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Enhanced exhaust
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
Enhanced exhaust
I am a new proud owner of a 2019 z06 Lz1 and also a new member. This is my first Corvette and I wanted to know if anyone has any advice on upgrading the exhaust including headers. I appreciate the advice and your time.
Warmly,
Nurse Ratchet
Warmly,
Nurse Ratchet
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
ttt
Get the kooks 2 inch with the 3 inch mid pipe with the stock mufflers, This will get you more boost level on the top end where you will need more power. Dont waster your money on the after market muffler unless you just want way too much sound & that will suck if you drive the car much on the highway. Robert
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,467
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Goals for this exhaust and how much money?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
ttt
Man you can buy new for under that a full set up. Only one set out here that will cost almost that for just the x pipe & mufflers but with it you cant put headers on the car. Robert
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Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 691
Likes: 156
From: Huntsville, AL
As a side note, the options package your car has is 1LZ not LZ1......that's just a little pet-peeve of mine.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 463
Get the kooks 2 inch with the 3 inch mid pipe with the stock mufflers, This will get you more boost level on the top end where you will need more power. Dont waster your money on the after market muffler unless you just want way too much sound & that will suck if you drive the car much on the highway. Robert
Many will say get the LTs, change the midpipe to go with the LTs and keep the stock CB for great power and sound.
Your budget is more than enough to get a great setup.
If only doing one piece I'd go with either the LTs or an OR Xpipe.
LTs will require a tune though to get the most out of them, so if you do not want to do that then I'd suggest either the ARH mid length Headers or you could go with OR downpipes where it improves both sound and power without a tune, but not to same extent as LTs will.
Personally I'd change out the oem CB system for an aftermarket system just purely for the enhanced sound, but they can be pricey; I went with the Corsa Xtreme's and could not be more happy, and zero cabin noise/drone.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,467
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
This all depends on what your after and CB you purchase. Yes some systems make a ton of cabin noise like some Borla systems, but CB systems like Corsa, Akrapovic, Magnaflow make little drone and sound great.
Many will say get the LTs, change the midpipe to go with the LTs and keep the stock CB for great power and sound.
Your budget is more than enough to get a great setup.
If only doing one piece I'd go with either the LTs or an OR Xpipe.
LTs will require a tune though to get the most out of them, so if you do not want to do that then I'd suggest either the ARH mid length Headers or you could go with OR downpipes where it improves both sound and power without a tune, but not to same extent as LTs will.
Personally I'd change out the oem CB system for an aftermarket system just purely for the enhanced sound, but they can be pricey; I went with the Corsa Xtreme's and could not be more happy, and zero cabin noise/drone.
Many will say get the LTs, change the midpipe to go with the LTs and keep the stock CB for great power and sound.
Your budget is more than enough to get a great setup.
If only doing one piece I'd go with either the LTs or an OR Xpipe.
LTs will require a tune though to get the most out of them, so if you do not want to do that then I'd suggest either the ARH mid length Headers or you could go with OR downpipes where it improves both sound and power without a tune, but not to same extent as LTs will.
Personally I'd change out the oem CB system for an aftermarket system just purely for the enhanced sound, but they can be pricey; I went with the Corsa Xtreme's and could not be more happy, and zero cabin noise/drone.
.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 463
LT Headers will definitely create a lot of noise, which can be controlled somewhat if you maintain stock CB with NPP option, if you go aftermarket you can find setups that utilize NPP or you simply remove it and then with headers it is damn loud. Especially in Track mode.
LTs require a tune, and to get the most out of them on the Z in my opinion you need to do other complimentary mods (intake, pulley, cams, etc.) to really make everything come together make the car a true beast. The important factor is the tune, without it all that money spent was pointless. Headers alone will add some power/tq but from what I've seen its not worth the cost to power ratio, but if your looking to do further mods then they are worth it. Or if your simply wanting a great sounding car and some added tq then headers work well for that, but it is quite expensive. If just purely sound I'd go a different direction myself.
I've always loved LTs on all the cars I've had or driven, the improved grunt and sound alone is usually enough to convince me, but sometimes the cost to benefit ratio just isn't there for me.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,986
Likes: 393
From: Stoney Creek Ontario
headers and x pipe will wake it up for sure! With that much budget you'll have room to get them ceramic coated as well...every set of headers I've had on my vettes have been ceramic coated, love the results...lower under hood temps, better looks, etc etc...
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 55
Likes: 6
From: Crestwood, Ky
you don’t need long tube headers to make power on the C7 Z mid 900’s whp running stock manifolds with aftermarket down pipes and x-pipe. Louder than you can handle when in boost with the z06 npp.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 46
From: Chandler, AZ
Congrats on your first Corvette! Pictures are required! please as a warning check your local emission laws and inspections for modified exhaust systems. Also your warranty may be affected. Most mods that increase power require removal of cats. Other mods just affect sound of the exhaust.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 616
From: Blacksburg Va
BillyC7 brings up a VERY important point. I am sure it has changed by now but 20 yrs or so ago I was a dealer tech w/ a Va State Safety Inspection license. At that time I don't remember if there was an emissions inspection but part of our safety inspection was to assure all stock exhaust was on the car. 10yrs or so ago in Md we had to have an emissions inspection done by state run facilities. There were two guys running us through the test area. Each one had an illuminated mirror on a stick so he could look under the car front to rear. BTW, welcome to the forum and best wishes in your quest.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,476
From: South Florida
If you don't plan on modifying your Z06 much then ARH 1 7/8 inch are perfect. Everyone automatically goes with 2 inch but there is no benefit unless you're increasing the boost levels. Either way you will need a tune. I prefer ARH but Kooks is a solid brand as well. You can't go wrong with either one.