Like others, I would like a bit more sound from my exhaust. Not wild about sinking $1000+ into an exhaust system when I can install Magnaflows for about $500.00. But, is there a performance advantage to changing the actual exhaust and not just the mufflers? TIA for any help.

 

everything *I* have researched indicates there is from:

a) very little

...to...

b) no

...perceivable/actual performance gain to either one. "muscle car sound" aside (or actually lack thereof) apparantly GM got the C6 exhaust right from the factory.

if you've got a stock/mildly modded car and just want that muscle car exhaust note, do the mod. if you're hoping to pick up any real performance from it though you'll likely be disappointed.

 

Logic says there is no difference. The exhaust is still 2.5" from the manifolds back and 2.5" pipe is 2.5" pipe regardless of the manufacturer.
The overaxle pipe is still 2.5" and the aftermarket catbacks still use 2.5" overaxle pipes. The main difference is in the mufflers, the stock is 2.5" in and 2.0" OD out (yes, 2.5" in and a restricted 2.0" out). Any brand muffler with more than a 2.0" outlet will increase flow (but only if you increase the tip size also) so aftermarket mufflers and tips do the same thing as the EXPENSIVE catbacks.

Granted, it's a lot of work (time) to get the fit correct, it's probably not as pretty as a manufactured unit and you can't brag to your buddies that you have a XXXXX exhaust but at less than 1/2 the price it made sense to me.

 

Been discussed many times on CF. I have Borlas & love the sound but as Sweet Violet sez, a grand for a nice sound and maybe 5-8 HP is hardly worth it. Go Magnaflow or Flowmaster, you'll get 3-5 HP with then at 800 less

 

I agree with those of you who have made the Magnaflo muffler swap. It makes sense from a financial standpoint but I can't find anyone in my area willing to go to all of the trouble it takes to install them. I can get a magnaflo axleback system for little more than half price and have no problem finding an installer for this "easy" job. I just hesitate to go that route when I haven"t had a chance to here it in person or read about it on this forum. It seems no one has gone with the axleback system although a few have installed the complete catback Magnaflo exhaust and seem to be pleased. I"m just scared of drone or resonance at cruising. I guess I should just give up on trying to save a few bucks and get the Corsas. I had them on a c5 and loved them.

 

: I agree with those of you who have made the Magnaflo muffler swap. It makes sense from a financial standpoint but I can't find anyone in my area willing to go to all of the trouble it takes to install them. I can get a magnaflo axleback system for little more than half price and have no problem finding an installer for this "easy" job. I just hesitate to go that route when I haven"t had a chance to here it in person or read about it on this forum. It seems no one has gone with the axleback system although a few have installed the complete catback Magnaflo exhaust and seem to be pleased. I"m just scared of drone or resonance at cruising. I guess I should just give up on trying to save a few bucks and get the Corsas. I had them on a c5 and loved them.

 

Getting the magnaflow mufflers installed tomorrow, could not see the point in replacing perfectly good pipe, and I did not want the exhaust to loud. It is a tough decision, good luck with it.

 

Everything I have read has said that the farther away from the cylinder head, the less power gain to be realized. In other words, a header and high flow cat makes more of a POWER difference than the cat-back. The reason for this is the scavenging effect occurs in the exhaust header and velocity lessens as gases cool in the tail pipe...unless you have a turbo!! Sound is another issue.