Muffler shops
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Genoa Nevada
Muffler shops
I purchased an 05 Coupe a couple of months ago with 8200 miles. I am trying to decide if I want to install a new exhaust system, something a bit more aggressive than stock. There are so many posts and reviews on exhaust, well it's exhausting!
Out of frustration I called a "high performance" muffler shop for an estimate. To my surprise he (muffler guy) said save your money on all those "high priced" aftermarket exhaust, I can install a generic system that will sound great annnnnnd improve your horse power.
He quoted me a price of around $350 to $400 installed. Now, I have to admit I'm tempted, perhaps I need some of you to slap me around and bring me back to my senses
Out of frustration I called a "high performance" muffler shop for an estimate. To my surprise he (muffler guy) said save your money on all those "high priced" aftermarket exhaust, I can install a generic system that will sound great annnnnnd improve your horse power.
He quoted me a price of around $350 to $400 installed. Now, I have to admit I'm tempted, perhaps I need some of you to slap me around and bring me back to my senses
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,158
Likes: 152
From: Chicago IL
Paid $80 to have my Flowmasters installed. Total cost less than $500.00 More money available for adding headers/ CAI...
Serch for Flowmasters C6 on youtube to hear them...
Serch for Flowmasters C6 on youtube to hear them...
Last edited by Tom_Slick; Feb 26, 2008 at 10:25 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I went with the MagnaFlow 14335 muffler replacement. I was able to find them for $85/ea. Paid ~$150 for install. So all total came to about $350 and it sounds 10 times better than stock. I say go take a look see at what he's proposing. Just be forewarned...if you find an affordable solution and post about it here, prepare to be flamed here for "Cheapening" YOUR Vette. Seems like many here equate "spending big dollars" with "quality". IMHO...99% of Vette owners change out their exhaust to get a more proper Vette sound. So if you can get that "Sound" for $400 rather than $1500...I say good on you. As Tom Slick said..."Mo Money for other mods"!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,158
Likes: 152
From: Chicago IL
I went with the MagnaFlow 14335 muffler replacement. I was able to find them for $85/ea. Paid ~$150 for install. So all total came to about $350 and it sounds 10 times better than stock. I say go take a look see at what he's proposing. Just be forewarned...if you find an affordable solution and post about it here, prepare to be flamed here for "Cheapening" YOUR Vette. Seems like many here equate "spending big dollars" with "quality". IMHO...99% of Vette owners change out their exhaust to get a more proper Vette sound. So if you can get that "Sound" for $400 rather than $1500...I say good on you. As Tom Slick said..."Mo Money for other mods"!
Spoken like a true gentleman!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
My only caution, since you've already got the headache, is don't trade "the sounds of silence" for another headache. This one, a real one. From your new exhaust system.
What I've heard/read here is that there really are some economical alternatives, but while it comes with a price tag, it may also come with a price for you to pay. And that "other price" might be that it is an overall less expensive system AND cheaper in quality. T304 stainless is the "weapon of choice" for many/most aftermarket exhaust system makers. It's not cheap and it's not easy to work with necessarily, compared to steel tubing.
Nothing wrong with steel tubing, even "aluminized" steel tubing which will then last longer than plain steel. But depending on your climate and environment as well as your usage of the car, one will last longer than the others.
Finally, as you said about the headache thing, try to make sure you have the right to change your mind, at no added cost. Meaning, if this shop puts on a $400 system and it's awful FOR YOU, agree BEFOREHAND that they will swap it out either with your original system, or some other choice(s). I think that's fair.
Good luck.
What I've heard/read here is that there really are some economical alternatives, but while it comes with a price tag, it may also come with a price for you to pay. And that "other price" might be that it is an overall less expensive system AND cheaper in quality. T304 stainless is the "weapon of choice" for many/most aftermarket exhaust system makers. It's not cheap and it's not easy to work with necessarily, compared to steel tubing.
Nothing wrong with steel tubing, even "aluminized" steel tubing which will then last longer than plain steel. But depending on your climate and environment as well as your usage of the car, one will last longer than the others.
Finally, as you said about the headache thing, try to make sure you have the right to change your mind, at no added cost. Meaning, if this shop puts on a $400 system and it's awful FOR YOU, agree BEFOREHAND that they will swap it out either with your original system, or some other choice(s). I think that's fair.
Good luck.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,774
Likes: 0
From: Loganville GA
I have had magnaflow mufflers welded in, B&B bullets and currently the Corsa 3" Z06 exhaust. The magnaflows were pretty good, but they did have some drone to them. The B&Bs were unbearable dronewise my wife had to plug her ears in the car but that was with headers and the Corsa is perfect. If you can live with a little drone, go for the muffler shop job, but if you need it quiet in the cabin, go with Corsa.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Waxahachie Texas
St. Jude Donor '07
Finally, as you said about the headache thing, try to make sure you have the right to change your mind, at no added cost. Meaning, if this shop puts on a $400 system and it's awful FOR YOU, agree BEFOREHAND that they will swap it out either with your original system, or some other choice(s). I think that's fair.
Good luck.
Good luck with that. I would tell you to get lost and I think most shops will as well. If you want to hear what it sounds like, find someone who has it. Once it is installed, it is used.
