Headers w/ stock mufflers
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
From the literally TONS of digging I've done because I have the same problem you do, I don't want LOUD, I have two recommendations:
1. Find a used Z06 stock exhaust. They come up regularly on the used parts section of the forum and with headers, they're only slightly louder than stock.
2. Corsa Touring. It's been said that it's a stock replacement. I don't think that's true but I do think they're probably the quietest aftermarket exhaust. You might also check on GHL. I've heard one of their systems is comparable to the Corsa Touring, but I can't give you any more information than that.
1. Find a used Z06 stock exhaust. They come up regularly on the used parts section of the forum and with headers, they're only slightly louder than stock.
2. Corsa Touring. It's been said that it's a stock replacement. I don't think that's true but I do think they're probably the quietest aftermarket exhaust. You might also check on GHL. I've heard one of their systems is comparable to the Corsa Touring, but I can't give you any more information than that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,903
Likes: 0
From: I finished a Marathon, did you? Michigan
CI 6-7, 9-10 Veteran
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
From the literally TONS of digging I've done because I have the same problem you do, I don't want LOUD, I have two recommendations:
1. Find a used Z06 stock exhaust. They come up regularly on the used parts section of the forum and with headers, they're only slightly louder than stock.
2. Corsa Touring. It's been said that it's a stock replacement. I don't think that's true but I do think they're probably the quietest aftermarket exhaust. You might also check on GHL. I've heard one of their systems is comparable to the Corsa Touring, but I can't give you any more information than that.
1. Find a used Z06 stock exhaust. They come up regularly on the used parts section of the forum and with headers, they're only slightly louder than stock.
2. Corsa Touring. It's been said that it's a stock replacement. I don't think that's true but I do think they're probably the quietest aftermarket exhaust. You might also check on GHL. I've heard one of their systems is comparable to the Corsa Touring, but I can't give you any more information than that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 178
From: Jacksonville, NC
Well, sadly enough, the wife and I have decided that the stock c5 exhaust has an okay note to it and that headers would probably raise it to another level. As far as performance, can't see spending 600 to 1000 bucks for 5 HP when I could use the money on something else so I will
until someone posts and answer.
Jim K.
until someone posts and answer.
Jim K.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 5
From: West Coast
You are CORRECT. Stock mufflers sound weak BUT with headers it WILL make it louder. Aftermarket mufflers sound GOOD with STOCK exhaust manifolds BUT if you add headers it will become NOTICEABLY louder.
If you are getting headers and don't want it too loud. I would recommend leaving the STOCK mufflers. I don't know what it would sound like but it will be louder with the headers.
If you are getting NO headers, then get an aftermarket muffler like Corse or GHL. They are better than stock yet they are not too loud.
If you are getting headers and don't want it too loud. I would recommend leaving the STOCK mufflers. I don't know what it would sound like but it will be louder with the headers.
If you are getting NO headers, then get an aftermarket muffler like Corse or GHL. They are better than stock yet they are not too loud.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Ok
Ive got long tubes with a z06 exhaust from a forum member. I had loudmouths (which were too loud for me), and when I decided to go with h/c and headers, found someone to swap me straight. The Ti's from the z06 flow better then stock, and eliminate the resonance and decel popping. IMO, if you aren't looking to go loud, they are the way to go. I can't see spending the money on long tubes and creating a bottleneck at the factory exhaust.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 664
Likes: 24
From: Farmingville NY
I had headers, x-pipe and stock mufflers sounded fine. Installed ZO-6 mufflers difference was found at WOT, and powerband felt better across the board. Stock mufflers seemed to have a jump in the power band above 4000 rpm. Best advantage was the reduction in cabin noise no drone even better than stock, some may not like that but at cruising speeds you can here the radio with no background drone, when you jump on it others notice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
From: Stop staring at my azz!!!! IL.
I think you are wasting your time and money,the rest of the exhaust is so restrictive-(IMO)if you are going to put headers on it finish it off with some high flow cats and a quality cat-back system 
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Coconut Creek FL
I've got LG Pro Long Tubes with the off-road X-pipe and stock mufflers on my '99 FRC. It sounds very good...not too loud, but noticably more aggressive than stock. There's only a few horsepower difference between all of the cat-back systems, and for me, it just isn't worth the extra expense and noise.
Rob
Rob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 178
From: Jacksonville, NC
I am starting read that the stock exhaust is not as restrictive as everyone first thought and that the sound is just a little too mellow. Again, if you had to purchase one or the other but not both, the headers with high flow cats will give you more bang for the buck than a new catback. If the opportunity/time comes around for me, I am going to dyno my car stock, add headers and tuning, dyno, then add a new catback just to put things at rest on this one and this just to answer my own questions, not to prove one right over the other because I want to know. 
Jim K.
Jim K.
