Exhaust
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 9
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From: Port Perry Ontario
Exhaust
Hello all, I'm the new guy. I am looking for advice on headers and exhaust (2002 convertible). What is the best bang for the buck and also what sounds the best. Are cold air intakes worth it?
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
The only CAI intakes that you are going to get any real power from are vara ram and the blackwing. I have installed the vara ram system on my dads 97 auto and it made a noticeable difference in throttle response and he swore up and down that it made it quicker but it felt slow to me compared to my 02 6 speed.
There are several brands of headers out there that are of high quality such as LG, Kooks and Stainless works just to name a few. LG and Stainless works both offer a full 3 in system.
And finally for your cat back Zo6 ti mufflers are some of the best bang for the buck and are louder/lighter than stock plus they have zero drone, corsa mufflers also have zero drone. I personally have slp loudmouths installed on my car at the moment and also have the ti's and slp power-flows which I will most likely be putting up for sale here soon as it is not loud enough for me.
Here are two videos of my car with the slp loudmouths installed so you can get some what of a feel of what they sound like.
There are several brands of headers out there that are of high quality such as LG, Kooks and Stainless works just to name a few. LG and Stainless works both offer a full 3 in system.
And finally for your cat back Zo6 ti mufflers are some of the best bang for the buck and are louder/lighter than stock plus they have zero drone, corsa mufflers also have zero drone. I personally have slp loudmouths installed on my car at the moment and also have the ti's and slp power-flows which I will most likely be putting up for sale here soon as it is not loud enough for me.
Here are two videos of my car with the slp loudmouths installed so you can get some what of a feel of what they sound like.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 14
From: Phoenix AZ
There are many choices for exhaust on the market and I think the better question is what system will best fit your needs. Here at B&B we have systems that are just slightly louder than stock, a system that is very aggressiven and everywhere in between. Here are a couple links to our website so you can see the different systems we have for the C5 page http://www.bbexhaust.com/car/corvette/c5/ and our Fusion http://www.bbexhaust.com/car/corvette/c5fusion/. Also do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly at 888-228-7435 if you would like any additional information or just want to talk about which system will best work for you.
Mark Fowler
Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
mark@bbexhaust.com
888-228-7435 ext.18
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 97
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From: Gallatin Tennessee
I installed the Melrose System... long tube headers w/ free flowing cats. Very eye appealing. Plus the quality is unmatched. They installed perfectly. I also installed the Corsa Touring package. My son said my car sounds like those high dollar European cars. I love the sound as my car is now. But, some day I plan on new heads and a cam and then I'll want an exhaust that is a little more aggresive.
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As far as what exhaust sounds best, I'd recommend you find some owners who have various systems on their cars and listen to them in person. I have had the B&B Route 66 on my '00 - nice mellow sound without being overly loud and now I have a Corsa Indy system on my '03 - louder than the Route 66 but no resonance/popping and when you get on the gas, it sounds great.
For headers: LG, Kooks, American Racing all make very good systems.
For headers: LG, Kooks, American Racing all make very good systems.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
What do you actually expect to gain or achieve with these mods?
Decide what is lacking in your driving experience now, and research what mods will enhance those short comings.
If you want power above 4k, then an intake and exhaust will help (of course there will be power changes throughout, it's all a compromise)
If you want crisper throttle respeonse then a tune may be all you really need. And a free flowing filter would help.
If you want a louder exhaust note, then do a cat-back system.
If you want more power through out the entire rpm range then may be 1.8 rockers or even a cam would be in order. A mild cam with approx 22x duration @ .050" could be worth 50hp, especially with supporting mods.
Or combine any of these for more power potential.
I do like the idea behind the two mentioned intakes. I choose a Blackwing only because it flows well and seems to be easier to maintain/remove than the factory or other aftermarket types.
As for exhaust, a full length header with 4-2-1 collectors and nice x-pipe would be great. As for me, I just want sound so I ran a $300 Borla straight pipe set-up. Getting ready to install a Magnaflow off-road pipe next week.
good luck and have fun man
Decide what is lacking in your driving experience now, and research what mods will enhance those short comings.
If you want power above 4k, then an intake and exhaust will help (of course there will be power changes throughout, it's all a compromise)
If you want crisper throttle respeonse then a tune may be all you really need. And a free flowing filter would help.
If you want a louder exhaust note, then do a cat-back system.
If you want more power through out the entire rpm range then may be 1.8 rockers or even a cam would be in order. A mild cam with approx 22x duration @ .050" could be worth 50hp, especially with supporting mods.
Or combine any of these for more power potential.
I do like the idea behind the two mentioned intakes. I choose a Blackwing only because it flows well and seems to be easier to maintain/remove than the factory or other aftermarket types.
As for exhaust, a full length header with 4-2-1 collectors and nice x-pipe would be great. As for me, I just want sound so I ran a $300 Borla straight pipe set-up. Getting ready to install a Magnaflow off-road pipe next week.
good luck and have fun man
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 496
Likes: 14
From: Phoenix AZ
"For headers: LG, Kooks, American Racing all make very good systems."
We have both shorty and long tube headers as well as cat pipes, cat delete pipes and an x-pipe to complete the package. You can see all of these on our C5 page, http://www.bbexhaust.com/car/corvette/c5/ at www.bbexhaust.com.
Mark Fowler
Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
888-228-7435 Ext.18
mark@bbexhaust.com
We have both shorty and long tube headers as well as cat pipes, cat delete pipes and an x-pipe to complete the package. You can see all of these on our C5 page, http://www.bbexhaust.com/car/corvette/c5/ at www.bbexhaust.com.
Mark Fowler
Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
888-228-7435 Ext.18
mark@bbexhaust.com