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

best exhaust

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:11 PM
  #1  
kgrasso's Avatar
kgrasso
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default best exhaust

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.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:36 PM
  #2  
Keev1414's Avatar
Keev1414
Pro
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 269
From: Batlimore,Ohio
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

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.

Last edited by Keev1414; Aug 1, 2016 at 12:52 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:37 PM
  #3  
kabluie's Avatar
kabluie
Racer
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 376
Likes: 21
From: Coos Bay Oregon
Default

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
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:43 PM
  #4  
kgrasso's Avatar
kgrasso
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

Sound, while important is not really the selling point. I want the ponies.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:49 PM
  #5  
JEH03Vette's Avatar
JEH03Vette
Pro
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 501
Likes: 44
From: Aurora Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by kgrasso
Sound, while important is not really the selling point. I want the ponies.
A simple axle back exhaust upgrade will give you the sound you want but won't do much to increase performance.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:50 PM
  #6  
Esser's Avatar
Esser
Instructor
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 36
From: Evansville IN
Default

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.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 12:55 PM
  #7  
imjdoggie's Avatar
imjdoggie
Pro
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 552
Likes: 86
From: Philly area PA
Default

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.


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...haust-mod.html

Last edited by imjdoggie; Aug 1, 2016 at 12:58 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 01:04 PM
  #8  
Evil-Twin's Avatar
Evil-Twin
Team Owner
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Default

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.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 01:07 PM
  #9  
Shakeydeal's Avatar
Shakeydeal
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 304
Default

How long is a ball of string?

Shakey
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 01:41 PM
  #10  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by Shakeydeal
How long is a ball of string?

Shakey
LOL!

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!
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 02:48 PM
  #11  
Verrückt ZR1's Avatar
Verrückt ZR1
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

Originally Posted by kgrasso
Sound, while important is not really the selling point. I want the ponies.
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.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 03:05 PM
  #12  
friou's Avatar
friou
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 769
From: jefferson texas
Default

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!
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 03:23 PM
  #13  
Jeff T.'s Avatar
Jeff T.
Race Director
15 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 1,211
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Default

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.

Good Luck!!
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 03:46 PM
  #14  
bikeriderga's Avatar
bikeriderga
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Default

Headers will give you the extra horsies and sound. You would still need an aftermarket exhaust or the Z06 titanium exhaust.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2016 | 06:47 PM
  #15  
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: 368,541
Likes: 24,831
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

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.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2016 | 04:37 AM
  #16  
Nasbluec5's Avatar
Nasbluec5
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 208
Likes: 21
From: Henderson Nv
Default



I went custom with mine if you have competent exhaust shops around you

Dynatech headers
Dynamax 24249 mufflers for resonators
Spintech sportsman 3000 dual in/out muffler

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.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2016 | 04:54 AM
  #17  
Nasbluec5's Avatar
Nasbluec5
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 208
Likes: 21
From: Henderson Nv
Default

Originally Posted by Esser
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.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To best exhaust

Old Aug 2, 2016 | 07:24 AM
  #18  
druz06's Avatar
druz06
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 31
From: Williamsburg VA
Default

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.
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2016 | 10:46 AM
  #19  
msupc's Avatar
msupc
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 211
Likes: 17
From: Knoxville TN
Default

Here's mine -
Stock '01 M6 Coupe with Borla S-Type 2 mufflers

Reply
Old Aug 3, 2016 | 09:45 AM
  #20  
Gordy M's Avatar
Gordy M
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
Default

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.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:11 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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