To add more confusion
We run Kooks headers and x-pipe and Billy Boat PRTs on our car. We have had other exhaust systems and so far, this is the best for us. I especially like the "on-again, off-again" (my technical terminology ) of the PRTs. At start up it has a noticeable sound; under good acceleration the exhaust sound is very noticeable, but under cruise we can carry on conversations without effort. We have not noticed any drone and have made several 300-500 mile trips since the PRTs went on. And we have enjoyed very nice exhaust sounds at 130+ on Charlotte Motor Speedway. We have received compliments from others for our exhaust sound, too.
If I was going to do anything differently at this point, I would consider the BBE Fusion set up, or the economy version of this - TIs and cut-outs.
If you have any Corvette clubs near you, I would encourage you to attend some of the meetings or shows. When you hear an exhaust sound you like, ask the C5 owner what exhaust he/she is running.
Best wishes with your exhaust quest.

 

I'm interested In This setup. Do you have any sound clip videos?

 

I had B&B Route 66 exhaust on my ‘00 and except for the drone (finally cured with an X-pipe), it was a good system - not overly loud.

On my last C5, an ‘03, I had a Corsa Indy Pace Car catback (now called the Sport), and it was great. No drone, great looks and the sound was amazing.

The best thing you can do when shopping for an exhaust is to try and listen to one in person, either at a car show or if you have a local car club, by asking the owner to fire the car up. There may be some sound clips floating around on the net from the exhaust manufacturers too that may help.

 

Absolutely love it. It may be the best kept secret in CAIs. In '09, when I had the performance work done, I had never heard of the Honker, but my tuner introduced it to me, and he swore by it. I have no regrets, but it does suck some air, and anything else in its path. A good idea to install a screen in the opening underneath. Not necessary, but helps for all things bigger than dry grass.

 

Good to know. I will keep that in mind when I finally get the CAI.

 

You are a free thinker...................
Don't use a cat back at all and run a small muffler
off of your x pipe
Good luck

 

I have a Halltech CAI, Melrose LTH w/X-Pipe, and Ti Exhaust. I like the sound.

The Ti was just a bit louder than stock, but the bigger difference came from the LTHs and X-Pipe...

...and of course the Cam gives it some attitude!

 

I think the Ti's are deceptively loud in videos. Sure, it's louder than a base catback, but wanting a volume of sound that people a lane over and 3 cars back can hear at a stoplight, TI's may not be it.

I also have what I THINK is a GHL catback in the garage that sounds pretty good (6" round can mufflers). Moderate interior noise, but still not something I would take long trips in. I swap between the Ti and GHL if I get bored of one or the other. That's why I'm contemplating a Corsa sport to have the best of both worlds.

Finding someone to mod the Ti properly to weld Ti is hard. Also hesitant that a modded Ti would give me the idle volume I want.

 

Not sure if you were referring to the TI and cut-outs - I do not have any video for that.

If it is for the Billy Boat PRTs, I have an attachment below. Could not get it to copy over as mov, so reformatted it as mp3.

Hopefully this helps some.

 

yes the PRT. Thanks sounds great...

 

Having done some filming of my Corvette, the stock pipes can be easily made deceptively loud, so I'll keep that in mind.

 

I've been doing my best. I think the problem sometimes is that the ones I want to hear in person are rarer and I don't trust videos unless they compare stock to modified side by side. Borla usually does a good job with this type of video, I just don't like any of the Borla offerings.

 

This option has been on my mind considering I like the look of the stock exhaust.

 

Two questions.
1) have you had any reliability issues with the LTHs. I do daily drove mine and don't want to mess too much with reliability.
​​​​2) everyone seems to love the x-pipe. I know it frees up flow and makes the tone more "smooth." I think I would probably lean towards the stock h-pipe to give it more "muscle" sound (I guess this isn't really a question).

 

Best stock Ti to modded Ti video I have come across:

2" bypass mod is REALLY tempting

 

Lots of great info in this thread.

I have pondered this question for years and here are some additional thoughts/comments...

1. Some people report drone and no drone with similar cat backs. I think part of the equation has to do with manual vs auto transmission. The RPMs when cruising at 65mph at different by a few hundred. I think the six speed manual results in much more complaints of drone as it holds the engine at a lower rpm. My 03 M6 had an older Borla on it when I got it and the drone drove me nuts. I sold the cat back after trying to like it for the first year... I belive Borla has newer systems now without any drone..

2. Sucks that the price for most of the various cat back systems is $900 - $1200. Our C5's are mostly worth 9-13k, so a new cat back is roughly 10% of the price of the cars worth!!! It might be easier mentally for me if the car was worth 30k LOL.

3. Cat backs don't offer much (if any) power. I did not see that discussed above and believe it is mostly understood by everyone at this time.

4. Stock exhaust manifolds, stock H pipe and cats (in proper working order) are not that restrictive. With a supercharged setup and 3 of the 4 cats (1 was removed due to damage - broken catalyst) I trap 130 in the 1/4 mile. If the stock exhaust was pretty restrictive that would not be possible. My point is headers, x pipe and cats for $1600 +++ on a stock car are not going to pay huge dividends in HP - IMO.

5. I keep hearing votes for the Corsa Sport (model 14111) cat backs. I may try this one if is can find it used. Seems to be the most highly recommended of the "mild" options.

6. The exhaust mod bypass does offer some additional sound at part and WOT for very little $$$ if you can do the work yourself - or have a buddy with a lift and a welder. I can't resist pulling out my camera anytime I do C5 mods. If you are interested in exactly how to do the bypass mod on a stock C5 stainless steel exhaust....

 

I'm going to throw a use Borla S Type ll on my car today. Hoping it is loud enough for my tastes...

 

LT's over stock manifolds are absolutely worth the price for HP. But lets be clear, you can do $1600+ Kooks/ARH/SW versions, or <$500 ebay versions ( would NOT go that route for fitment issues and the design looks terrible), or do like I did and get TPS 1 7/8" for about $600 (Hinson also a good option for well fitting 1 7/8" setup) You need to do your research. You are paying for material and fitment. I don't see a Kooks header making THAT much power over my stainless TPS 1 7/8" set on a mass produced set of headers...clearly not worth the extra Kooks price.

Corsa will always be the go-to exhaust for a guarantee drone free setup. Every other company needs to prove they have no drone.

As far as the price of catbacks, it's a good thing these things are simple because you could spend less money having an exhaust shop build a kit for you. If you are handy, get a mandrel bend kit in 2.5", buy your own mufflers and start fabricating. The catback designs are simple on C5's.

 

Well - what is the verdict - do you like it?

 

So I have an 09 base. The Borla was "used" and was at my local performance shop. They knew it came off a C6 but that was it. Turned out to be from an earlier C6 and didnt fit, lol. Pain In ***.
After watching 7000 youtube videos I decided I'm gonna try the Hooker BlackHeart axleback to go with my Stainless Works headers and catted Xpipe. The BH seems to have a deep traditional sound and is relatively cheap. Alotta exhausts are outta control price wise. I'll report back after I get it Installed.