DIY Universal Muffler Install on C5?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 740
Likes: 83
From: MN
DIY Universal Muffler Install on C5?
I've been looking at aftermarket muffler systems for the C5 and it's easy to spend a lot of money on one. I found a couple of universal mufflers with the inlet and outlet on the same side--has anyone tried welding a pair of these up, or having an exhaust shop install them? This is a job I'd be capable of doing myself, just wondering if it would be worth the time.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-17676/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flo-52580/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-14210/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-17676/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flo-52580/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-14210/overview/
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
I've been looking at aftermarket muffler systems for the C5 and it's easy to spend a lot of money on one. I found a couple of universal mufflers with the inlet and outlet on the same side--has anyone tried welding a pair of these up, or having an exhaust shop install them? This is a job I'd be capable of doing myself, just wondering if it would be worth the time.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-17676/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flo-52580/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-14210/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-17676/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/flo-52580/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-14210/overview/
Exhaust systems do more than muffle the engine noise, they help draw the best horse power out of the engine by evacuating exhaust pulses quickly and efficiently.
Not sure what your motivation is to add a set of universal mufflers to a predesigned exhaust system.?
I would never throw money away like this without knowing what the outcome would be. what is you motivation to do this?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
I'm thinking the factory mufflers are not all that bad, at first I wanted a louder exhaust, but the stock ones have a really nice tone.
Last edited by 1999corvettels1; Dec 26, 2013 at 04:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 740
Likes: 83
From: MN
What's my motivation? I like to weld and fabricate things. I'm cheap, especially when it comes to something like a muffler, which doesn't affect safety or drivability of the car.
The car came with bypass-modded stock mufflers. They sound good when accelerating hard (what doesn't), but the idle and part-throttle don't sound very good. I could undo the bypass, but then they would probably be too quiet. I think a pair of aftermarket mufflers might be a good solution.
The Mangaflow muffers I linked above are lifetime warrantied stainless if I choose to go with them. I don't feel that I need stainless or a lifetime warranty. I only drive the car in the summer, so aluminized steel will last as long as I will ever need.
I would not expect any of the mufflers to have a noticeable effect on performance vs. the stock cans. I'm sure they all flow freely enough for a stock LS1, and wouldn't have any more detrimental effect on exhaust pulses that far back in the system.
The car came with bypass-modded stock mufflers. They sound good when accelerating hard (what doesn't), but the idle and part-throttle don't sound very good. I could undo the bypass, but then they would probably be too quiet. I think a pair of aftermarket mufflers might be a good solution.
The Mangaflow muffers I linked above are lifetime warrantied stainless if I choose to go with them. I don't feel that I need stainless or a lifetime warranty. I only drive the car in the summer, so aluminized steel will last as long as I will ever need.
I would not expect any of the mufflers to have a noticeable effect on performance vs. the stock cans. I'm sure they all flow freely enough for a stock LS1, and wouldn't have any more detrimental effect on exhaust pulses that far back in the system.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 5
From: Loveland CO
I would look at the magnaflows personally. Superturbo's are quiet, not going to gain much if anything. Measure the stockers, if they fit size wise then you might have to modify the inlet pipe and custom outlet pipes with new tips. no reason it wont work. might consider getting a couple universal Mandrel bends (siliconeintakes.com) to make the new pipes nice and smooth. thats basically the same things as a aftermarkt axle back system. If you use a V-band then if you dont like the sound its easy to swap mufflers out.(vbands are also at Siliconeintakes.com) I would stick with stainless.. look nicer longer. you will gain a tiny bit of power over stock C5 base mufflers, they are little restrictive. You might have to transfer the exhaust hangers or make your own, not sure if you can buy them from anywhere.
Might also consider replacing the stock "H" with a "X" for better sound. magnaflow and others make universal "X pipes" that can be cut and welded in.
S
Might also consider replacing the stock "H" with a "X" for better sound. magnaflow and others make universal "X pipes" that can be cut and welded in.
S
Last edited by RedZMonte; Dec 26, 2013 at 08:15 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
I opened my stock mufflers, removed some baffles, duct taped them closed, re-installed, and sound checked. Opened them up for more modding, repeat.
I like doing this kind of stuff as well and had fun. Welded them back up when I had them the way I liked. I'll be listing them in the Parts Sale section later tonight (they're now too loud since adding cam / headers).
Guess I can't embed a photobucket video:
http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/12...fde5a.mp4.html
Best sounding exhaust I've ever heard was on a friends M3. He also did a home-made exhaust but used Dynomax race mufflers.
If the mufflers are cheap enough and you like doing that kind of work, go for it!
I like doing this kind of stuff as well and had fun. Welded them back up when I had them the way I liked. I'll be listing them in the Parts Sale section later tonight (they're now too loud since adding cam / headers).
Guess I can't embed a photobucket video:
http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/12...fde5a.mp4.html
Best sounding exhaust I've ever heard was on a friends M3. He also did a home-made exhaust but used Dynomax race mufflers.
If the mufflers are cheap enough and you like doing that kind of work, go for it!
Last edited by Rx7Rob; Dec 26, 2013 at 08:45 PM.
