[Z06] Full 3" Exhaust??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Full 3" Exhaust??
I have been doing a little research on the topic and just had a good discussion with a vendor who seems to know a bit about aftermarket mods.
Originally, I was looking into the LG Pro LT's with matrix cats and x-pipe with a Corsa exhaust (from headers back essentially a 2.5"). However, after my recent discussions, a new option has been thrown into the mix. A full 3" system which includes headers cats, x-pipe and exhaust (only two tip). Told, basically the same system Mallet uses on their cars.
Question: On a lightly modded car (intake and the headers back), is a 3" system too much. Will I be missing my low end? The price seems to be right, but I want this car as a daily driver and don't want any drone at cruising speeds. At first glance, I think a 3" system would be the ultimate if I were eventually looking at further mods (turbo, blower, or heads/cam). Any thoughts if a Mallet 3" is going to work on a intake and exhaust modded '01 Z06 as good as the LG's and 2.5" system? At what level would the 3" be more of a blessing than a hinderance? Questions, questions, questions...
Thanks for the input.
Z
Question,
Originally, I was looking into the LG Pro LT's with matrix cats and x-pipe with a Corsa exhaust (from headers back essentially a 2.5"). However, after my recent discussions, a new option has been thrown into the mix. A full 3" system which includes headers cats, x-pipe and exhaust (only two tip). Told, basically the same system Mallet uses on their cars.
Question: On a lightly modded car (intake and the headers back), is a 3" system too much. Will I be missing my low end? The price seems to be right, but I want this car as a daily driver and don't want any drone at cruising speeds. At first glance, I think a 3" system would be the ultimate if I were eventually looking at further mods (turbo, blower, or heads/cam). Any thoughts if a Mallet 3" is going to work on a intake and exhaust modded '01 Z06 as good as the LG's and 2.5" system? At what level would the 3" be more of a blessing than a hinderance? Questions, questions, questions...
Thanks for the input.
Z
Question,
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Re: Full 3" Exhaust?? (z06 stocker)
Full 3" pipes wouldn't be necessary until you get into the 600 hp range. MattG put the stainless works full 3" system on his 436 ci stroker and I think he gained 12 rwhp, but lost some torque even on that big motor.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,040
Likes: 3
From: "Same as it always was"
Re: Full 3" Exhaust?? (z06 stocker)
Can't help you with the exhaust, but as far as the drone, you can check out this site http://www.koolmat.com
I just read up on their product, sounds good, comes pre-cut but is not cheap.
Others on this forum have gotten products from Home Depot or somewhere like that for probably less money. This product is heat resistant and was featured in Corvette mag 2003. It's all on their web page.
Hope this helped and Good Luck :thumbs:
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
Re: Full 3" Exhaust?? (z06 stocker)
3" will kill you bottom end unless you are taking the motor to the top limits. Stick with 2.5 unless you are going 427 or bigger CI, a supercharger or other high input systems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,793
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From: carmel Indiana usa
Re: Full 3" Exhaust?? (z06 stocker)
I think it depends on what you're going to do with the car.
I drag and roadrace my car so I elected to go with the LG system minus the cats, although I'm going to keep my stock muffler system. Titanium is too expensive to just throw away.
If I can shave a half second off my time and 25-30lbs at the same time, I'm a happy camper.
I were you, I'd make the steps gradually, you may be doing some things that aren't necessary.
Hope this helps,
david In Indy
I drag and roadrace my car so I elected to go with the LG system minus the cats, although I'm going to keep my stock muffler system. Titanium is too expensive to just throw away.
If I can shave a half second off my time and 25-30lbs at the same time, I'm a happy camper.
I were you, I'd make the steps gradually, you may be doing some things that aren't necessary.
Hope this helps,
david In Indy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,147
Likes: 32
From: Dallas TX
Re: Full 3" Exhaust?? (ledfoot)
It depends on what you are going to do. If you think you are going to have 450rwhp or more, I say go for the 3" exhaust. These days, even the top notch heads/cam packages are using 3" exhausts to get the most power.
As far as losing torque down low, most people fail to realize that after you get to a certain power level, torque down low doesnt mean as much as hp up top. You do all your racing in the upper rpms. Torque down low will just help light up the tires sooner in some cases.
As far as losing torque down low, most people fail to realize that after you get to a certain power level, torque down low doesnt mean as much as hp up top. You do all your racing in the upper rpms. Torque down low will just help light up the tires sooner in some cases.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,147
Likes: 32
From: Dallas TX
Re: Full 3" Exhaust?? (z06 stocker)
BTW, Stainless Works makes a complete 3" exhaust that a lot of people use. http://www.stainlessworks.net
It can include a 3" mid section as well. I am not sure if the catted section is 3". I have seen a Z06 with 1 7/8 headers and this exhaust made 390rwhp with bolt ons so I really dont think 3" is too much.
It can include a 3" mid section as well. I am not sure if the catted section is 3". I have seen a Z06 with 1 7/8 headers and this exhaust made 390rwhp with bolt ons so I really dont think 3" is too much.
