Sound differences
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 182
Likes: 31
From: Michigan
Sound differences
I was wondering today about all these questions about Corvette sounds, either Corsa, Borla, etc. and how they sound on different Corvettes, from mild to loud. My question is, will the sound be different between two corvettes, let’s say one stock car, LS2, no headers, or x pipe with just a axel back set, compared to a car with headers, x pipe etc. will there be any sound difference? I know a cam would give you a difference like a rumble sound but I’m talking about the “sound” that you can measure.
I just want more sound to my stock LS2 2007 Z51. I’m thinking if I get a little louder sound axel back, it won’t be as loud because of the set up, or am I wrong here.
Thanks
I just want more sound to my stock LS2 2007 Z51. I’m thinking if I get a little louder sound axel back, it won’t be as loud because of the set up, or am I wrong here.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 1,127
From: Peoria, AZ
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Probably the best way to answer your question is yes. Every car will have different exhaust and engine sound depending on what applications that you have on the car. The best answer is it can be mild to wild. Loud to sedate. My car (A & A S/C and ported and polished heads) sounded much different after the installation of the Belanger Custom Tir-Y headers, Magna Flow High Flow cats........my best explanation is a more definitive sound of power (if you will). I don't have mufflers, only resonators, and it is loud, and I get thumbs up all the time. It sounds mean and nasty with the LS7. So, it will depend on what you add, change or delete.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
Likes: 5,115
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
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Yes, headers and an x pipe will make the car audibly and measurably louder by quite a bit. A cam won't necessarily add volume, but it will add an audible chop and change the tone of the exhaust as the way the motor revs has been altered
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
To the OP.....I have a base 2006 LS2 Corvette, similar to you. I have posted on and read multiple threads on this subject, and my conclusion is that I will buy a set of Borla Stinger Type II axle back exhaust. I have no plans replacing anything forward, i.e. pipes or headers or X pipes......UNLESS the Stingers are too quiet....and then I might consider headers. Going to the Borla ATAK axle back systems.....might just be TOO loud for me, and frankly, the videos of the system make it sound like a diesel truck at idle. Thats my plan.
I know that on my earlier Corvettes......each piece of the setup changes the sound....headers have their own sound, larger pipes make a different, and then of course, the muffler style. Each combination will create a different sound....same with displacement and cams.
I know that on my earlier Corvettes......each piece of the setup changes the sound....headers have their own sound, larger pipes make a different, and then of course, the muffler style. Each combination will create a different sound....same with displacement and cams.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 392
Likes: 167
From: Maryville, TN
Yes, have had 3 stages of performance enhancement. Each has altered the sound while not changing exhaust parts from initial stage:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...no-sheets.html
*Started with same train of thought as axle back only. Headers are a significant (positive) difference IMO.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...no-sheets.html
*Started with same train of thought as axle back only. Headers are a significant (positive) difference IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
Likes: 5,115
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Headers for sure make the most dramatic difference. I did headers with my stock NPP to retain the dual mode and it made a huge improvement over stock even before the cam.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 903
From: Kentucky
Slightly related but is your "LS tick" noticeably louder after the cam? I've had my cam for a good while now but for some reason on the highway I'm noticing it more now. it sounds like a sewing machine at the back of the block.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
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From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Honestly it depends on the day, I swear I have terrible luck with lifters, doesn't matter how much money I spend I always seem to get a noisy one. This last round was no different. Currently running the "Caddy" lifters from GMPP. They're still quieter than the LS7s but they tick occasionally.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 493
From: South Florida
Every change you make with the exhaust or engine will make it sound different you just may not be able to hear it with smaller changes. Corsa is more of an exotic sound. Borla is deeper. B&B is the deepest but drones bad. I ran the stock h pipe on my c5 then eventually switch to an x pipe. Both setups were uncatted with the same axle back. I think the h pipe sounded better, less pops, deeper, and I think it was louder too. The x pipe was more nascar sounding. Both sounded great and the concept should be the same for the C6. Hope this helps.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 1,133
From: North Myrtle Beach SC
I had a Borla S Classic on my car with factory exhaust. Loved the sound. Wanted headers and off road mid. Heard a car with my Borla and headers. Way too loud for my taste. Got a NPP to replace it. Like being able to pick between quiet and very loud. My Borla is for sale, btw. For 2009-2013 ls3 cars.