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Let's talk aftermarket exhausts for a bit.

Earlier this week, I spent half-a-day at CORSA Performance Exhaust. Many CF members are familiar with CORSA. They've been manufacturing exhausts for Corvettes since 1996-97 and have after-catalytic-converter exhaust systems for 86-96 C4, all C5 and C6 up to MY07. At CORSA, besides the obligatory plant tour and briefing by their public relations agency and their top marketing staff member, I got to drive an 06, Z51, 6-spd coupe equipped with CORSA's new "Xtreme" muffler system.

I'm not going to delve deeply into the technology behind their mufflers because CORSA has a good web site which explains it and even has sound files you can download. Briefly, the Xtreme exhaust uses a new muffler design which incorporates the company's "RSC" technology but has a different interior configuration to allow the Xtreme system to be just a "tad" louder. CORSA Xtreme exists because the CORSA folks received feedback from C6ers that their most aggressive offering to date, the so-called "Sport" system, wasn't loud enough. This means to me that some C6ers are hearing-impaired...just kidding.

What I want to tell you about is my limited, subjective evaluation of this new system. I did not objectively test the exhaust with noise measurements, a chassis dyno session or a full track test. My impression is all based on seat-of-the pants feel and my ears.

The first thing you notice about the CORSA Xtreme on the road, from inside the car is that, in-spite of it being somewhat louder than the CORSA Sport exhaust, the low frequency drone you get from V8 engines around 1700 rpm and again at 3400 rpm, is minimal with this new product. Yes, the drone is there and a bit more than you'd get with a Sport exhaust and noticeably louder than the CORSA touring exhaust, but IMO, it is not objectionable

The second thing you hear with CORSA Xtreme is that, whether you're inside the car driving or outside the car listening to it go by, the sound when the engine is above 4000 rpm is, well....quite pleasing and certainly louder than the Sport system.

As for performance? Well, again, I did not dyno test the car before and after the installation, so this is not a product review. I'm going to cite CORSA's claims for power increases which, I was told by CORSA representatives, apply equally to the Sport and the Xtreme systems. With this exhaust, on an 05-07 w. LS2, you may see an approximate 10hp increase, however, some cars might see 12-13 but some might see only 5-7. My guess is on an 08 w/o RPO NPP the increase will be about the same.

Now, this disclaimer: in general, manufacturer's claims for power increases are optimistic, but CORSA seems to be pretty straight, so their claims are probably on the "realistic" end of the optimistic range. Lastly, I've never witnessed CORSA's testing procedures and, thus, I assumed much in making the above statement, so I cover my *** by saying....your results may differ.

This new exhaust is just getting to CORSA retailers as I key this in. I'm told you can order it now from Mid-America and other of CORSA dealers will have it, soon.

There's more info at http://www.corsaperf.com/

 

I can understand that some customers may prefer more noise as I just installed a "Sport" system on a new 06 Z51 coupe. It was rather "quiet", but if the customer adds a set of headers and high flow metallic cored CATs, then that quiet situation goes away. If one does the same with the "Extreme" setup it may become obnoxiously loud. I have a friend with a 91 ZR1 that is a 368 with cams, stainless works headers, high flow CATs with a Corsa system and that car is totally obnoxious. As for gains, I like your wording, optimistic because typically I haven't seen much in gains over a stock cat back. I always tell my customers if you want more noise great get the new mufflers but don't expect much in power gains. Neverless, Corsa makes a great product, workmanship is always top notch, as is their customer service.

 

Does it have the same large mufflers as the Sport system? One thing keeping me from getting the Sports to replace my Bullets is their bulk.

 

Does it have the same tone? or deeber tone?

 

Same Question as GizmoZ Are the mufflers smaller.

Joe

 

The mufflers are not significantly different in size. There needs to be some case volume for CORSA's technology to work.

The "tone" is similar to the sound the Sport system makes.

 

Sorry for re-opening this old topic but there is no info (at least that I could find) on their web site. Besides the difference in sound, how is the system physically different? Does it use 3" pipes vs the normal 2 1/2"? Of course, it is all a matter of personal taste but I was planning to go with a headers back system using the Sport. Given your review, maybe this system would be too 'Xtreme' especially if there is no power gain.

 

Tom is right on about the supporting mods making an other wise tame cat back exhaust obnoxiously loud. I bought my Corsa Touring from a guy that had done H/C and headers on a 99 like mine. The car was loud just idling, and when he got on it it filled the interior of the car. I put them on an unmodded 99, and they were as advertised, slightly louder than stock until revs went above 4500 or so, and no drone. He ended up going with Z06Ti's to tame the beast.
For the C6, I am going with headers and stock exhaust until my hearing goes enough for something louder.

 

I think they are around the same size but I know they are lighter. I think they said 6 pounds lighter than the stock system. I'm pretty sure the sports are a little heavier than stock.