Exhaust question. Advice needed!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Casper WY
Exhaust question. Advice needed!!
I am a new corvette owner and I have read every thread about different exhaust setups and have decided to go with the following. I am going to install headers, high flow cats, and new mufflers. I want my car to sound mean but not be too loud at cruising speeds. I have 05' M6. Stock for now but have an appt to have intake, exhaust and tune done next month. I would appreciate any suggestions or combinations you may have to meet my needs. I would really like some sound clips if anyone has some to post. Thanks for your help guys. I really enjoy all the info on this forum and hope I can contribute info soon!!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
If you're open to suggestions go with Borla Stingers they are similiar to Route 66 and Corsa, but I've heard all three and in my opinion the stingers are the nicest!
There is "drone" with this system, but I for one like "drone" as it sounds of american muscle if this is a problem then there are other exhaust "rear sections" you can go with like the Borla touring or the Corsa's (which I don't know, but the manufacturers claim are drone free).
If you should want to add headers I went with LG's the install was terriffic and the look and workmanship was socond to none.
They are made by Borla for LG and the quality it excellent as with all other Borla products.
Here are a couple of links w/ my car w/ LG's and Borla Stingers and a LG cam.
The car was noticebly quieter without the cam, now when sitting at lights its just borderline from being a little obnoxious, but very kewl.
Unfortunately I dont have a handicam the only thing I had was a digital camera and the mic is real small on it and the sound quality is not the greatest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hskxkhGN59Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jimfwDP2Sk
There is "drone" with this system, but I for one like "drone" as it sounds of american muscle if this is a problem then there are other exhaust "rear sections" you can go with like the Borla touring or the Corsa's (which I don't know, but the manufacturers claim are drone free).
If you should want to add headers I went with LG's the install was terriffic and the look and workmanship was socond to none.
They are made by Borla for LG and the quality it excellent as with all other Borla products.
Here are a couple of links w/ my car w/ LG's and Borla Stingers and a LG cam.
The car was noticebly quieter without the cam, now when sitting at lights its just borderline from being a little obnoxious, but very kewl.
Unfortunately I dont have a handicam the only thing I had was a digital camera and the mic is real small on it and the sound quality is not the greatest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hskxkhGN59Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jimfwDP2Sk
Last edited by Rizzo da Rat; Mar 23, 2007 at 03:05 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 51
From: Georgetown TX
If you are really set on the headers (for performance gain), you better get ready for LOUD and DRONE if you add the catback system. Otherwise, mate the headers (and the new cats) to the stock exhaust/mufflers for a pleasant growl and rumble with NO DRONE...
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
I've been through lots of systems (Corsa, B&B RT66, B&B bullets, stock, Magnaflow), and I've settled on the Magnaflow catback along with LG headers. A great musclecar sound with very, very little drone. I love it. Headers with the stock catback didn't do it for me at all, too close to stock.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 5
From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
kooks headers, high flow cats, b&b x-pipe, magnaflow 4" round mufflers added to back half of x-pipe, b&b bullets. tame but deep at idle, awesome on acceleration, however, my floorboards vibrate below 2k.
Last edited by Zig; Mar 23, 2007 at 11:06 AM.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: KINGS PARK NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,905
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I have mine throught stock exhaust, no HP loss and saved $$$$$$$
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Casper WY
Thanks Rizzo! Sounds really mean with that cam!! Evilways....So it sounds like you can get away with just adding headers for the extra power and keep the stock exhaust? Does it sound mean or close to stock? If I could add the hp with the headers and keep my stock exhaust it would save $$. Does that include the cats or just the mufflers? Does anyone have any other sound bites of other setups? I know this is a beaten to death question but it is a pretty big investment to get a full exhaust and intake, tune etc. so I really appreciate all your inputs and hopefully I can make a wise decision and get what I want the first time......Craig
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Just keep in mind that if you are expecting a big gain with just a rear section replacement it won't happen. If you are changing it out for a better sound thats great that definitely will happen.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 4
My recomendation to you Craig is do the headers and highflow cats. Get em powder coated first (headers, not cats)
See how you like it. If you want a meaner sound, go on the hunt in parts for sale forum and see if you can find Corsa Sports or Billy Boat's selling used.
Youll save a few hundred bucks and maybe enjoy doing the muffler mod yourself.
Enjoy your ride.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 223
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From: Casper WY
OK, so many choices. I do think that I would rather spend the money and get the hp with the headers and high flow cats first and maybe add the mufflers later if I want it louder. I appreciate all your replies and help.....Craig
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
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I'd try the headers through the stock catback system first. If that doesn't do it for you, then I'd start looking at one of the aftermarket axle back systems.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 223
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From: Casper WY
So realistically the headers give you power and some sound but the high flow cats and mufflers are just for a little more sound at the cost of about $1500? I think I will go with the headers first then and add the mufflers next if I want more sound. Plus it sounds like the mufflers would be an easy install? I would do the headers as well but don't have anyone here to tune and shut off the codes if any?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 51
From: Georgetown TX
I run the Melrose headers w/ R/T Hi flo cats. They come hot jet coated from the factory and you can buy the setup (w/cats) direct from their factory for about $1500-1600. Most recommend a tune after installing headers.