C5 Catback exhaust
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
C5 Catback exhaust
Hello folks,
Im looking into putting an exhaust system on my 99 FRC. After searching the web I think i like the corsa pacecar and GHL bullet systems the best. Couple questions for anyone that might have similar experience.
Im looking at this as an investment in sound (Throaty but not screamin loud) more so than performance. Are these systems a good choice?
Approx how much would it cost to get installed if i took it to a mechanic?
Is this going to affect Maryland state emissions testing?
Is the price of a crossover pipe worth the $$$?
****I just heard about the NXT Step system as well. Any opinions on how it compares to the two above?
As always, thanks for your time and assistance. Spring cruising is right around the corner!
Im looking into putting an exhaust system on my 99 FRC. After searching the web I think i like the corsa pacecar and GHL bullet systems the best. Couple questions for anyone that might have similar experience.
Im looking at this as an investment in sound (Throaty but not screamin loud) more so than performance. Are these systems a good choice?
Approx how much would it cost to get installed if i took it to a mechanic?
Is this going to affect Maryland state emissions testing?
Is the price of a crossover pipe worth the $$$?
****I just heard about the NXT Step system as well. Any opinions on how it compares to the two above?
As always, thanks for your time and assistance. Spring cruising is right around the corner!
Last edited by plad99FRC; Mar 15, 2010 at 02:54 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Clayton CA
I just put the GHL Bullet setup on my '99 coupe. Paid $899 (including tax and shipping). Got from HRW Motorsports. It was a couple hours labor so I guess the price would depend on where you have it installed - or maybe do it youself. As far as noise, it is louder then the Borla Touring cat back that came with the car. On a stock car, is not too loud, though. Apparently the noise doesn't get into the upper decible range until you get into headers, cams, etc.
One thing - the stock clamps are pretty light weight. Had to replace mine with heavy duty double-bolt clamps. Keep that in mind.
One thing - the stock clamps are pretty light weight. Had to replace mine with heavy duty double-bolt clamps. Keep that in mind.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
I have a Corsa installed. Did not notice too much difference in sound until I had a set of headers installed. Also, I live in the Baltimore area and I was told that as long as you keep your cats you should be OK for emissions. Hope this helps. If you are ever in the Baltimore area and want to hear mine you are more then welcome. Also, I have a CCW x-pipe in case you are interested.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,790
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
I'm running the Corsa Indy exhaust on mine - nice sound, so much better than stock. The X-pipe will smooth out the exhaust flow, maybe make a slight difference in the sound. Up to you whether you want to install one now or wait until/if you get headers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
As far as install goes,,ANY shop worth their salt should be able to do it in 30 minuets,,including a short coffee break!!! I did my own in 45 min. and that included about 15 min. wasted trying to wrestle them out without loosening the sway bar supports!! Even 1hour is sticking it to you,,unless that is a minimum charge!! 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
Thanks for all the great input! I looked at enough of the threads on here for the "NXT Step" exhaust and i think im gonna go with that. With the bucks ill save i can put towards a future purchase of headers. Love this forum, great folks lovin a great car.
Heres a vid of the system on a stock vette. Not great sound quality but im ready to whip out the credit card. Thanks again all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2GAouFOu54
Heres a vid of the system on a stock vette. Not great sound quality but im ready to whip out the credit card. Thanks again all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2GAouFOu54
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 635
Likes: 14
From: Huntington Beach / Fountain Valley California
NXT Step Cat-Back exhaust is an EXCELLENT choice. I have that system and I simply LOVE the sound and quality and looks of it.
THe Stainless Steel Polished Quad Tips are amazing quality and finish and the sound has no drone at all on the freeway but gives the sound of a nice muscle car when you accelarate and at idle.
The welds are PERFECT and the material that is used to manufacture this system is just as good as those that cost $1,200 (in my opinion) - you can read so much more about them in various threads concerning the type of Stainles Steel, ect.
I found mine on Craigslist (used only about 6 months on a Sunday driver and removed before the guy sold the car). I paid only $200 for the system and it was like new in and out. It cost me $80 to have the local garage install it plus the cost of the exhaust gaskets (2).
I would gladly buy another NXT Step if I had to. They sound great and I am not affraid of this system regardless of what others may say about a system that is made in China - Once you see it, you will agree that it is very well made.
Feel free to PM me if you would like me to answer any additional questions of my experience with the NXT Step Cat Back Exhaust.
THe Stainless Steel Polished Quad Tips are amazing quality and finish and the sound has no drone at all on the freeway but gives the sound of a nice muscle car when you accelarate and at idle.
The welds are PERFECT and the material that is used to manufacture this system is just as good as those that cost $1,200 (in my opinion) - you can read so much more about them in various threads concerning the type of Stainles Steel, ect.
I found mine on Craigslist (used only about 6 months on a Sunday driver and removed before the guy sold the car). I paid only $200 for the system and it was like new in and out. It cost me $80 to have the local garage install it plus the cost of the exhaust gaskets (2).
I would gladly buy another NXT Step if I had to. They sound great and I am not affraid of this system regardless of what others may say about a system that is made in China - Once you see it, you will agree that it is very well made.
Feel free to PM me if you would like me to answer any additional questions of my experience with the NXT Step Cat Back Exhaust.
Thanks for all the great input! I looked at enough of the threads on here for the "NXT Step" exhaust and i think im gonna go with that. With the bucks ill save i can put towards a future purchase of headers. Love this forum, great folks lovin a great car.
Heres a vid of the system on a stock vette. Not great sound quality but im ready to whip out the credit card. Thanks again all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2GAouFOu54
Heres a vid of the system on a stock vette. Not great sound quality but im ready to whip out the credit card. Thanks again all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2GAouFOu54
