When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi all, thinking about getting the Corsa Extreme catback for my 2003 base corvette and was wondering if there is any real need for the Corsa crossover pipe. Is it really any better than the vette crossover pipe, are there any real benefits to adding this pipe? Any and all responses welcomed. I stand corrected, I am talking about the x pipe.
Last edited by chevrolee; Apr 10, 2019 at 11:41 AM.
Hi all, thinking about getting the Corsa Extreme catback for my 2003 base corvette and was wondering if there is any real need for the Corsa crossover pipe. Is it really any better than the vette crossover pipe, are there any real benefits to adding this pipe? Any and all responses welcomed.
I assume you mean the x pipe? If so, then no, not in my opinion. I have the Extreme axle back on my base convertible and absolutely love it, even with the little bit of gurgle. Plus, if I remember correct, if you're adding the x pipe, you need to cut the factory mid pipes to install an x pipe.
I just had the extreme put on my 01 convertible this past weekend. I did not get the x-pipe and still love the sound. I do have the automatic transmission. It is not nearly as loud as i feared at idle. hardly even hear it unless you want to, then it sounds very nice to me.
I have the Corsa Sport exhaust. It was on my Z06 when I bought it. I was experiencing an excessive about of popping on decel/downshifting. After a little research on line I learned that the stock "H" pipe was a little too restrictive for the more open flowing aftermarket exhaust, so I purchased and installed the x-pipe. It made a huge difference in not only reducing the popping, but my exhaust at idle sounded better.
Again, this was with the Sport version. Maybe the Extremes are totally different. You can always install the x-pipe later.
I have 1-7/8" LT headers, 3" catless X-pipe, and Corsa Xtreme. The sound and performance improvement when I went from JUST the axle-back to the full system was awesome (tuned all said and done). That in itself was worth the cost and effort to make the jump. From a performance perspective, I believe there has been a proven shift in the power curve when going from the factory H-pipe to an X-pipe because each results in different behavior of exhaust gases/back pressure. Even more so if you go up in X-pipe diameter, remove cats, and add headers to improve flow. If you don't have any plans to get the car tuned, you'll likely see little to no difference between the factory H and Corsa X. At the most, a small difference in exhaust note and deceleration gurgle/popping. It seems to me like you're going purely for the exhaust note improvment so I say save your money on the X-pipe.
Here is a short clip of my C5 doing a little 1(spin),2(spin),3 the other day for your reference
I recently purchased a Corsa Xtreme with 4.0 tips, love the sound with no drone and acceleration has improved. Will do x-pipe when I do long tube headers.
An X-pipe does two things:
1) increased the extraction of exhaust gases via increased scavenging of the cylinders. Savaging ( sucks ) exhaust gases out. without this sucking action , exhaust gases are only pushed out by the piston as the exhaust valve open.
2) because the Xpipe is designed to increase exhaust flow, it balances both banks of the engine which makes it idle better, and increases fuel economy by having a completely evacuated combustion chamber. Because remnants of unburnt fuel remain, you get popping on decel... its also because a stock tune on a C5 is rich by design. Adding an X pipe will evacuate 99% of any unburnt rich mixture.
Bill aka ET
BTW the factory H-pipe was redesigned in 2000. pre 2000 C5's had a flaw in the certification process. the crossover pipe was just plasma cut to the size of a dime. This was corrected in the certification process. and that crossover hole was increased. But the 90*degree factory H pipe is not as efficient as a smooth flowing X Pipe.
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Apr 10, 2019 at 05:01 PM.
An X-pipe does two things:
1) increased the extraction of exhaust gases via increased scavenging of the cylinders. Savaging ( sucks ) exhaust gases out. without this sucking action , exhaust gases are only pushed out by the piston as the exhaust valve open.
2) because the Xpipe is designed to increase exhaust flow, it balances both banks of the engine which makes it idle better, and increases fuel economy by having a completely evacuated combustion chamber. Because remnants of
unburnt fuel remain, you get popping on decel... its also because a stock tune on a C5 is rich by design. Adding an X pipe will evacuate 99% of any unburnt rich mixture.
Bill aka ET
BTW the factory H-pipe was redesigned in 2000. pre 2000 C5's had a flaw in the certification process. the crossover pipe was just plasma cut to the size of a dime. This was corrected in the certification process. and that crossover hole was increased. But the 90*degree factory H pipe is not as efficient as a smooth flowing X Pipe.
Did I forget to tell ET how much I APPRECIATE him today! LOL. Thank you Bill for your endless knowledge of the C5!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
the x-pipe sounds better to me personally but that is just an opinion and will vary from person to person, it isn't needed to bolt the exhaust on... if you ever plan to get headers I would skip the x-pipe for sure because most header systems come with their own x-pipe... if you never plan to get headers then you can install it as is and see if you like the sound, if not then you can add an x-pipe afterwards
As usual all you folks were a great help, Ive decided to do the x pipe and cat back at the same time. Got a good deal going with no interest for 18 months so what the hell. Will keep you all posted and thanks for all your help.
Hi all, just wanted to let you all know that I have the Corsa exhaust installed and sounds great, Love the sound and installation was a snap, wish I had done it sooner. Thanks to all for your help and remarks.