Best Exhaust for an Automatic C5
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2010
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Best Exhaust for an Automatic C5
Hi all. I recently purchased a 2003 C5 with an automatic transmission. The car is bone stock. First upgrade is to add an exhaust. Number 1 on my list is the B&B Bullet. I love the sound but I've only heard it on a manual transmission. Does anyone have any insight on how it will sound with my automatic? Any highway drone? Of if anyone has any recommendations for the nicest sounding exhaust for an automatic...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 13
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I'm just worried that the Bullets will be too loud and "crackly" with the automatic since I can't control the sound as well as I could with a stick. Is anyone running Bullets on their automatic that can give me some first-hand insight? Thanks....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,487
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From: China Grove N.C.
I've got an auto with corsa x pipe an B&B's with quad tips.Me personaly I love loud!!!But you do get the drone sound driveing on the freeway,but thats why I have a kickass sound system hahahahaha!Around town some times I go through the gears and I sounds like a stick .I get many comments about how good the sound is,But if you really want to amp it up I installed fulllength headers,im very pleased.Get the B&B's youll love them an so will your neighbors I'll try to make a video.LATER!!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 103
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From: North Port Florida
I have a 98 auto with BB Bullets on it . I like them. They do get a little loud when motor is under a load like when going up a hill. I don't have what I would call a drone at any speed. Cruising at 65 to 75 they aren't that loud in the car. I have people come up to me all the time and say that is what a Corvette should sound like.
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"Best" is such a subjective term, least amount of drone? Loudest under WOT? Meanest idle? Quietest at cruising?
The only answer is for you to attend some shows or events where Corvettes gather and listen. Make sure that you listen to more than just the car at idle or have some one throw a few revs at you. If you're concerned about how the car will sound at cruise, try to get a ride in a car and judge for yourself. No one can really answer what's best - because what one owner loves - the next one will hate it.
I have my preferences too - and quite honestly, my two top choices are not B&B.....see what I mean?
The only answer is for you to attend some shows or events where Corvettes gather and listen. Make sure that you listen to more than just the car at idle or have some one throw a few revs at you. If you're concerned about how the car will sound at cruise, try to get a ride in a car and judge for yourself. No one can really answer what's best - because what one owner loves - the next one will hate it.
I have my preferences too - and quite honestly, my two top choices are not B&B.....see what I mean?
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From: exactly where i want to be
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I have an '03 and am running Corsa Xtreme with x-pipes on her.
she sounds awesome
btw--- you are going to get a hundred different opinions on this
she sounds awesome
btw--- you are going to get a hundred different opinions on this
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I have the Corsa Indy performance exhaust on my A4 '03. Sounds pretty good to me. 
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2010
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I've been to various shows and seen/heard a lot of different exhausts. I like how the Bullets are loud but can be controlled at low RPMS. Opposed to the SLP Loudmouth that are almost too intrusive. As long as the Bullets will sound ok with my Auto, I think thats the road I'm going to take. Thanks for everyones input!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 176
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From: Golden Colorado
I agree, too, as long as it's on a stock 'Vette; BUT if you plan to add mods, such as longtube headers, X pipe, then be ready for crazy loud with the Corsa Pace Car. I loved mine while it was stock, comfortable at all speeds, great sound, but once I got into the mods (see profile for details), I had to change it. If you can't hear the radio over the exhaust in normal driving, it's too loud as far I am concerned. I went to Z06 titanium mufflers, now it's still drone free, nice growl in most driving, plenty loud at WOT, and the dyno showed no difference in HP levels after the change. Opinions vary, but that's my experience.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: Hillsboro OR
What are your long term mod goals? LT Headers? Heads/Cam? These will greatly effect the sound coming from your catback of choice. I personally went with the Corsa Touring w/ X-pipe. I was always "kind of" happy with this choice but, the sound (note) was never quite low enough for me until I did the Heads/Cam. I am completely happy now. Nice low rumble at idle (with lope 
) Aggressive sound at cruise. Screams like a banshee at WOT. Perfect.
FYI, You can always add electric cut-outs for when you want to be obnoxious.
) Aggressive sound at cruise. Screams like a banshee at WOT. Perfect. FYI, You can always add electric cut-outs for when you want to be obnoxious.
Last edited by Bluefire; May 10, 2010 at 04:00 PM.