck with your decision... GUSTO
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 03:03 PM
  #11  
dunbindun(tov)'s Avatar
dunbindun(tov)
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: St Marys GA
Default

It boils down to personal preference. Do you need loud? Do you need attention? (sometimes the wrong kind) Is loud worth the drone tradeoff? Borla reportedly drones, Corsa & Callaway reportedly not.

Based on those considerations & others mentioned above, I went with the Z06 Tis. No regrets here. But that's me; not you.

DBD
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 03:42 PM
  #12  
GrayC5's Avatar
GrayC5
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
Default

Originally Posted by The Nuts
Hey Tom, The Z06 ti's do not emit any drone at all, in fact, it's only slightly louder than a stock system at idle, but has a nice growl at WOT. The system is almost half as light as the stock system, if you pick up each one in each arm, the difference is very dramatic those stock pipes (and most other aftemarket systems) are very heavy!
Yes, for some more money, you can go aftermarket such as GHL, B&B, Corsa, Borla or other reputable manufacturers. Yes, some have some highway drone, and most are alot louder than the Ti's. After owning several loud cars and motorcycles in the past I am done with loud, rough cars. I can say I love the Z06 ti's, I can easily hear my music, hold a conversation, or listen to myself curse that lady in front of me doing her makeup in her rearview mirror while doing 60 mph! When I stomp on the gas, I like the subdued growl, it's noticeable to you in the car, but not to everyone else around you(vette's are already cop magnets, why make it even more so?)!
We're very pleased with our Z06 Ti's for the reasons The Nuts gave above. However, if your into loud or aggressive, this is not the exhaust for you. As someone else mentioned, it always best if you can listen to the various exhaust first hand to help you decide what you like.

Good luck with the exhaust.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 06:09 PM
  #13  
TomG3's Avatar
TomG3
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 6
From: Flowery Branch GA
Default

Thank you all for your input. I'll be looking for a Z06 exhaust very soon.
Thanks again.
Tom
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2006 | 06:16 PM
  #14  
JeepTJ's Avatar
JeepTJ
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 0
From: Palm Bay FL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Default

If you can find a Z06 owner that will give you their exhaust for free, then its not a bad deal. Like you said, they took it off for a reason. Now its just another USED MUFLER.
Spend your money on a new system.
I love my Borla's.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2006 | 10:48 AM
  #15  
mcv's Avatar
mcv
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
Default

We recorded 64% less back pressure in the Callaway Double-D system compared to the 2003 Titanium Z06 system. It reduced e.t. by a consistent tenth, in our Z06 test car (otherwise stock configuration at the time)





Reply
Old Sep 14, 2006 | 11:18 AM
  #16  
Chicago's Avatar
Chicago
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Default

Originally Posted by TomG3
Thank you all for your input. I'll be looking for a Z06 exhaust very soon.
Thanks again.
Tom
Tom,

I just had the Ti installed this weekend. Like the others have said it's a tiny bit louder than stock. At WOT it sounds great! It also has a nice sound in the 2000 rpm range. Heck, the tips alone are a good reason to get some. If you don't want loud, they are a good move.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2006 | 12:47 PM
  #17  
dunbindun(tov)'s Avatar
dunbindun(tov)
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: St Marys GA
Default

Originally Posted by mcv
We recorded 64% less back pressure in the Callaway Double-D system compared to the 2003 Titanium Z06 system. It reduced e.t. by a consistent tenth, in our Z06 test car (otherwise stock configuration at the time)
I had considered the Double-D. I had posted here a couple of times to try to find someone who had one and got no response. The specs & looks are good and Callaway has the reputation. I would certainly look at these again if my needs change.

DBD
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2006 | 01:39 PM
  #18  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Default

Those Callaway tips are gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Z06 Exhaust Question





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:33 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