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I hope this thread isn't already beat to death. I tried to search for different posts regarding replacement mufflers for my C5. I decided to start a new thread to get some updated info. I have a 2002 C5 with 20K miles. I have the original exhaust system. It seems ok now but I can tell it's starting to get a little louder. I stopped by a muffler shop in my home town and saw a nice looking C5 sitting out front. As it turns out it was the owners car. I haven't been able to track him down but the people inside wanted to put standard mufflers on my Vette. I don't want to ruin the Corvette sound and I don't want the Corsa exhaust...that's a little too loud for my taste. Are there any recommendations from you guys and gals on replacement exhaust systems?
If it ain't broke DON'T FIX IT! The OEM exhaust is well designed and lasts a long time. Folks that "upgrade" their exhaust always want it louder. In my teen years I had both THRUSH and CHERRY BOMBS. DON"T DO IT because all aftermarket systems will be louder than what you have.
To replace my mufflers that had developed a few rust holes, I wanted the quietest mufflers known to mankind. I want a quiet ride, not some loud nuisance. To each his own. I bought BORLA mufflers, the ones with a single tailpipe on each side. Looks better than the dual tailpipe on each side. To each his own. They're only a little louder than stock.
If quiet is the goal I would find a low mileage oem take off I am willing to bet a wtb post in the f/s section would get you a set in no time. Z06 mufflers are great but they are louder than base model mufflers it that is a concern.
There are different versions of Corsa's and the sound varies in loudness. Few aftermarket systems will be as quiet as stock. Get your car up on the rack if you can and look at your system front to back. Mine had 56K miles and a stock system but it did have places where the rust was starting, and I replaced mine.
Some of the stock system’s have bad welds. If that’s your problem they are repairable. Like stated before, I’m sure you would be able to find a low mile stock system. I still have mine off my 98. Sorry not interested in selling.
You can likely find a used EOM set for really cheap. If I still had mine, I would give them to you for shipping cost. Put up a WTB in the for sale section. I'm sure you'll find a set in no time. People are always looking to upgrade, and the original exhaust really isn't worth much. People will gladly sell you their old one when they upgrade.
If quiet is the goal I would find a low mileage oem take off I am willing to bet a wtb post in the f/s section would get you a set in no time. Z06 mufflers are great but they are louder than base model mufflers it that is a concern.
Z06 mufflers are slightly louder than the base setup, but thats like saying one fart in church was louder than the other! Neither are what most would call loud, or overly throaty. But when your foot is in it pretty far, the Z06 mufflers are much more throaty. Really sounds like the the OP should look into the Ti exhaust. They're quiet when desired, and rumble a bit when wanted. I agree with billschroeder5842, and RedC5.....
Last edited by grinder11; Aug 28, 2023 at 05:43 PM.
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You have several good options. The OEM titanium exhaust off the Z06 will fit perfectly and have a slightly louder exhaust not while at the same time saving some weight on the car.
The other exhaust I would recommend, based on my own personal experience, is the B&B Route 66 with quad oval tips. The look is great and it too has a better exhaust note than stock but not obnoxiously loud. I will say that I did have some drone and popping with just the catback on the car so I installed an x-pipe which reduced the unwanted symptoms by 95% or more.
You have several good options. The OEM titanium exhaust off the Z06 will fit perfectly and have a slightly louder exhaust not while at the same time saving some weight on the car.
The other exhaust I would recommend, based on my own personal experience, is the B&B Route 66 with quad oval tips. The look is great and it too has a better exhaust note than stock but not obnoxiously loud. I will say that I did have some drone and popping with just the catback on the car so I installed an x-pipe which reduced the unwanted symptoms by 95% or more.
Which X pipe did you use and do you have any pictures of the exhaust installed on the car (rear view). I kinda like the look of the oval tips in the pic BB posted, just want to see them installed on actual car.
C5 Muffler Replacement
