Exhaust decision help
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
If it was a Z, Id recommend headers/X-pipe, and skip the catback. Alas, the std. C5 has those squished tips. Still, get the headers/X first. You can later get the bypass mod, which is cheap, or a used set of Corsas. I bought 4 different brands of catback used, and they all brand name, stainless steel, and will practically live forever.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 3,313
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
If you're concerned about drone then you want to limit your choices to Corsa, Borla, or a bypassed Z06 Ti exhaust. Also, not ALL Borla options are drone free. Only their full muffler options have no drone. Beyond that, it is hard for me to give specific advice since exhaust is such a subjective thing. It also depends on how you use your car. For instance, if it is a daily driver, I would avoid a super loud exhaust. Your neighbors will like you more. Plus, if you drive it every day, or for long distances, a really loud exhaust will eventually get old.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 3,957
From: Cincinnati, OH
Magnaflow and Corsa/PRT are completely different tones.
Magnaflow will be smooth/mellow/deeper tone and may drone.
Corsa/PRT will be higher pitched/raw and designed not to drone.
If keeping stock manifolds/cats/h pipe then I'd look to Corsa/PRT. If adding headers, the Corsa/PRT can get loud (but still not drone).
Magnaflow will be smooth/mellow/deeper tone and may drone.
Corsa/PRT will be higher pitched/raw and designed not to drone.
If keeping stock manifolds/cats/h pipe then I'd look to Corsa/PRT. If adding headers, the Corsa/PRT can get loud (but still not drone).
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 213
Likes: 58
If you're concerned about drone then you want to limit your choices to Corsa, Borla, or a bypassed Z06 Ti exhaust. Also, not ALL Borla options are drone free. Only their full muffler options have no drone. Beyond that, it is hard for me to give specific advice since exhaust is such a subjective thing. It also depends on how you use your car. For instance, if it is a daily driver, I would avoid a super loud exhaust. Your neighbors will like you more. Plus, if you drive it every day, or for long distances, a really loud exhaust will eventually get old.
any reason for the ti bypass over the regular stainless bypass? Just the weight?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 3,957
From: Cincinnati, OH
If you're concerned about drone then you want to limit your choices to Corsa, Borla, or a bypassed Z06 Ti exhaust. Also, not ALL Borla options are drone free. Only their full muffler options have no drone. Beyond that, it is hard for me to give specific advice since exhaust is such a subjective thing. It also depends on how you use your car. For instance, if it is a daily driver, I would avoid a super loud exhaust. Your neighbors will like you more. Plus, if you drive it every day, or for long distances, a really loud exhaust will eventually get old.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 485
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Back in 2004 we won a Billy Boat exhaust in a Corvette run. Don't remember what version but it was pretty close to straight pipes with a small section bulge for the muffler part. Car was a 2003 automatic and the drone around 1700-1800 RPMs was very noticeable and too loud for comfortable cruising. Be sure to check out carefully what you decide on and also save you old exhaust. I ended up putting our stock one back on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 387
From: Port Charlotte Florida
Borla makes a S-Type (aka Stingers) and an S-Type II. I have the S-Type II on my 2000 modified and supercharged C5. There is no drone at any speed. I have the Borla ATAK on my other 2000 C5. no drone with those, too, but louder than the S-Type II. In summary, if you want loud but still a great tone, I recommend the Borla ATAK. If you want somewhat quieter, but not too quiet, get the S-Type II. Oh, and I recommend avoiding the Billy Boat PRT, because, in my experience, there is irritating drone at 50 MPH.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 2,033
From: In the woods
2024 C5of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 3,957
From: Cincinnati, OH
I have the Borla 140039, this guy.
https://www.borla.com/products/chevr...-system-140039
https://www.borla.com/products/chevr...-system-140039
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 3,313
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
The downside to the bypass on a Ti system is that it can be hard to find someone who can properly weld titanium. Also, the material cost for the bypass will be higher as titanium pipe is more expensive than steel. Not to mention the cost of purchasing the Ti exhaust.