Exhaust options (headers?)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 148
Likes: 10
From: Greensboro NC
Exhaust options (headers?)
Hey guys,
I got my C6 second hand and the previous owner installed a mild Magnaflow exhaust system in it. I do like the exhaust since you can certainly hear the engine and you get some of the crackling noises from the engine around 1200-1700rpms yet their isn't much of a drone noise either.
Over the past 6-8 months though I have started to want it to be a touch louder and/or hear more of those engine noises without making it much louder or getting drone noises. I also would like more low end torque. To me, this says gets some long tube headers but I am not sure what all would be needed to attach them to my current exhaust system.
What would you guys suggest for what I am wanting? Could I get what I want from long tube headers and bolt them straight to my exhaust without having to modify the exhaust?
I got my C6 second hand and the previous owner installed a mild Magnaflow exhaust system in it. I do like the exhaust since you can certainly hear the engine and you get some of the crackling noises from the engine around 1200-1700rpms yet their isn't much of a drone noise either.
Over the past 6-8 months though I have started to want it to be a touch louder and/or hear more of those engine noises without making it much louder or getting drone noises. I also would like more low end torque. To me, this says gets some long tube headers but I am not sure what all would be needed to attach them to my current exhaust system.
What would you guys suggest for what I am wanting? Could I get what I want from long tube headers and bolt them straight to my exhaust without having to modify the exhaust?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 110
From: Chattanooga TN
Hey guys,
I got my C6 second hand and the previous owner installed a mild Magnaflow exhaust system in it. I do like the exhaust since you can certainly hear the engine and you get some of the crackling noises from the engine around 1200-1700rpms yet their isn't much of a drone noise either.
Over the past 6-8 months though I have started to want it to be a touch louder and/or hear more of those engine noises without making it much louder or getting drone noises. I also would like more low end torque. To me, this says gets some long tube headers but I am not sure what all would be needed to attach them to my current exhaust system.
What would you guys suggest for what I am wanting? Could I get what I want from long tube headers and bolt them straight to my exhaust without having to modify the exhaust?
I got my C6 second hand and the previous owner installed a mild Magnaflow exhaust system in it. I do like the exhaust since you can certainly hear the engine and you get some of the crackling noises from the engine around 1200-1700rpms yet their isn't much of a drone noise either.
Over the past 6-8 months though I have started to want it to be a touch louder and/or hear more of those engine noises without making it much louder or getting drone noises. I also would like more low end torque. To me, this says gets some long tube headers but I am not sure what all would be needed to attach them to my current exhaust system.
What would you guys suggest for what I am wanting? Could I get what I want from long tube headers and bolt them straight to my exhaust without having to modify the exhaust?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 493
From: South Florida
Two options: one is to sell the magnaflow and get corsa or Boria axle back along with a tune.... or slap on headers which will make it MUCH louder and you will also need a tune. If you switch axle backs you won’t have to dish out much money at all. With the headers and tune you are looking at $2300-$2500 with you doing the labor yourself.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 148
Likes: 10
From: Greensboro NC
So it sounds like the headers will make it much louder? Not sure if that is the best way for me to go then....
And I don't think it would be worth over $2,000 to slightly change the sound.
And I don't think it would be worth over $2,000 to slightly change the sound.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 898
Likes: 542
From: Ivanho,Illinois
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Since you're happy with the sound of the Magnaflows and wanting a little more volume, I would do the long tube headers/x-pipe with hi flow cats next. It will cost less than purchasing a new axle back system, and it will add more torque and horsepower. Now, it will definitely need a tune afterwards.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 214
Likes: 92
From: Upnorth Michigan
Does adding a Kooks or other brand X Pipe really add anything to an exhaust system? Hp? More flow? More exhaust note? I ask as I’m thinking of going with a Corsa back exhaust system and thought about adding a x pipe at the same time. I don’t want any droning in cab. Thanks!
When you all say adding a tune...what exactly does that mean and entail?
When you all say adding a tune...what exactly does that mean and entail?
Last edited by 06Rawpower; Apr 23, 2019 at 06:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 148
Likes: 10
From: Greensboro NC
dh88: Right, but I could install a switch and valve to bypass the cats since the input and output are a couple inches from each other.
06Rawpower: I cannot answer everything well, but I have seen that H pipes or long tube headers help with low end torque while X pipes or short headers help high end power. From what I've seen, the exhaust will gain a couple hp but not a whole lot (maybe 5hp?) but a system that's meant to be load will certainly make a sound difference. As far as the tune, the headers have pressure waves that help pull air out of cylinders. If you change the headers, the engine will likely behave differently from what the computer thinks, needing the computer to be retuned to get the most out of it.
As far my original discussion, I think I'll just leave the exhaust alone for now. Maybe next years bonus check will change it lol
06Rawpower: I cannot answer everything well, but I have seen that H pipes or long tube headers help with low end torque while X pipes or short headers help high end power. From what I've seen, the exhaust will gain a couple hp but not a whole lot (maybe 5hp?) but a system that's meant to be load will certainly make a sound difference. As far as the tune, the headers have pressure waves that help pull air out of cylinders. If you change the headers, the engine will likely behave differently from what the computer thinks, needing the computer to be retuned to get the most out of it.
As far my original discussion, I think I'll just leave the exhaust alone for now. Maybe next years bonus check will change it lol
Last edited by Stevengineer; Apr 24, 2019 at 12:48 PM.
