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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 10:14 AM
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Default Headers and Muffler

Hi

I own a 6-speed C5 2002. At the moment everything is stock.

Im after a better sound, louder and more corvette like.

I have 2 options that I would like advice on:

1) Add LG motorsports street headers, but keep the stock mufflers.
- Would this create a loud sound?


2) Just add a b&b bullets muffler but keep stock headers.

Obviously getting both would be best option, but just in case it is not possible (£$) what would you go for? Is option 1 going to get the results i want?

Thanks!
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 11:00 AM
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Better sound is a relative question. Everyone has a different opinon on what constitutes better sound. A muffler or catback will definitely improve the sound. It will probably give you the biggest difference for a single mod. Headers are an excellent performance mod. But with a stock muffler/catback you will still be muffling your sound output from the headers. Think of it as like getting a better stereo speaker, but still covering it with a pillow when you use it.

I'd start out with an aftermarket catback/muffler, then move up to headers. It's what i did and mine sound great.

But it's still a little too docile. I have to upgrade heads and cam to improve the sound.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 11:00 AM
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edit: I dont know enough about this kind of thing to tell what differences would be made. Has anyone else changed headers but keep stock muffler?
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 11:36 AM
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A less expensive alternative to the catback is going with Ti mufflers off a Z06. They do sound more aggressive and you can usually find them in the classifieds for $350-400 or so. They have a very distinct sound, slightly lower rumble and are lighter.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Edmond
A less expensive alternative to the catback is going with Ti mufflers off a Z06. They do sound more aggressive and you can usually find them in the classifieds for $350-400 or so. They have a very distinct sound, slightly lower rumble and are lighter.

Using the stock C5 muffler sucks. They look horrible and are fairly restrictive. Headers will not make them sound much better.

However,,,, I totaly agree with Edmond!! Install the C5 ZO6 Ti mufflers. They are LESS restrictive and your headers will wake them up in the sound department a little.

They look better, sound better are a LOT lighter and are less restrictive. Headers DO make them sound better.

I have stock C6 mufflers with headers and high flow cats on my wifes C6 and there restricrive. My tuner said that the car would preform better with a better muffler!

With the addition of headers and better mufflers, you would benifit from a tune also.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 12:50 PM
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Go for broke and have that Z06 Ti system modded (do a search) and the sound gets that much better

Trust me I know


-Ed
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:06 PM
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Exhaust cutouts
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:10 PM
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Lots of guys on You Tube have videos up on that Ti exhaust mod as well.

You Tube is a great place to check out different exhaust combos if you're not sure what you want and want to hear what the combos sound like.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:31 PM
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sorry im not a tech expert but...

is what you are suggesting -

buy lg street headers, but get ti z06 exhaust instead of the bullets to save cash?

thanks!
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by dangerous365
sorry im not a tech expert but...

is what you are suggesting -

buy lg street headers, but get ti z06 exhaust instead of the bullets to save cash?

thanks!
Yes. B&B exhaust systems are usually $1,000 or so. If you go with a Z06 system, it could save you $600 right there. LG headers are about $1,300 or so and a Z06 system should be about $400. That's about $1,700. Go with the LG's and B&B and you will be well over $2,000. That minimum of $300 saved can get you mail order tune with change to spare or an MGW shifter.

Oh yeah, the Ti system will last forever since it's titanium. The flow characteristics of most catback systems are pretty much the same, maybe give or take a few HP but nothing big enough to feel a difference. What you pay for is the different sound.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:47 PM
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thanks for the advice,

can anyone post me a link to a page where i can buy the suggested ti z06 exhaust. i am worried i am going to buy the wrong item.

thanks
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:49 PM
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Just check the C5 classifieds here on Corvette Forum. Lots of guys go from their Ti systems to an aftermarket system. You really can't mess it up, they're just mufflers and will bolt right up to your car.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by dangerous365
Hi

I own a 6-speed C5 2002. At the moment everything is stock.

Im after a better sound, louder and more corvette like.

I have 2 options that I would like advice on:

1) Add LG motorsports street headers, but keep the stock mufflers.
- Would this create a loud sound?


2) Just add a b&b bullets muffler but keep stock headers.

Obviously getting both would be best option, but just in case it is not possible (£$) what would you go for? Is option 1 going to get the results i want?

Thanks!
Adding headers is going to increase HP, TQ, and sound. Now given you would be keeping the stock mufflers, the car should not change much at idle but will greatly increase sound at WOT.

Mufflers are going to impact sound much more than they are HP.

My personally suggest would be if you are going to speed $1000 on something I would want more than just sound, but that is me.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 02:57 PM
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anyone tried the magnaflow complete exhaust system with x-pipe?
http://www.corvetteguys.com/c5-compl...w-exhaust.html

any good? good sound?
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by dangerous365
anyone tried the magnaflow complete exhaust system with x-pipe?
http://www.corvetteguys.com/c5-compl...w-exhaust.html

any good? good sound?
That's a great catback, but without headers, almost as quiet as stock. Look.....bottom line; if your priority is just sound level, get an aftermarket catback. If you want to add performance, you're gonna need LT headers. Stock Ti systems are available only from owners who have removed them from their stock cars, not aftermarket suppliers. So you have to shop online, and the forum "Parts for sale" section is a good place to find used parts. It appears that you are from GB, so of course shipping is an issue. I've bought two used aftermarket systems over the 7 years of ownership, and this is a good, fairly inexpensive way to try out catbacks. They're easy to sell, so you won't be stuck with something you hate. 95% of them are 100% stainless steel, so they may be dirty, but rarely worn.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 03:21 PM
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I hope everyone realizes that the OP is in England where corvette may not be a house hold word.

From your first post it seems you are after sound improvement. While headers are nice, they are also expensive and expensive to install. I would start with a catback. Now essentially all muffler replacements are catbacks. They bolt up to the midpipe, the piping goes over the transaxle and connects/welded to the mufflers. I would do a search in C5 tech forum. You will find more threads than you can read. But it will give you a chance to educate yourself and get an idea of which company makes a catback you would like. Then go and do what has already been suggested and search YouTube for catbacks you would prefer. This will give you a first hand idea of what kind of sound you will get from different catback manufacturers.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 04:15 PM
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Heres a picture of stock C5 ZO6 Titanumum cat back mufflers.













Compared to the ugly as sin stock base cat back exhaust system:

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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Edmond
A less expensive alternative to the catback is going with Ti mufflers off a Z06. They do sound more aggressive and you can usually find them in the classifieds for $350-400 or so. They have a very distinct sound, slightly lower rumble and are lighter.
I have the Ti's and just installed headers s/cats and a tune. I love the sound not to loud but the throtle respond is awesome.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 04:51 PM
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This is on my Z06 but it does have LG long tubes through the Ti exhaust system.

Have a listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os5jt1BmW_U
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by SDLS1Rider
Better sound is a relative question. Everyone has a different opinon on what constitutes better sound. A muffler or catback will definitely improve the sound. It will probably give you the biggest difference for a single mod. Headers are an excellent performance mod. But with a stock muffler/catback you will still be muffling your sound output from the headers. Think of it as like getting a better stereo speaker, but still covering it with a pillow when you use it.

I'd start out with an aftermarket catback/muffler, then move up to headers. It's what i did and mine sound great.

But it's still a little too docile. I have to upgrade heads and cam to improve the sound.


personally, id go with the lg longtubes - they dont BS you when they tell you you'll get around 25 rwhp, that and torque in 1st and 2nd goes thru the roof !
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