Saturday I received the new GHL Exhaust for the A6. Brian and Jeff at GHL asked me to test and review the new, improved system. Typical GHL quality, install was very simple, everything lined up, tips are even, no leaks. Now for the sound, all I can say is I am impressed, they really did their homework improving the previous A6 system. Startup and idle has a muscle car sound, midrange to top end has an exotic sound. What is really amazing using the paddles upshifting and downshifting, you can actually hear the low rumble, to the midrange 3-4000 rpm exotic sound, back to the agressive sound at wide open. Cruising in 6th at around 1600 rpm, very low drone, not abnoxious at all, downshift to 5th sounds as quiet as stock. Exhaust sound actually gets quieter with more rpms in 5th and 6th, no booming drone. We also checked the system( motor to 4000rpm) with the car on ramps to see if there was any muffler chamber expansion, like in the previous units, nothing. Their heavier gauge system seems to have solved the previous problems. My car is bone stock except for the GHL A6 system. Car feels stronger but that could be from using the paddles and being more aggressive with the throttle because of the great sounding system. Brian and Jeff at GHL stand behind their product and are great guys to work with, I highly recommend their system. Here are some pics:

 

Looks like they put a big box around the mufflers. Tips are nice looking.

 

Looks great!

My set is on its way. Cant wait to hear em.

 

At what (highway) speed do you hear the drone? Can you describe what it sounds like in a bit more detail? I'm seriously considering the GHL's for my A6.

 

65mph in 6th gear,sort of lugging the motor you can hear some drone..on a scale with 10 being the loudest i would rate it a 5..downshift to 5th or raise the rpm's the drone is gone..

 

Does it go away at 70mph or just decrease?

 

Can barely hear the exhaust @70-75mph ..

 

I checked GHL's website but they don't seem to show the new A6 exhaust. Is it already on the market or still being beta tested?

 

They now show the A6 version and I just ordered mine!

 

I'm calling GHL today. Need to know if any changes to the manual version. Also, due to the different gearing of the A6 and MN6 z51, I'm wondering where the drone free zone is at cruise. Hope they can get one to me in time for cruise in.
GM

 

There are around 20 different versions of the c6 that may make an exhaust sound different in-cabin due to acoustics and gearing: vert/coupe, A6/A4/M6, Z51/non-z51. Add to that the possibility of headers, and you're looking at roughly 40 different setups.

Only time will tell how these systems work in every variation - I'll be testing a vert/A6/F55 in a week or two.

PS - for those of you putting in new orders, be patient. GHL is still a bit cautious on releasing these units en masse - and are just getting started with production.

 

So what are the differences between a catback for an A6 versus one for the manual?

 

Not sure on the GHL. Looks like they just put a metal box around the mufflers to me. On Corsa I think they are putting a resonator on the xpipe.

I decided to go with the new corsa 3" system. If it drones I will insulate the cabin more

 

GHL switched from two separate cans to one large muffler can. It's still a straight-through system.

As for corsa's, when you say 3", you mean the tips? I had thought that the 3" system (meaning the pipes) was only being made for the Z06.

 

Doesn't sound that much different from the older style GHL's that I installed on my A6 in December. I guess drone is very subjective. I find that by backing off the pedal when you reach an RPM that creates drone is very effective, adding only enough pedal pressure to maintain cruising speed

 

OK, I just got off the phone from ordering my GHLs.
To clarify for everyone: GHL made changes to their MN6 system to reduce drone in the A4. Those changes are now incorporated in the MN6 unit. The A6 needed a more complete redisign for differing harmonics, and it is specific to the A6 only.
These guys are really on their game.
I should be getting my system in time to have it installed for Cruise-in.
If anybody wants to check it out there, I'll be glad to oblige
GM

 

Not my understanding. I have an email from Corsa somewhere, but they are making a C6 3" cat back. Not the Z06 catback. Should be out this month.

 

CORSA® PERFORMANCE INTRODUCES NEW 3-INCH EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR C6 & Z06 CORVETTES
Engineered to increase flow, power and torque without drone

BEREA, Ohio - CORSA® Performance has developed straight through, three-inch, military grade 321L stainless steel performance exhaust systems offering increased horsepower and torque for both C6 and Z06 Corvette owners.

"The Z06 comes stock from the factory with 3-inch pipes but a 2 1/2-inch inlet muffler, while the standard C6 has a 2 1/2-inch pipe and muffler. Our systems are 3-inches, all the way," said Michael Schwartz, chief business officer, CORSA Performance. "This design unlocks even more of the Z06's already impressive performance potential for up to 10 additional horsepower and 14 lb/ft. of torque, while still providing the distinctive CORSA sound for the Corvette's race-bred 427-cubic inch displacement engine."

CORSA's 3-inch Corvette C6 and Z06 exhaust systems feature the company's exclusive, patented Reflective Sound Cancellation™ (RSC) technology that allows for a full-bodied performance sound at idle, a visceral growl during acceleration and a comfortable tone that's respectful of music and conversation at highway cruising speeds. This leading-edge technology creates a "tuned" performance sound without the use of baffles or steel wool packing materials.

"We have an extremely loyal Corvette customer base that understands our devotion to innovation and quality," said Schwartz. "This new system delivers on that promise, while offering what only CORSA can in an aftermarket exhaust system - increased horsepower and torque, without the cabin resonance and drone."

Hand-built in the U.S.A., CORSA's exhaust systems are engineered for a crisp and clean, slightly more aggressive V8 muscle car sound. Both systems eliminate interior cabin resonance and come with a choice of dual handcrafted 4.0" Pro-Series tips or four of CORSA's 3.5" Pro-Series tips. Each tip is made from high quality 304L stainless steel and polished to a mirror finish.

No welding or cutting is required for the bolt-on systems and complete installation hardware and an illustrated installation guide are included.

The 3-inch CORSA Corvette performance exhaust systems have a limited lifetime warranty, are 50-state emissions legal, do not void the new vehicle warranty and can be purchased direct from CORSA Performance or through select dealers, retailers and distributors nationwide.

Focusing on the development of proprietary technology, CORSA Performance employs patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology in its performance automotive exhaust systems. CORSA's 100% stainless steel cat-back exhausts are specifically tuned to each vehicle to eliminate passenger cabin resonance and to produce just the right sound. CORSA offers performance exhaust systems and accessories for cars, trucks and SUVs



Source link

http://www.corsaperf.com/apress60.htm

 

thanks for the link, shurite. What I heard early on from Corsa has changed. Hope the Corsa system works out for you.

 

Yes, thank you. I am worried a little about the drone. My tuner told me Corsa only recommends the cat back tuned for the A6. But that package will not work out well with my choice of LG headers.