2000 C5 - 50HP To The Wheels
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
2000 C5 - 50HP To The Wheels
How's it going everyone.
I recently purchased a 2000 C5 Corvette (6 Speed Manual Tranny) and I would love to add 50 horsepower to the wheels. The car is currently bone stock and has 61k miles. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Do I need to go upgraded CAM, Long tube headers, titanium Z06 exhaust and a tune?
Thanks!!
I recently purchased a 2000 C5 Corvette (6 Speed Manual Tranny) and I would love to add 50 horsepower to the wheels. The car is currently bone stock and has 61k miles. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Do I need to go upgraded CAM, Long tube headers, titanium Z06 exhaust and a tune?
Thanks!!
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,677
Likes: 7,306
From: CT
50 up from stock. If you're inclined to do the work and expense, a cam and tune is an easy shot.
But if it is bone stock I'd start with longtube headers, exhaust of your choice, improved air filter intake and consider a tune. Mine made 343rw with shorty headers and this basic combo. A fair start.
But if it is bone stock I'd start with longtube headers, exhaust of your choice, improved air filter intake and consider a tune. Mine made 343rw with shorty headers and this basic combo. A fair start.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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You can gain at least 50whp without even removing the spark plugs or going into the engine. While it isn't a high performance aftermarket cam, the 2000 C5 had the best non-Z06 cam of any LS1. I went from mid to high 13 second 1/4 mile times to 12.80s in my A4 2000 C5 with nothing more than bolt-ons and a tune.....
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,677
Likes: 7,306
From: CT
Oh you're up here with me? I'm in Connecticut. NJ has Doug Ring at ECS. Long Island has Trevor Timpone at Grizzle Tuning. And I think Slohawk Performance is in Massachusetts. Each of these have absolutely excellent experience in tuning, and especially the LS, as well as supercharged/biisted if you desire.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Can anyone provide HELPFUL insight on exhaust. I do not want any drone and am leaning heavily on a Z06 Titanium exhaust. Id like a performance exhaust that does the job and doesn't sound to loud in the cabin.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,771
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From: Orlando Florida
That said, no cat-back is going to provide much power alone, and long tube headers will always increase exhaust volume, audible and air.
Lots and lots of anecdotal stories as to which header brand provides the best results, but damned if I ever find any actual data to support them. Some YouTube videos of different tube sizes, but never Brand X 1 5/8 vs Brand Y 1 5/8.
Last edited by redzg; Jan 4, 2026 at 11:30 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,476
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
That's because it's not worth measuring the +/- 3HP/TQ difference between the brands for a street car, unless you are looking for dyno bragging rights. The geometry is all similar, the tubing size in most cases exactly the same. What really matters to me with any header manufacturer is the quality of materials, workmanship, and fit.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 692
From: Pingree Grove IL
Corsa sport or Z06 titanium is what you need/want. Anything else is going to drone especially with long tube headers. And yes you can get 50 horses with headers, cats, axle back and an air intake. I have the VR on mine and full exhaust with headers and made 340wheel horse power through an a4 trans.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Do you recommend a specific brand of long tube headers? Feedback I am receiving in regards to the exhaust is exactly that, Corsa or Z06 Titanium (leaning towards the Z06). Thanks for the info!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,476
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
Just to be clear, there is nothing to be gained HP/TQ-wise with an axle back. You could realize a nice weight reduction with a genuine TI axleback though.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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^^^^^^^^^THIS100%^^^^^^^^^
I've owned my C5 for almost 23 years and finally found a mint, low mile Z06 Ti setup, and only 25 miles away. Distance IS a factor for me, as I have no truck or trailer. I loved the sound of my $250 EACH Flowmasters for the last 22 years. You have to saw off your OEM mufflers, and clamp on the Flowmasters. They are HEAVY, as one muffler is probably heavier than my entire Ti axleback!! With the built LS7 in my C5, I may lose 5hp with the Ti system, as the Flowmasters have a slightly larger inlet and both dual outlets are probably 1/8" larger tubing. But, I have no cats, so.....MAN, the Flowmasters DRONE!! I paid $400 for my Ti setup. I highly recommend the OP go with the Ti setup. Saves money, sounds great. Hmmm, sounds like a beer commercial!!
As for LTs, KOOKS 1-7/8". Kooks have been on since 2005 or 2006. OP, Kooks would be the last headers setup your car will ever need.
I've owned my C5 for almost 23 years and finally found a mint, low mile Z06 Ti setup, and only 25 miles away. Distance IS a factor for me, as I have no truck or trailer. I loved the sound of my $250 EACH Flowmasters for the last 22 years. You have to saw off your OEM mufflers, and clamp on the Flowmasters. They are HEAVY, as one muffler is probably heavier than my entire Ti axleback!! With the built LS7 in my C5, I may lose 5hp with the Ti system, as the Flowmasters have a slightly larger inlet and both dual outlets are probably 1/8" larger tubing. But, I have no cats, so.....MAN, the Flowmasters DRONE!! I paid $400 for my Ti setup. I highly recommend the OP go with the Ti setup. Saves money, sounds great. Hmmm, sounds like a beer commercial!!
As for LTs, KOOKS 1-7/8". Kooks have been on since 2005 or 2006. OP, Kooks would be the last headers setup your car will ever need.Last edited by grinder11; Jan 6, 2026 at 02:16 PM.