0VERKILL

I'm new to the corvette world. I have an '02 Z06 and I have a question about exhaust. I would like to make my C5Z louder. I would love to do headers but I do not want to try that without a lift. I don't want to change the factory titanium axle back. I know the Ti axle back is desireable and I don't want to spend $750 - $1200 on a corsa or borla axle back. I would then feel obligated to keep the Ti setup and I don't have the room!

Has anyone added only a X-pipe? Seems like it would be easy and effective.

Years ago I had a '00 mustang GT. I had a shop weld in some flowmasters and it sounded nice. Later, I put a catless x pipe on it and it sounded incredible. Thinking I could get about the right amount of sound that I'm looking for.

Please share your thoughts!

BlackHellcat

You want loud? Electric cut outs. My C5 (Not a Z) has electric cutouts & a C5Z exhaust. Loud as hell. Also has blower whine FTW

Verrückt ZR1

An x-pipe alone won't accomplish much. May smooth out the "burbling" noise upon deceleration. You won't regret long tubes, or you could try the Ti bypass mod. I did both, and loved the way my Z06 sounded.

Vetteman Jack

knewblewkorvette

A x-pipe will not make your exhaust louder.

pjdbm

I think he wants to go catless and add the X pipe which will increase the loudness but will mess with inspections and other non desirable results

0VERKILL

Electric cutouts were what I originally wanted. Then I saw the thread where the guy melted his rear leaf spring. Saw another youtube video where a guy removed his for whatever reason (and told commenters that they were right about not doing cutouts). I just didn't see a whole lot of options outside of QTP. I haven't ruled cutouts out yet, just looking at other options. Oh yeah, mine is a little whiny too.

Yes, I've read a lot about the bypass mod. Semi interested in this too. Honestly only interested in this as I could make a DIY out of it as I own a welder and can weld titanium. Still, it seems like quite a bit of effort for the end result. If I'm removing the axleback, I might just be temped to hang a corsa or borla setup. But again, then I'll have the OEM Ti setup in my garage taking up space (because I'm a packrat and cannot get rid of anything)!

Correct. I went catless on the mustang and it really made it sound great. I feel the OEM axle back already has a nice tone. It just needs a little more.

LT-1 kid

I did long tube headers with hi flow cats with the x pipe with the stock TI out back on my 02 Z, it sounds and runs very good. i think that is a good option

gimp

We all need to breathe that air. Don't go catless. There are perfectly fine aftermarket cats these days too.

LannyL81

I installed an X pipe along with Ti mufflers onto my stock '04 Vert due to the stock mid pipe having a split in both tubes; no difference at all due to the X pipe. If you want louder exhaust then must go with suggestions above.
Have fun.

Not4spd

Yes I have. The bolt on X pipe offered by vendors does not remove the cats. There was one company that made an offroad x-pipe and it was installed in the front section of the vehicle, but it has been discontinued. The only one you can purchase via vendors bolts to the rear section of the car. I added just a X pipe to my Z06 and it did not get louder. If you are wanting to go louder and staying with the stock system then your best bet is to go cutouts. Add turndowns to the cutouts and you won't have any issue with melting.