Headers or cat-back exhaust?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Des Moines Iowa
Headers or cat-back exhaust?
I am interested in upgrading the stock exhaust on my 2005 C6. I'm considering adding long-tube headers with catted X-pipe, and keep my stock mufflers. I would also add a CAI of some type to help balance the air flow. Then possibly next year add high-flow mufflers. Would I be defeating the purpose of headers by using the stock mufflers? I'm just trying to spread the cost out a little. I am interested in both torque gain and improved sound (but not so much that I'm banned from the neighborhood).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 145
From: Northcentral, Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
I don't think you will be happy if you just add headers and keep the stock mufflers on your 05 C6. I say this because you want improved sound, and you won't get much of that by keeping stock mufflers. Even with all of my mods, when the NPP flaps are closed, my car is pretty quiet. Flaps open, and it roars. If I lived in a neighborhood, I'd probably be banned, or at least scorned. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 4
From: Cape May, NJ; Guntersville, AL; Orange Beach, AL
You do get more sound with headers and stock cat back. I would get the headers first and then the axle back when you can afford it. I would choose headers first because they actually give you performance increase.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Well, not always, it depends on which cat back one chooses as well. I believe that say, an SLP Loudmouth or one of those straight through/bullet muffler type designs paired with the stock manifolds/cats/H-pipe might still sound louder than my car with headers/X-pipe and it's stock cat back.
The tone of it is all personal preference of course.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach VA
No re: loose hp
The stock muffs actually flow pretty well, but the bottom line is no muffler (catback system) add any noteworthy hp no matter the claims. Mufflers are simply a matter of taste re: sound or if your trying to achieve a particular look (all stainless). At the most 5-7 hp gains (stock motors) are seen. Motors highly modified will benefit more from a free flowing exhaust, mufflers probably being the least important part. Headers on the other hand simply work, & add hp. You will notice an increase in sound w/ headers plus whatever you have behind them including stock. Add them 1st & it will give you a better idea on what to choose for mufflers. By doing the reverse you may find you like the sound of the new muffs only to add headers & find it's too loud, drones, whatever.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 21
From: Placitas New Mexico
The stock muffs actually flow pretty well, but the bottom line is no muffler (catback system) add any noteworthy hp no matter the claims. Mufflers are simply a matter of taste re: sound or if your trying to achieve a particular look (all stainless). At the most 5-7 hp gains (stock motors) are seen. Motors highly modified will benefit more from a free flowing exhaust, mufflers probably being the least important part. Headers on the other hand simply work, & add hp. You will notice an increase in sound w/ headers plus whatever you have behind them including stock. Add them 1st & it will give you a better idea on what to choose for mufflers. By doing the reverse you may find you like the sound of the new muffs only to add headers & find it's too loud, drones, whatever.
WASS is right also in that you will want that sound. I have NPPs and they are always open (except when I come home!)
Last edited by tomiboy; Apr 2, 2011 at 04:34 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach VA
The NPP comments
Firm believer, the ability to go from come quiet to loud, IMO is the best route. My #s are similiar to WASS & love them open & there's no mistake, they scream, but when closed & there are plenty of times for quiet too, thats exactly what you get.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach VA
Beatin' dead horse
I promise you, it simply doesn't matter given your application. Yes, it's been done, yes it's on the Forum, so you can use the search button to end w/ the irrefutable fact it DOES NOT MATTER. Mufflers do not effect real hp change period. You asked a simple question, you've got the same answer over & over which is the correct answer. Move on.
