Exhaust Upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Exhaust Upgrade
I'm hoping for some general feedback/comments from those familiar with after-market exhaust systems for a C5 Z06. I've got a 2004 Z16 Commemorative Edition Z06 with only 16k miles (trying to keep the car in mint condition with low miles), and have the opportunity to upgrade my currently all-stock exhaust system to whatever I'd like, only paying labor. I know I like the aggressive sound of the bullets I've heard on other cars, and have heard some talk of benefits changing to an "X" mid-pipe, but would love to hear what others would recommend doing if given this opportunity. Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Based on your post I'm assuming your only talking about mid-pipe and rear section not headers. If headers are included in the scope of your project please say so.
You will get very little if any real power gain from a cat-back exhaust with or without an X-pipe so don't do it for the power. It is a great mod to make your corvette sound like it should have from the factory though.
Exhaust sound is totally subjective. Beauty is, in this case, in the ear of the beholder. By way of example, almost everyone on this forum loves the sound of corsa sport exhaust but I don't really care for it. I like the deeper tone of my borla stingers. The downside to many aftermarket exhausts is that there is some resonance "drone" at certain RPMs. An X-Pipe will make the drone less noticeable in some cases but will not eliminate it. It will also significantly reduce the "popping" sound on deceleration. I personally like that "popping" so I kept the stock H in place.
Best advice I can give you is go find a local corvette club and listen to some exhaust setups and find something you like. Failing that, youtube is a decent alternative. Not as good as hearing it in person but better than nothing. Just search for C5 corvette and whatever exhaust systems you're looking at.
You will get very little if any real power gain from a cat-back exhaust with or without an X-pipe so don't do it for the power. It is a great mod to make your corvette sound like it should have from the factory though.
Exhaust sound is totally subjective. Beauty is, in this case, in the ear of the beholder. By way of example, almost everyone on this forum loves the sound of corsa sport exhaust but I don't really care for it. I like the deeper tone of my borla stingers. The downside to many aftermarket exhausts is that there is some resonance "drone" at certain RPMs. An X-Pipe will make the drone less noticeable in some cases but will not eliminate it. It will also significantly reduce the "popping" sound on deceleration. I personally like that "popping" so I kept the stock H in place.
Best advice I can give you is go find a local corvette club and listen to some exhaust setups and find something you like. Failing that, youtube is a decent alternative. Not as good as hearing it in person but better than nothing. Just search for C5 corvette and whatever exhaust systems you're looking at.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids MI
Talk to Jon (Superman09) about his HuronSpeed XSPower headers. He sells a great product at a great price. I am running his longtubes, catted xpipe, and his 2.5" exhaust, but even if you did just the headers, the sound would REALLY wake up with the Ti exhaust.
Jack
Jack
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids MI
Last edited by cptinjak; Oct 1, 2012 at 09:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Go ride around in others cars to really find what you want.
Long rides can get annoying having a constant hum that some setups give.
