Hey guys,

Im in the process of looking for a C5 and wondering about exhaust options. Im actually trying to look for a Z but theres slim pickings out there(in my budget). Ive already got an idea for the Z if i get one, but not a base. Now, Im very particular about how the exhaust will look, as I want it to be perfect. It really aggravates me when I see these exhausts drooping on one side. With that being said, I don't want to change the axle back, so I won't have to deal with this issue.

Now heres my question, is it practical to have the stock mufflers cut out and replace them with something like this?(Same side mufflers)





I don't want anything loud, as I plan to add LTs, catted X, and a cam.

Also, does the stock C5 exhaust have a 2.5 in and 2.5 out setup?

Thanks for the help guys

 

Although i get your excitement I'd wait until you have a Corvette in your driveway, as it might already have an aftermarket catback. 2.50" thru until after the mufflers, then 4 tips total.
I like the Ti Z06 catback, but your idea could work if you find the right size mufflers.

 

Thanks for your input, buddy. A lot of the ones that I see tend to be stock. It must be my area lol. The stock Z CB would be ideal though, they don't seem to be too common tho :/

 

Selecting a muffler system on what you read on line or on someone else OPINION is a CRAP SHOOT. What is loud to one person is quiet to another and vise versa.

The one thing that you DO NOT WANT is exhaust system DRONE.

DRONE = Exhaust note frequency that resonates inside the cabin and makes driving the car a real PAIN! It gets OLD QUICK!

I put a dynomax cat back system on my 85 C4 Coupe and it made the drone so bad, the wife refused to ride in the car. It was really bad but I put up with it till I sold it.

Cant say what it does for the C5.

If it were me, I would personally EXPIERENCE an installed system on someone else's car. Take a ride in it. If you like it, copy it!

Always look for a good used system. MUCH better price and they usually are still like new.

What ever you purchase, here are the facts:

An aftermarket exhaust will NOT add GOBS of power to the engine. 8-10 Hp 12 hp on a good day.

Purchase a system for the improved exhaust note and rear of the car looks improvement

What ever exhaust system that you purchase, headers will make it a little louder , Cam and heads will make that louder and maybe even add a little drone.

My 02 ZO6 Stainless Works system form the headers to the tips (to me ) was perfect. Nice idle note and wicked WOT scream (ZERO DRONE) PERFECT!

I added patriot stage 2 ported heads, a big cam and the system is LOUDER and I have just a little drone. Nothing bad but, its there.

I agree!! Get the car, talk to other C5 People and listen to different systems. Get a feel for what you like and don't like before you spend $1000- $1200 on a cat back system and find out you DONT LIKE IT! Seen that happen TOOOOOO MANY times!

My System:









Bill

 

Another AFFORDABLE and nice up-grade is the C5 ZO6 Titanium (Ti) system.

It looks 100 Times better than the C5 LS1 CRAP
Sounds better
Is 24 pounds lighter
100% bolt in pleasure!
100% Ti and will NOT rust or corrode







Seen them used for around $350-$400 shipped.


Here's another Post with muffler knowledge for you to take a look at:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-muffler.html

Bill

 

that your best bet is get the car, then attend some car events (whether that be a car show, cruise night, Corvette Club meeting, etc) and see what others have on their cars and how they sound. Ask plenty of questions - drone, fitment, price - then make an informed decision based on first hand knowledge.

 

Hey! What's wrong with buying a bunch of car stuff before you get the car? Isn't that what we did when we got our first car that we didn't have yet. Cause as soon as you do drive it for the first time it has to look cool. Chrome valve stem caps, seat covers, floor mats, air freshener, may even some new shades.

 

You can't have your cake and eat it too------The factory setup or an aftermarket cat back that uses the same plumbing route as shown in the photos is very restrictive--- there are just too many 90* bends----
For best power you would want a straight thru type muffler--However as Bill mentioned some create resonance---like the Dynomax----however there are some that have no resonance like the Billy Boat bullets and others
There isn't a lot of HP on the table anyways--no matter what manufacturers claim---They all average between 5-12 RWP----The straight thru design offers the most--
I change mufflers all the time simply to try other brands--there is never any huge HP advantage but the sound changes--Mufflers are a personal choice on what sound you like---Most people don't enjoy or agree on the same sound---
Seems you are planning future mods like LT's and a cam---A restrictive cat back exhaust will not allow the full potential of those mods--

 

Thanks again for the good words.....Looks like the C5Z route it is lol. I may just have to buy one when I see one for sale whether I have the car or not:devil: Maybe I can find one for sale in the next couple months