C5 Exhaust Upgrade Feedback Requested
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
C5 Exhaust Upgrade Feedback Requested
Hello all! Just wanted some basic feedback on upgrading the stock exhaust of my 03' C5 Base convertible. Looking seriously at both the Borla ATAK and Borla S Type cat back exhausts. Since this is my first mod to this vehicle with only 14400 miles, I wanted to know two main things. 1. Does this relatively simple modification provide a true and useable HP gain? 2. What company can I trust in terms of exhaust experts that will install properly and support their labor with a warranty? As a AAA member, I am hoping too maybe AAA repair centers could also assist. Reside in Charlotte, NC as a reference. Thanks all!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
As far as the system, the Borla ATAK is very loud, I just put a Borla S-Type system on my 2016 Camaro SS and it's the nicest sounding system, just blows me away.
Neighbor friendly at low speeds, but gets loud under hard throttle
Neighbor friendly at low speeds, but gets loud under hard throttle
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 275
From: Wichita Falls Texas
My Borla S type didn't give me any hp gain on my 03 vert that I can tell but it sure sounds nice and the wife likes it!
Atek will be pretty loud but the S type is mellow.
It's up to you.
As far and installation, it's pretty straight forward and I doubt if any muffler shop will give you any warranty on the installation. It's not really needed. If the tips need to be lined up later it's pretty easy to do. My local shop only charged me $60 to install my cat back system.
The Borla comes from the factory with a million mile warranty. They are really nice.
Good luck!
Atek will be pretty loud but the S type is mellow.
It's up to you.
As far and installation, it's pretty straight forward and I doubt if any muffler shop will give you any warranty on the installation. It's not really needed. If the tips need to be lined up later it's pretty easy to do. My local shop only charged me $60 to install my cat back system.
The Borla comes from the factory with a million mile warranty. They are really nice.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 72
From: Upstate NY
OP.....installing a cat back is almost as simple as an oil change. If you go to an indy mechanic who has a lift he could knock it out in less than an hour, including having a cup of coffee with you afterward to chat about how great the car is. There will be little to no appreciable HP gain, but it will sound very different. Definitely a mod worth doing.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
I just installed Borla S type classic last week on my 1999 Corvette convertible with 6 speed.
I did it at home on the driveway with front of car on Rhino ramps, and rear on jack stands with my home made hockey pucks that lock in.
Cut off my old exhaust with sawzall, the new exhaust went on easier than taking the old one out, also changed my oil and oil filter at same time.
Did not have any power increase that I could feel, but man it makes the car more fun to drive, I took some quick video (just cell phone) of car idling with stock exhaust, new Borla, and one getting on freeway on ramp.
The video doesn't really capture the sound that great, vs hearing it in the car.
I did it at home on the driveway with front of car on Rhino ramps, and rear on jack stands with my home made hockey pucks that lock in.
Cut off my old exhaust with sawzall, the new exhaust went on easier than taking the old one out, also changed my oil and oil filter at same time.
Did not have any power increase that I could feel, but man it makes the car more fun to drive, I took some quick video (just cell phone) of car idling with stock exhaust, new Borla, and one getting on freeway on ramp.
The video doesn't really capture the sound that great, vs hearing it in the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
