M2 Performance prototype exaust review
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,123
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From: Stockton CA
M2 Performance prototype exhaust review
I have had the pleasure of 'beta testing' the new M2 performance exhaust system for the C5 corvette over the last week. Here are my initial impressions:
Build Quality:
The construction of the system itself seemed to be top notch. The welding
and quality of the workmanship is as good as or better than that found on
most after market items I have purchased for my other cars in the past. Over
the last week I have put over 1,000 miles on the car with the system
installed and I have had no problems.
Look:
The system looks much better than the stock 99 exhaust. The polished look is
nice, and stays clean compared to most exhaust systems I have had in the
past. (Due to the design allowing better air flow around them?) I have
received a few compliments on the system from people looking at the car.
Those in the know about corvettes tend to think they are Corsica's for some
reason.
Sound:
Much better than stock, however after 2,000rpm only modestly louder. On a
noise scale of 1 - 10 with stock exhaust being a 2 I would rate this system
as a 5. The noise at takeoff is VERY notably different, with the sound being
loudest between 1,200 and 1,600 RPM's with heavy gas. I had a friend of mine
drive it as I followed in his NSX and I found the exhaust to be very
aggressive sounding at freeway speeds, however not enough to make the
listener feel your car is worked up.
Driving with the top off is much more fun after the system was installed.
The exhaust sound is quite noticeable now while stock the only sound you
would hear was the wind and the engine after a few RPM.
I would overall clarify the sound as a rumbley sound.
Power:
The power gain is most noticeable at low RPM's for some reason. I think most
of this is just SOTP due to the increase in sound (feeling of acceleration
is about 70& torque and 20% sound 10% visual)
I raced a (looked like new) 2002 / 2001 C5 coupe on the freeway two days ago
from about 65 and I did manage to pull about a car and a half on him (they
are rated at 5 more hp than my car) and I doubt he had his AC on as it is
very cold outside. I do not know the weight of the driver however. (I weigh
205 lb's)
Things to note:
The install of the system was easy, with a muffler shop in the small town I
was stopped at being able to install it in less than 30 minutes for $50
There is quite a bit of exhaust noise (residence) at freeway speeds in 6th
gear with 75mph being the loudest. If people are used to 75mph in 6th with
cruse control, they had better upgrade their sound system as well. This can
get annoying and I find myself driving at 70 or 80 to solve the problem. M2 says they will work on this issue before the system goes to market.
More items to note as time goes on. I will post them.
:cool:
[Modified by MitchellDavidson, 10:15 AM 1/9/2002]
Build Quality:
The construction of the system itself seemed to be top notch. The welding
and quality of the workmanship is as good as or better than that found on
most after market items I have purchased for my other cars in the past. Over
the last week I have put over 1,000 miles on the car with the system
installed and I have had no problems.
Look:
The system looks much better than the stock 99 exhaust. The polished look is
nice, and stays clean compared to most exhaust systems I have had in the
past. (Due to the design allowing better air flow around them?) I have
received a few compliments on the system from people looking at the car.
Those in the know about corvettes tend to think they are Corsica's for some
reason.
Sound:
Much better than stock, however after 2,000rpm only modestly louder. On a
noise scale of 1 - 10 with stock exhaust being a 2 I would rate this system
as a 5. The noise at takeoff is VERY notably different, with the sound being
loudest between 1,200 and 1,600 RPM's with heavy gas. I had a friend of mine
drive it as I followed in his NSX and I found the exhaust to be very
aggressive sounding at freeway speeds, however not enough to make the
listener feel your car is worked up.
Driving with the top off is much more fun after the system was installed.
The exhaust sound is quite noticeable now while stock the only sound you
would hear was the wind and the engine after a few RPM.
I would overall clarify the sound as a rumbley sound.
Power:
The power gain is most noticeable at low RPM's for some reason. I think most
of this is just SOTP due to the increase in sound (feeling of acceleration
is about 70& torque and 20% sound 10% visual)
I raced a (looked like new) 2002 / 2001 C5 coupe on the freeway two days ago
from about 65 and I did manage to pull about a car and a half on him (they
are rated at 5 more hp than my car) and I doubt he had his AC on as it is
very cold outside. I do not know the weight of the driver however. (I weigh
205 lb's)
Things to note:
The install of the system was easy, with a muffler shop in the small town I
was stopped at being able to install it in less than 30 minutes for $50
There is quite a bit of exhaust noise (residence) at freeway speeds in 6th
gear with 75mph being the loudest. If people are used to 75mph in 6th with
cruse control, they had better upgrade their sound system as well. This can
get annoying and I find myself driving at 70 or 80 to solve the problem. M2 says they will work on this issue before the system goes to market.
More items to note as time goes on. I will post them.
:cool:
[Modified by MitchellDavidson, 10:15 AM 1/9/2002]
