More exhaust system questions
Thread Starter
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
More exhaust system questions
Each time I think I've just about made a decision on what system to buy, someone throws me another curve.
The lastest one is that you might have a system that you really like and then you install headers on it and it becomes loud enough to wake the dead. So if I get the Borla Stingers, or the GHL GHL Motorsports or the Corsa Pace Car, then later install those Kooks headers I've been thinking about, then I can expect to have to have to shell out another $700 or so for a NEW exhaust system. Barf.
So let me ask those of you who have headers and do NOT want a LOUD system, only one with a deep rumble and no cruising drone, what sort of system you have?
The lastest one is that you might have a system that you really like and then you install headers on it and it becomes loud enough to wake the dead. So if I get the Borla Stingers, or the GHL GHL Motorsports or the Corsa Pace Car, then later install those Kooks headers I've been thinking about, then I can expect to have to have to shell out another $700 or so for a NEW exhaust system. Barf.
So let me ask those of you who have headers and do NOT want a LOUD system, only one with a deep rumble and no cruising drone, what sort of system you have?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert AZ
I had the Indys the after the Cam & Headers it was too LOUD since I like the Corsa systems with low resonance I switched to the Touring Edition and added the X pipe. Much melower and smoother now, but I have to admit I was thinking of going with a set of Z06 Ti's.......they also sound great not to mention they're much lighter. 
Last edited by Larry_Yerton; Oct 31, 2004 at 08:23 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
Each time I think I've just about made a decision on what system to buy, someone throws me another curve.
The lastest one is that you might have a system that you really like and then you install headers on it and it becomes loud enough to wake the dead. So if I get the Borla Stingers, or the GHL GHL Motorsports or the Corsa Pace Car, then later install those Kooks headers I've been thinking about, then I can expect to have to have to shell out another $700 or so for a NEW exhaust system. Barf.
So let me ask those of you who have headers and do NOT want a LOUD system, only one with a deep rumble and no cruising drone, what sort of system you have?
The lastest one is that you might have a system that you really like and then you install headers on it and it becomes loud enough to wake the dead. So if I get the Borla Stingers, or the GHL GHL Motorsports or the Corsa Pace Car, then later install those Kooks headers I've been thinking about, then I can expect to have to have to shell out another $700 or so for a NEW exhaust system. Barf.
So let me ask those of you who have headers and do NOT want a LOUD system, only one with a deep rumble and no cruising drone, what sort of system you have?
Good question. I'd like to have a bark when I get on it. But even if I am pushing it on the highway, I don't want to live with a drone hour after hour. 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Headers don't raise the volume nearly as much as a big cam. My 68 exhaust sound was certainly deeper after I had headers installed, but the neighbors REALLY took notice after the cam install. Most of the C5 owners I know who have had headers AND cam installs ended up going with the Z06 titanium exhaust. It sounds just right with a mod-happy C5, IMO.
That being said, I still maintain that with mild mods like an aftermarket intake, the Borla Stingers' idle is at the top of the heap.
That being said, I still maintain that with mild mods like an aftermarket intake, the Borla Stingers' idle is at the top of the heap.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: His name is Tandy Dillen. Altruism is the last Frontier.
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
Each time I think I've just about made a decision on what system to buy, someone throws me another curve.
The lastest one is that you might have a system that you really like and then you install headers on it and it becomes loud enough to wake the dead. So if I get the Borla Stingers, or the GHL GHL Motorsports or the Corsa Pace Car, then later install those Kooks headers I've been thinking about, then I can expect to have to have to shell out another $700 or so for a NEW exhaust system. Barf.
So let me ask those of you who have headers and do NOT want a LOUD system, only one with a deep rumble and no cruising drone, what sort of system you have?
The lastest one is that you might have a system that you really like and then you install headers on it and it becomes loud enough to wake the dead. So if I get the Borla Stingers, or the GHL GHL Motorsports or the Corsa Pace Car, then later install those Kooks headers I've been thinking about, then I can expect to have to have to shell out another $700 or so for a NEW exhaust system. Barf.
So let me ask those of you who have headers and do NOT want a LOUD system, only one with a deep rumble and no cruising drone, what sort of system you have?
at any rpm/speed/gear.Any header you buy will have a dramatic effect on the exhaust note. If you're looking for deep rumble, no (minimal) resonance, and not extremely obnoxious, I'd say you're looking for GHL, X-Pipe and shorty headers with stock cats in place.
The way I'm set up is not for everyone. I picked up some resonance with the LGM's but only at certain points in the gear/rpm spectrum. I correct it by staying in a lower gear just a bit longer.
The fact that you're concerned about too much noise tells me you'll want to avoid long tubes altogether and keep the stock cats.
That's my best $0.02
Good Luck!
Michael
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
The catback you choose will have a big effect on volume. I have run several different setups and finally settled on the Z06 Ti's and cutouts with my h/c and header setup. Eliminating cats is probably not the best way to accomplish a loud setup as you'll often have to deal with unacceptable fume levels and you'll need to run O2 simms or turn the sensors off via tuning sw. We put LG's in a friend's car with h/c and the Ti's and whether he had the cats or not had more effect of the volume.
I never worry about volume levels on my setup because I can choose stealth or loud at the flip of a switch. I also run the hi-flow cats but it sounds wicked with the cutouts open. You're welcome to hear it if you're ever in the neighborhood.
I never worry about volume levels on my setup because I can choose stealth or loud at the flip of a switch. I also run the hi-flow cats but it sounds wicked with the cutouts open. You're welcome to hear it if you're ever in the neighborhood.
Thread Starter
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Originally Posted by WellAdjusted
GHL with an X-Pipe and stock cats and manifold are fairly tame but definitely not stock. ZERO resonance at any rpm/speed/gear.
Any header you buy will have a dramatic effect on the exhaust note. If you're looking for deep rumble, no (minimal) resonance, and not extremely obnoxious, I'd say you're looking for GHL, X-Pipe and shorty headers with stock cats in place.
The way I'm set up is not for everyone. I picked up some resonance with the LGM's but only at certain points in the gear/rpm spectrum. I correct it by staying in a lower gear just a bit longer.
The fact that you're concerned about too much noise tells me you'll want to avoid long tubes altogether and keep the stock cats.
That's my best $0.02
Good Luck!
Michael
at any rpm/speed/gear.Any header you buy will have a dramatic effect on the exhaust note. If you're looking for deep rumble, no (minimal) resonance, and not extremely obnoxious, I'd say you're looking for GHL, X-Pipe and shorty headers with stock cats in place.
The way I'm set up is not for everyone. I picked up some resonance with the LGM's but only at certain points in the gear/rpm spectrum. I correct it by staying in a lower gear just a bit longer.
The fact that you're concerned about too much noise tells me you'll want to avoid long tubes altogether and keep the stock cats.
That's my best $0.02
Good Luck!
Michael
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Thread Starter
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Everything I've heard about Corsa has been good, especially the part about resonance and an "X" pipe. However, I was questioning if the Indy's would be too loud for me WITHOUT a set of headers. I have to think that they would certainly be too loud with them.
