New to this forum, and I have a question about upgrading my C%. I would like to change the exhaust system to one with a bit more sound, especially when accelerating. I have shopped at Eckler's, and I am looking at a Borla stinger cat-back system. Is this a good make and a good vendor? Where else should I shop? Also, I have the original aluminum wheels and they look crapy, and I can't seem to get them clean. I would like some chrome wheels, because I think they would look much better, and hopefully would be easier to maintain. ANy suggestions? Ooops, almost forgot, have a 2001 triple black C5 convertible which is all stock at this point. ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

Dan

 

You've asked the most commonly asked question on this forum. Do some reading/searching first.

 

Yeah, except for the Ecklers part. I would stay away from them. Their service is very slow, and their prices are too high. Stingers are great for a stock car; on a catback scale of 1-10 loudness, they're about a 6.5. On the vendors list to your left, I have personally had great transactions with Texas Speed, TByrne, Speed direct, Thunder Racing, and others.

 

We sell Borla at HPE, and I'll match anybody's price! Just give me a call and I'll hook you up.

Chuck @ HPE
281-448-1300

 

I just got mods for my previously stock 2000 'vert after driving it for two years with no modifications other than a K&N filter replacement with a zip tie mod. There's a lot more under the hood that's just begging to be let out!

First I installed the Bassini Xtreme cat backs with x pipe crossover (you'll be REALLY glad you got an x pipe-very smooth at all rpms after this was added) and drove it for a few weeks before adding anything else. That alone was such an improvement that I couldn't believe it. I know it's only supposed to yield 5-10 hp, but it was such a difference that it must have yielded more. Really opened it up. I like the Bassini because it has a nice snarl and growl, but doesn't beat you up on those long Las Vegas runs because it remains pretty quiet in the cab.

Next, after a few weeks, was the Vararam cold air induction system, and another huge leap forward, with a VERY noticeable improvement in performance. Drove this for a few weeks to get the feel for both mods together. Now she's really getting quick! It's surprising just how choked down these engines are from the factory. But that's alright, it makes it fun to uncork the beast one step at a time

Finally, the Predator tuner after a few weeks of driving with the first two mods and now it's a completely different machine than I started with. The Predator unlocked so much of the engine's potential that I would say it alone might have been the biggest improvement of all.

Some would argue for doing the first two (intake and exhaust) and then have it tuned by a good tuner instead of getting a hand held tuner (and let's not even get into WHICH tuner to get), but I asked the guys at Corvette Specialty who are located near me and they recommended the Predator unless you have done more singificant mods than bolt ons.

In summary, I would describe the improvements somewhat like this:
Borla Xtreme with x pipe: +30%
Vararam: +30%
Predator: +40%

Try it, you'll like it!!