I recently purchased my first ever Vette. 2001 hatchback with 47k. Completely stock.

So, one of the first things i want to change is the exhaust. As we know the stock exhaust does not look the part and certainly does not sound the part.

Want to do cat back or axle back. I am looking for a more aggressive sound. But not too much. Would like a nice growl and rumble at idle. Would like a nice semi aggressive sound under harder acceleration. But like most people here I do NOT want the dreaded drone at cruising speeds.

From my research so far I have learned that the Corsa Sport should fit the bill. Or the Borla S-Type. But here is the twist. I am currently bidding on a used Z06 Titanium axle back system from a low mileage 2003.

I know nothing about the Z06 system. Looking here for advice as to how it would compare with either the Corsa or Borla system as well as meet my loosely described requirements.

Basically if the Z06 would equal or come very close to the Corsa or Borla it would be a very good deal.

Counting on you guys here!!!

Graham

 

I have a '99 convertible, obtained in 2010. I replaced the stock system with the Z06 Ti and have been satisfied. Sound is a bit more throaty under acceleration than stock and it's still OEM . . . and it's titanium (cool factor and light) . . . and it is a bargain compared to the Corsas and Borlas. Win-win!

K9Leader

 

If you go Corsa I redomend the Xtream.. has a great sound and no drone. I also redomemd replacing the H pipe with an X pipe.

 

I have a 2001 coupe that I purchased in 2014. The PO had installed a Z06 TI axle back. I agree with the previous poster. It is a good choice and can sometimes be acquired at a reasonable cost.

Good luck

 

We did the Ti cat back, we are VERY happy with the upgrade... barely noticeable difference at idle, but a nice nasty growl at WOT... and you can hear it while cruising, it's just not Loud. I have considered and may still do the Bypass Mod, but, I want to hear one in person that has done it before I commit to it..

 

I had a set of Ti's with the bypass mod.... You won't notice very much difference.

 

Congrats on your new ride! If possible you might want to drop in on your local vette club meeting or a show. Folks are friendly and will usually be more than willing to give advice, let you listen to their cars and hopefully give a ride so you can judge for yourself. There is a lot of audio clips on the 'ol interweb, but I don't think there is a substitue for hearing it in person. Best wishes!

 

Congrats on your new vette and welcome to the forum, The best advice I can give you is go to a few car (vette) meets and ask what they have and if you could hear it ???? I listened to videos and thought I bought what I wanted // NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I do not think you will be happy with the stock sound of the TI exhaust... its simply too tame for a stock motor... however, add headers and the a Ti system works great.

 

I tend to like a low growl, no drone, and not too loud. I had a Z06, and I was happy with the sound, to the extent that I found a used Z06 axle back for my current C5. I got it for a great price and found a great mechanic at the same time. If money was no object, the only aftermarket exhaust I would consider would be a Corsa sport with Tigershark tips. I've listened to plenty and it's the only one I'd get over the Z06 exhaust.

 

I like your description. From the sound of it it might be good for me. Do you get a decent, noticeable rumble / burrble at idle? Or is it very quiet?

Can you "hear" it under hard acceleration. Meaning does it become quite noticeable?

 

Add a set of longtubes to the Ti system, and you have a winner. Sounds like a muscle car at lower rpm's, and screams like an exotic at wide open throttle.

 

Some good advice about going to a car show and seeing if you can ask to listen to C5s that have an aftermarket exhaust installed. No better way to decide than hearing a system in person.

I have the Corsa Indy Pace Car exhaust on mine (now called the Sport) and I love it. No drone and a great sound. If you decide on a Corsa system, browse the C5 Parts for Sale section - they come up for sale every now and then and sometimes at a very good price.

 

I have an older Borla. Love the sound-deep and throaty at idle and great under acceleration. Looks great too IMO. Mine does have a bit of a drone but it's older technology. The newer ones are better designed in this regard. Definitely hit up a cars and coffee type event and compare. I personally do not like the Corsa sound and there are other options out there.. Best bet is hear as many as you can...

 

With my Corsa Sports and Tigershark tips I didn't realize much difference over stock other than appearance. Installed headers and they really woke up. Still quiet at cruise with no drone.

 

I say hold out for a Corsa system. You will be glad you did. Ultimately you should do LT headers too. That will really put a smile on your face.

Shakey

 

Exhaust 'music appreciation' is such a personal thing. For me, my ultimate favorite was the Magnaflow street model. VERY bass, and a nice low rumble that increased as the rpms climbed. However, I have a friend with one (Striper, here on the forum) and he said it drones, but he likes it. I already mentioned the Corsa which norcalace's description supports. My Z06 had the right sound for me, tho' I wouldn't have minded a little more rumble at "looking for a space at a cruise" speeds. However, when I revved it you knew what it was. It had a nice poppety, 'leave me alone' idle and would pop on deceleration as well. The fact that it weighed a little more than a bowl of spaghetti didn't hurt as well.
I and a friend purchased used Z06 axle backs about a month ago. He has an automatic, I have a stick. Mine makes very similar idle noises as my Z did, and is definitely vocal under acceleration. (It doesn't sound like a Buick). It also pops and does the poppety thing. For a total of $240 INSTALLED I don't think there is a better exhaust bang for the buck(I really lucked out). My friend's does not make the same sound at idle. Could the automatic car's engine be tuned differently? Maybe E-T would know. His total cost was about $450 because of shipping, which is still cheap by what is being asked for on Ebay. Considering the fact that the Corsa as I would want it with the Tigershark Tips would be around $1500 or so, I think the Z is the way to go. I've been told its as free flowing as any of the aftermarket systems that are not essentially straight pipes.

 

Z06 ti axleback
Z06 ti axleback with x-pipe
Z06 ti axleback with x-pipe and free-flow cats
Z06 ti axleback with x-pipe and free-flow cats and headers (my setup and perfect for me)
And if that isn't loud enough, do the Ti bypass mod

 

No one else has your hearing, no one else has your expectations. Like many have said, get out and hear them for yourself!

And don't trust audio files recorded by ? and played back by ?.

Good Luck!

 

I too did the Z06 Ti cat back upgrade, but also with the bypass mod.

Love it!