vettenevodrvr

Ladies and Gents!

I've searched the forum and the web for this answer but haven't found a definitive answer for my questions, so maybe you'all will be able to help me. I have a 2009 C6 with Z51 and NPP and recently bought a complete pre-2009 Z06 exhaust with NPP that I wish to swap out with my current exhaust. In my search, I've noticed some posts that state that pre-2009 exhausts will not fit in my 2009, becuase the bends are different for the over-the-axle pipe due to the new cradle.

My questions are:

1. Is this true for Z06 as well as base exhausts?

2. Will the Z06 exhaust I purchased fit my 'Vette without modifications to the over-the-axle pipes? Or is the 09 cradle the one used in the Z06, therefore fitment won't be an issue?

3. Do I know WTF I'm talking about?

Your help is appreciated!

StoplightWarrior

I don't know about the 09s for sure, but I did the z06 swap on my 08 base, and it wasn't that bad at the manifolds, cats, hpipe...just had a problem with the fitment to the stock axle back that required me to take the car to an exhaust shop for some welding. Other than that, it was pretty straightforward in my experience.

craftfox

first i have heard 09 cradle was new. my 07 vert 6l80e car has full z06 exhuast, and lg headers.

Vegas Panton

I was going to get some LG headers and an X pipe for my 09. When I called LG, they informed me that they did not have the correct X pipe yet for the 09 base Corvettes. They told me that the 09 base Corvettes has the same cradle as the Z06; therefore, the base 2009 Corvette muffler pipe bends are different as well as the x pipe. Since the 09 has the same cradle as the Z06, the Z06 exhaust system should fit your 09. I have since acquired a Z06 exhaust system for my 09 and it will be installed shortly. Additionally, I have been told that when you install the passenger side Z06 mufflers, you will have to undo the 4 nuts that attaches the cradle to the frame and lower it a bit. It won't fall off because the A arms are still attached. Have fun and enjoy the extra HP.

vettenevodrvr

Thanks!

It's kind of what I figured. Just wanted to make sure before I started pulling parts.

Good luck with your install.

haljensen

All '06-'08 Z06 BiMode bolt directly into '05 to '08 C6 manual trans cars.

'08 NPP bolts directly into '05 to '08 C6, Manual or Auto.

From previous posts; '08 NPP will NOT bolt directly into '09 & '10 C6.

Doesn't it follow that '06 to '08 Z06 BiMode WON'T bolt into '09 & '10 C6?

vettenevodrvr

Apparently the reason the pre-2009 base models BiMode won't bolt-on to 2009's is because of the rear cradle. It follows then that if the 2009's rear cradle is from a Z06 then any Z06 BiMode should fit. Right?

Anyway, that is what I am trying to figure out for sure.

haljensen

I have no idea of the'09,'10 Z06 cradle but the '06 to '08 Z06 cradle must be the same as the C6 since the exhusts interchange. I don't think anybody has stated where the change is on the' 09 and up. I don't know if it's the mid pipe, the hanger location/type or the overaxle portion but there is a change between '05 to '08 and '09 & '10 C6 exhausts somewhere from the mid pipe back.

Keith N

Marc - I would contact Andy or Steve at A&A Corvette. They can provide some information on the differences and what needs to be done to complete the full Z06 exhaust installation.

seevi

I made the ZO6 conversion on my 07 C6. As I have told everyone, the 3" ZO6 over the axle pipes neck down to 2.5" In your case, the over the axle pipes are already 2.5" and can be reused with the new system. The exhaust manifolds and header pipe with cats are a bolt on swap. The 3" "H" pipe will need to be shortened and have a 3 - 2.5" reducer (flowmaster available at Jegs) installed to connect to the stocks pipes.

The original O2 sensors should be reused in the 3" system. You will new to unravel the sensor harness to get the extra length necessary to reach the rear sensor.

Making this change should net you about 20+ RWHP inexpensively, not to mention the note should be a bit louder when the butterflies are open.

Vegas Panton

I just finished installing a complete Z06 exhaust on my 2009 M6 with NPP. It bolted up and operated with no problems. The driver side muffler went right in after dropping the sway bar. I unbolted the rear end cradle, lowered it about an inch, and the the passenger side muffler went right it. Just for grins I compared the 2009 LS3 exhaust system to an old 2006 LS2 exhaust I had. The manifolds were identical, which surprised me, because I thought GM would have made the cast manifolds with a D port to match the LS3 heads. Additionally the LS2 H pipe has been replaced with a factory X pipe and the muffler piping for the LS3 is bent differently to fit the Z06 rear cradles.

I also measured the LS3 NPP mufflers and the Z06 mufflers where the pipe goes into the muffler. The Z06 is .15 inches larger in outside diameter. Not sure how much difference that will make. Hopefully, I will get it on the dyno this week for a camparison with the old system.

vettenevodrvr

Thanks!! That is exactly what I wanted to know.

How long did it take you? Did you use a lift?

Vegas Panton

Unfortunately I don't have a lift. I just jack up the rear of the car and support the rear lifting points on the side frames with jack stands. I leave the nose down so that I can have easy access to the engine bay. There is still room under the rear of the engine to get the old manifolds/cats off then install the Z06 stuff. I get a little sore from rolling around on the garage floor, but it gets the job done in about a day depending on how long you stay after it. This is my second Corvette that I have done this on.

vettenevodrvr

I know this is an old post, but....

I finally managed to get the complete Z06 exhaust installed on the 'Vette. Using a lift, it went on without a hitch. All that was required to get the mufflers on was dropping the sway bar. All in all, with the help of some fellow 'Vetters, it took about 3 1/2 hours. The hardest part of the install was the manifolds and cats, but it wasn't that hard.