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I've always heard Borla was the best system, but recently I saw an add that Magnaflow claims 20+ horsepower gain, which is like double that of Borla. What's the best way to go. If I'm spending $2000 I want the best.
I have Corsa Extreme and am very happy with it. What are you looking for loud , mild, ok tone. We all want as many ponies extra we can. That goes without saying.
Don't know much about the horse power gain but 20 HP sounds like a lot. I have my doubts about that claim. As for the sound, it's a matter of personal preference. YouTube has a lot of exhaust videos. You can check out the sounds you like there.
Last edited by kabluie; Aug 1, 2016 at 12:37 PM.
Reason: spelling
The only axle back that will gain HP would be a full 3" exhaust. The rest are a wash. If you want the best power put a cutout after the H section of the mid-pipe and eliminate the need for flowing through mufflers.
I find the 20HP gain very hard to believe.................if you want a great sounding exhaust for a fraction of the cost look for a Z06 Titanium exhaust with the mod done or find someone in your area who can weld Titanium and get the mod done yourself. If you search Z06 ti exhaust mod or ti bypass mod a lot will come up. You can get the exhaust and mod done for under $600 I bet.
If you want ponies, my young friend , then spend the 2000 dollars else ware.
None of the exhaust systems on the market will get you more than a few ponies, and there is no such thing as the best. If one exhaust system was the best then all the other manufacturers would be out of business.
Oh and BTW, you said you heard that Borla was the Best. Really, and who told you that? The imperial high authority on exhaust systems or Zeek at the gun range, who you over heard talking to Clem who works at the local Pep Boys.
Just hazing you a bit and welcome to the Corvette forum.
Seriously, the word " the Best " means different things to different people.
If you have 2000 to spend and want ponies and you want to apply that some where down stream from the exhaust valve, then you can gain 40 hp with a good set of headers and a tune. You will never get anywhere near that with a set of Catbacks.
Look else where for HP/Tq ... Purchase the exhaust system for the SOUND that you want. Sure, you will gain a little power but, nothing to write home about!
Love performance cars to sound like performance cars, and I do love a good roar when you step on the go pedal, however, listen to folks above regarding long tube headers and a good computer/dyno tune for somewhere in the vicinity, plus or minus, for your 2G's, to get the best bang for the buck. Take care!
There is no best... We all like different sounds so my best is probably not your best. Find a nearby Corvette Club and listen for yourself. It's the only way to get "your" best!
BTW - Internet sound clips are not always spot on. Let your ears be the judge.
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Originally Posted by TorchRedLS6
If you're looking for ponies, skip the axle-back and purchase a set of longtube headers and a tune. 30-40 horsepower, and sounds killer.
You're not going to get anywhere near 20 hp from any catback system.
Borla makes a good catback system, but I'm partial towards the Corsa systems. As mentioned, your best bet is to go to a Corvette show or find a nearby Corvette club and see if the owners will let you listen to whatever aftermarket system they have on their car - then decide.
This all resides in the exhaust tunnel before the rear end. I went 3" from the collectors back to the muffler, then reduced down to 2.5" (including the muffler itself) to maintain exhaust velocity.
Then flow master quad 4" tips. All stainless, designed it to be easily disassembled with slip connections and v band clamps on the rear portion.
I think all told I'm in it for about 2 grand with parts and labor including the headers.
Best part is it's what I consider a "sleeper exhaust" since she only barks when you stab the go pedal and did I mention NO DRONE OR RESONANCE WHATSOEVER
Last edited by Nasbluec5; Aug 2, 2016 at 04:57 AM.
The only axle back that will gain HP would be a full 3" exhaust. The rest are a wash. If you want the best power put a cutout after the H section of the mid-pipe and eliminate the need for flowing through mufflers.
Full 3" isn't needed on a 350hp motor, he'll it isn't needed until you're pushing at least 500 whp. Exhaust gases lose velocity as they cool, and if you oversize your exhaust tubing you lose all of the scavenging effect provided by a properly sized exhaust. It's been proven time and time again.
To the OP, a catback won't do **** for you except change the tone and gain maybe 10 hp at most. Cough up the coin and do a full exhaust, you're going to need it to see any substantial future mods done to the car anyways.
China cranks out most exhausts anymore as it is. I'm sure 9/10 headers sold for these and any other car are made in China. If you want it on the cheap buy some eBay special set up or if you want it done right go custom or be prepared to shell out some major cash.
Last edited by Nasbluec5; Aug 2, 2016 at 04:58 AM.
Agreed on personally listening to sounds and exhausts in person. I have went from the stock TI to Borla straight pipes and now piecing another setup with Loudmouths and likely an Xpipe. Depends on what YOU are looking for-loud,low,high tones, or WOT change in exhaust tones. I am speaking from building several GM LS based vehicles.
When GM was working on the Z06 engine they were able to make 2.5 engine hp with the TI exhaust and other than the a straight through Corsa TI exhaust (very rare) they could not make any more with anything on the market at that time (1999-2000) according to a few members-since retired-of our club who worked at Milford on that project.
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