C5 Cat back exhaust
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 7
From: NJ
C5 Cat back exhaust
Hello and thanks for reading, I need to replace cat back exhaust on my 02 C5 conv. Factory exhaust 14 yrs old and needs to be replaced as it is leaking due to hole from rust and corrosion on passenger side, drivers side not far behind.
WOW C5 cat backs are expensive!
Have found a few on flea-bay for or under 400, have read some reviews about one who has tried and seems do-able? Or is it??
Does anyone have any current experience with cheap ebay exhaust? Just looking to replace current exhaust with something that will work, car is not a daily driver and spends most of its time in garage. 100% all OEM. Have crawled under car to soak flange bolts with wd-40 then a day later attempted to remove flange bolts and it seems like they will move to be removed, so that’s good, plan on cutting out old exhaust as it is no good. When moving muffler other day, hanger clamp that goes around muffler snapped due to rust. Would like to do install myself, then if needed can take to local speed shop to have them straighten out tips if needed? will also buy new flange gaskets, to have just in case.
I appreciate your comments on this issue,
Thanks!!
Side note…according to ebay they have sold 25+ of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2004-CH...FXrK~4&vxp=mtr
WOW C5 cat backs are expensive!
Have found a few on flea-bay for or under 400, have read some reviews about one who has tried and seems do-able? Or is it??
Does anyone have any current experience with cheap ebay exhaust? Just looking to replace current exhaust with something that will work, car is not a daily driver and spends most of its time in garage. 100% all OEM. Have crawled under car to soak flange bolts with wd-40 then a day later attempted to remove flange bolts and it seems like they will move to be removed, so that’s good, plan on cutting out old exhaust as it is no good. When moving muffler other day, hanger clamp that goes around muffler snapped due to rust. Would like to do install myself, then if needed can take to local speed shop to have them straighten out tips if needed? will also buy new flange gaskets, to have just in case.
I appreciate your comments on this issue,
Thanks!!
Side note…according to ebay they have sold 25+ of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2004-CH...FXrK~4&vxp=mtr
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 2
From: VA
I would recommend purchasing a used Titanium exhaust off a C5Z. Lightweight, sounds good, and OEM.. seems it would fit your wants and needs pretty well. There are usually a few up for grabs in the for sale section.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 7
From: NJ
Thanks, but sure that is a one piece exhaust, I don't think I will be able to raise and support car 3ft for install.
Also should any one know or have experience, when removing old exhaust system should I have trouble removing flange bolts can I just drill out and run a nut and bolt thru? or will I have to tap and re-thread new hole with heli-coil?
Also should any one know or have experience, when removing old exhaust system should I have trouble removing flange bolts can I just drill out and run a nut and bolt thru? or will I have to tap and re-thread new hole with heli-coil?
Last edited by CFeria; Aug 22, 2016 at 01:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
It actually doesn't seem to bad. They're saying all the right things and the price is tempting. You have no idea how it's going to sound though. For that kind of money I say go for it and don't look back. 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 310
Likes: 25
From: Edmonton AB
I with the poster a few above. Try find a factory exhaust. It will probably be cheaper and bolt right in. Lots of people selling them.
We just bought a C5 with a Borla exhaust on it and I know it is not what you are looking for but I don't like the sound of it at all. And that would be my worry buying the ebay exhaust. The sound/fit.
We just bought a C5 with a Borla exhaust on it and I know it is not what you are looking for but I don't like the sound of it at all. And that would be my worry buying the ebay exhaust. The sound/fit.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 7
From: NJ
Thank you! I know its wrong for me to say, but not to worried about sound, I an sure it will sound ok at best, my main concern is replacing the exhaust because of rusty old units.
I am more worried about difficulty installing, if all bolts up and connects they way it should think I will be ok. Plus shouldn't have to have no 3ft off ground.
Anyone have any thoughts of using nut and bolt should I have difficulty removing one or more of the flange bolts? Like I mentioned earlier in this thread I have already tried to remobe flange bolts and all 4 seemed to move when trying to remove, just worried once I start turning them since they are so rusty and old they will crack or break off. At which point I would have to drill out and either re-thread or just run nut and bolt thru?
I am more worried about difficulty installing, if all bolts up and connects they way it should think I will be ok. Plus shouldn't have to have no 3ft off ground.
Anyone have any thoughts of using nut and bolt should I have difficulty removing one or more of the flange bolts? Like I mentioned earlier in this thread I have already tried to remobe flange bolts and all 4 seemed to move when trying to remove, just worried once I start turning them since they are so rusty and old they will crack or break off. At which point I would have to drill out and either re-thread or just run nut and bolt thru?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 375
From: San Jose, CA
Bypass mod might be better than a cheap ebay exhaust.
I don't think the nuts and bolts will break. If they do, sure, drill 'em out. They're not, you know, structurally important to the car. Drill them out without hesitation if you need to, tap a bigger hole, use a bigger nut and bolt, and that'll hold for another fifteen years.
If they do some out easily, wire wheel them, use a bit of anti-seize, whatever.
I don't think the nuts and bolts will break. If they do, sure, drill 'em out. They're not, you know, structurally important to the car. Drill them out without hesitation if you need to, tap a bigger hole, use a bigger nut and bolt, and that'll hold for another fifteen years.
If they do some out easily, wire wheel them, use a bit of anti-seize, whatever.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 7
From: NJ
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
xs power is pretty good and inexpensive. I believe superman09 is a vendor big thread in the FS section. i wouldn't do a stock system if you want want it to be lighter. the ti flows great but very quiet IMO. You wont pick up much HP with any aftermarket exhaust on a stock car. It's not rocket science for piping and mufflers so get whats in your budget. Also check soundclips some exhaust sound great and others are raspy
Last edited by Chicago1; Oct 9, 2016 at 10:39 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
Thanks, but sure that is a one piece exhaust, I don't think I will be able to raise and support car 3ft for install.
Also should any one know or have experience, when removing old exhaust system should I have trouble removing flange bolts can I just drill out and run a nut and bolt thru? or will I have to tap and re-thread new hole with heli-coil?
Also should any one know or have experience, when removing old exhaust system should I have trouble removing flange bolts can I just drill out and run a nut and bolt thru? or will I have to tap and re-thread new hole with heli-coil?