I'm interested in purchasing a new exhaust system for my 2003 C5 convert., I've read many of the postings on this site and still cannot make a firm decision. What is the absolutely best exhaust system (i.e. quality, sound, performance, etc.)?

Thanks,
:chevy

 

B&B PRTS, had mine installed today, great sound, no popping or resonance that effects me, and most of all the wife thinks they sound good. I have 03 Coupe, A4, 3.15 performance axle, Magnetic Ride.

Woodyman

 

Everyone would like to help you with this but if there was only one absolute exhaust system for our cars then there would only be one exhaust & we wouldn't have to chose. It is different for everyone, see if you can find someone in your area that has an after market exhaust that you can listen to, if not then keep reading & maybe it will help you make a choice. I have corsa & like it but as you know there are many brands out there & they all may have pros & cons. Like you I had a tough time making a decision Good luck. :cheers:

 

All depends on what you like, I have the Borla Exhaust and love it! It is as loud as I would go in an automatic car do to the renosance at low rpm in drive. Nothing worse than a corvette with a quiet exhaust! IMO :yesnod: There is really not much gain in performance by just putting on a cat back exhaust, get the one that sounds the best to you. GOOD LUCK!


[Modified by Xssesive, 10:12 PM 5/24/2003]

 

I define the "best" as the best combination of weight and performance. Corsa Titanium. I use the Ti mufflers for the street, and the straight pipes for the track. You can switch in 30 minutes with eight bolts without jacking the rear of the car, even when lowered. Weighs almost nothing, doesn't rust, lasts forever, and is reasonably quiet on the street with the mufflers, even with headers. They are quite expensive. But you asked about the "best," right? Well, this is it. No question about it. None at all. Period.

 

Because this issue is so objective... there's no such thing as the "best" when it comes to cat-back systems. IMHO, no cat-back will bring real significant performance gains and sound is all a matter of personal preference...

I've had the Borla quad Stingers but I much prefer my current GHL Bullet's.... why? Less resonance.


[Modified by 99C5Richie, 11:27 PM 5/24/2003]

 

find someone who has the exhaust that you are considering and listen to it. there is no substitute for observation. listen to it at idle. listen to it at cruising speed. i bought an aftermarket exhaust for my car and was a little let down. i had done all the research, but i didn't find a guy with my setup and the exhaust that i was considering. just trying to save you my let down.

 

You asked the question - So here it is in my opinion - On my recently installed Z06 system - initial observations as follows:
Fit, Finish, Looks are great - all the exhaust tips line up correctly - no rattles or squeaks - should be, as was designed for C5 cars.
Sound - at idle is more aggressive than stock C5 system - but, not obtrusive.
Sound - at cruise is more aggressive than stock C5 system - but, not obtrusive - depending on the road surface - run flat tires can still be heard over the exhaust sound.
Sound - at WOT is a lot more aggressive than stock C5 system - but, not obtrusive - at least not from the sound heard from inside car.
No snap, crackling or pop on down shifting with MN6.
No resonance inside car.
To me it sounds like a Z06 - and, is much better sounding than a stock C5 exhaust system.
Don't think any more power HP (just sounds like that) - much lighter in weight than stock system.
In my opinion - this is the exhaust system that should have come from the factory on all C5's.
All year Z06 exhausts have same part number - assume they are all the same.
Exhaust tips are the same material as mufflers I understand - Titanium is a Bronze color - I polished then up with a metal polish - they look great and don't clash with the my High polished aluminum wheels.
I had my Chevrolet dealer install them - worth every bit of the $50.00 they charged and no cutting of stock system.
I bought mine from a guy in Florida - C5 Registry member - paid $320.00 (included new gaskets worth $20.00) plus UPS shipping of $96.00 in a box (maybe an overkill) - I have heard of some shipped in just the bubble wrap - and this is cheaper. I just did not want to deal with a possible shipping damage problem.
Sound is subjective (suggest you listen to both this exhaust system inside and out of car as well as some other after market systems) - If you just want just loud - Borla Stingers. This Z06 system fulfilled all my needs - no resonance inside the car being the big one.

 

I like the Corsa Touring with X-Pipe, Factory Z06 Ti-Exhaust, B&B Tri-Flo in that order.

The Corsa Touring with X- Pipe has the most raspy exotic sound and the B&B has a deeper more rumbly sound.

I don't like the popping that Corsa sometimes does without a X-Pipe.

I have the Z06 Ti-Exhaust because I was able to work out a swap for some old '69 parts I had laying around.

Mine doesn't have a annoying pop but I have beeen told some do, although much less than a Corsa without the X-Pipe.

I believe the original Tri-Flo is now called the Rt 66. Anyway the original system is the one I like.


[Modified by Gene K, 8:46 PM 5/25/2003]

 

B&B PRT'S