Exhaust and Headers Help
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Exhaust and Headers Help
I recently bought a C5 and its a little quiet. I want it to be louder, especially at idle, but I don't want it so loud that I can't have a conversation while cruising on the highway. I really like the sound of older corvettes, I previously had a '75 and LOVED the deep low idle sound. I would like something similar on my C5. I have looked at long tubers and different exhaust systems. I am not sure what to do and would appriecate any help! Thanks
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,222
Likes: 414
From: Philadelphia
Exhaust can be very subjective but I'm partial to Corsa for the balance of volume/tone and lack of in cabin drone.
I have Corsa/Borla/Kooks systems in stock - happy to go over options.
- Alec
267.788.4897
I have Corsa/Borla/Kooks systems in stock - happy to go over options.
- Alec
267.788.4897
__________________
Alec @ Forza Motor Works
(267) 788.4897 Call/Text
info@forzamotorworks.com
www.forzamotorworks.com
Your trusted source for premium parts - offering competitive pricing, exceptional service, and professional installation options.
Corsa | Borla | AWE Tuning | Girodisc | Halltech | American Racing Headers | Milltek | Soler | Weld | Fabspeed | SOUL | Kooks | BC Forged & 100's more!
Alec @ Forza Motor Works
(267) 788.4897 Call/Text
info@forzamotorworks.com
www.forzamotorworks.com
Your trusted source for premium parts - offering competitive pricing, exceptional service, and professional installation options.
Corsa | Borla | AWE Tuning | Girodisc | Halltech | American Racing Headers | Milltek | Soler | Weld | Fabspeed | SOUL | Kooks | BC Forged & 100's more!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Borla and Corsa are going to be your best bet for mufflers as they don't drone like many other options. Since you say you want a deeper classic sound, I'd probably look more at Borla. You'll want to avoid any straight pipe designs. I wouldn't go louder than touring as the atak might be louder than you want.
For headers, Kooks are the best, but they are pricey.. Listen to videos and sound clips. This is such a subjective thing. It can be tricky to get just the right setup for the sound you want. Also keep in mind that headers will require a tune. The cat back by itself you can do without one. You may want to do that first and see if you still want the headers. Good luck!
For headers, Kooks are the best, but they are pricey.. Listen to videos and sound clips. This is such a subjective thing. It can be tricky to get just the right setup for the sound you want. Also keep in mind that headers will require a tune. The cat back by itself you can do without one. You may want to do that first and see if you still want the headers. Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 892
From: Nappytown MD
On my C5, I have Kooks with hi flow cats to a X pipe on back to Corsa sports and the car sounds fantastic. Cold starts are sporty, but almost any system outside of stock will be a little rowdy on cold start. I like Kooks and they are pricey as mentioned previously. No droning on my car and until I whack it, it remains pretty tame sound wise but comes to life when you get on it.
You should check out Stainless Works as well, They make really nice headers on par with Kooks in quality in my opinion. I just did a set of them on my S550 Bullitt Mustang. I went with hi flow cats and a H pipe back to the stock Ford active exhaust that came on it. They sound fantastic and the quality is really nice. Price on SW is a bit better than Kooks for the same set up (headers, cats and X pipe). Plan on a tune to not only make the car run well but to take full advantage of the upgrade.
Below system is 3125.00 but it includes Hi flow cats and a X pipe. And they are made here in America!
1997-2000 Corvette Long Tube Header Kit - Stainless Works
You should check out Stainless Works as well, They make really nice headers on par with Kooks in quality in my opinion. I just did a set of them on my S550 Bullitt Mustang. I went with hi flow cats and a H pipe back to the stock Ford active exhaust that came on it. They sound fantastic and the quality is really nice. Price on SW is a bit better than Kooks for the same set up (headers, cats and X pipe). Plan on a tune to not only make the car run well but to take full advantage of the upgrade.
Below system is 3125.00 but it includes Hi flow cats and a X pipe. And they are made here in America!
1997-2000 Corvette Long Tube Header Kit - Stainless Works
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,501
Likes: 4,346
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Without going down the total exhaust rabbit hole, adding a Z06 titanium cat back(mufflers) behind an x-pipe will produce a nice sound without breaking the bank. Much better tone at idle, gets a little rowdy when you punch it 😀. Figure a couple hundred for a muffler shop to install it. Normally this would be a DIY, but to R&R these you need a lift to get the car high enough.
You can pick up a nice used Z06 cat back for about $400, if you keep you eye open on FB Marketplace. A Corsa, etc., will be multiple times that.
If you get the header bug…Before you take a second out on your house to buy Diamond Jim name brand headers eg., Kooks, look into Speed Engineering headers.
