When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Trying to determine which X-pipe is best for a ZR1.
I got my data from the YouTube video that John made from LHTPerformance. Below is the source info;
LHTPerformance
Using a 2017 stock M7 Z06
While he used a Z06, I think it is a good baseline for a ZR1. I put together a chart from the dyno charts in the video for a comparison, see attached.
As you can see, this chart really does show the real difference in the 3 different X-pipe (stock vs Borla vs Corsa).
The Borla made a lot more Torque down low, look at the 1,500 to 3,000 rpm range, this is why the Drag Racer are seeing some real ET gains at the track with the Borla over stock and not so much with the Corsa. As well, the Borla will feel a lot better on the street as driving on the street is all about Torgue.
I think the Borla works so well because it has the same size (2 3/4 ) as the factory pipes and Axle back muffler. This keep the flow rate up high using all the same size piping.
The Corsa is larger then the stock diameter X-pipe at 3” and this slows down the flow, and then it has to speed up as it step back down to the 2 ¾ at the factory Axle back muffler. I thing if the car had a 3” Axle back then maybe the 3” Corsa might work better, or if the car had Headers with a 3” collector, then definitely go with a 3” X-pipe, othewise I think the 2 3/4 borla is the ticket. The Borla kills it on the low end torque and has a much broader power band increase over both the sock and Corsa X-pipe.
The ZR1 has the same exhaust system as the Z06, so I think the ZR1 will have a larger increase in both TQ/HP as compared to the tested Z06.
Good info for discussion!
I would like to thank John at LHTPerformance for the great X-pipe comparison video I got the data from.
1) The ZR1 does NOT have the same exhaust system as the Z06. It is very similar, but several areas were changed by GM because the Z06's exhaust failed under testing.
2) The LT5 exhaust flow will be different than the LT4's relative to RPM. We already know the torque curve is different. This alone, I am sorry to say, basically invalidates the data you posted.
Still appreciate the thread, but it would mislead us if we formed a conclusion before ZR1 testing is done. Which I look forward to since I will be in the market for a ZR1 x-pipe in the next few months...
Last edited by Palantirion; 08-04-2018 at 06:27 PM.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'22-'23
What areas were changed? I figured the x-pipe materials were upgraded for the additional heat load but other than that the pipe looks identical to the Z06 pipe. Unless tracking the car I doubt anyone sees that much heat anyway. I think his results are still valid.
What areas were changed? I figured the x-pipe materials were upgraded for the additional heat load but other than that the pipe looks identical to the Z06 pipe. Unless tracking the car I doubt anyone sees that much heat anyway. I think his results are still valid.
- I thought they had increase pipe size and added structural reinforcement. But the article I read was a while ago so I don't recall specifics - other than the point that the Z06 exhaust didn't work. More gas, hotter gas, with the ZR1.
1) The ZR1 does NOT have the same exhaust system as the Z06. It is very similar, but several areas were changed by GM because the Z06's exhaust failed under testing.
2) The LT5 exhaust flow will be different than the LT4's relative to RPM. We already know the torque curve is different. This alone, I am sorry to say, basically invalidates the data you posted.
Still appreciate the thread, but it would mislead us if we formed a conclusion before ZR1 testing is done. Which I look forward to since I will be in the market for a ZR1 x-pipe in the next few months...
I believe that the Z06 and ZR1 exhaust is the same. GM techs have stated, that do to high temperatures, that they have changed the alloys in the steel, not sizeing. I believe that the actual muffler, may have some type of different baffling in it.
Both exhaust systems use 2 3/4 Dia. tubing, my thoughts are that it appears to me that the Borla X-pipe made better overall power then the 3" Corsa X-pipe on the Z06 test car. Yes, ZR1 has a little different power band and a little more power, but I believe that the Borla will still be the best X-pipe for the XR1 do to the pipe sizing.
If you changed out the Axle mufflers to a 3" system, then maybe the 3" Corsa might work better.
Well, someone can always take their new ZR1 to the dyno for a day and run the same testing. LOL
GM techs have stated, that do to high temperatures, that they have changed the alloys in the steel, not sizeing.
- Presuming that is true, then how do we as consumers ensure that any aftermarket exhaust will be built to withstand the same temperatures? One thing I know is that existing Z06 x-pipes were not (except through coincidence), as the technical benchmark for ZR1 design did not exist when they were built.
More air in from a bigger blower equals more air out, so the 3" x pipe may perform better. Thoughts?
Well, the pipe before the X-pipe is 2 3/4 and the pipe after the X-pipe is 2 3/4.
It's all about flow. If the 3" is better, the above dyno results killed that idea.
- Presuming that is true, then how do we as consumers ensure that any aftermarket exhaust will be built to withstand the same temperatures? One thing I know is that existing Z06 x-pipes were not (except through coincidence), as the technical benchmark for ZR1 design did not exist when they were built.
There is all differnent grades of Stainless Steel, not sure what GM is using or the aftermarkets companies. Removing the secondary cats should remove some heat from the system.
Not sure the difference will be noticed with the many other factors in play. I think if your going to the expense and trouble but want results that are best you should do long tubes. Really no substitute.
Weapon X put them on and the car adjusted for good results with out the tune.
I called and spoke with Borla tech support and was told their X-pipes are NOT recommended for Chevy's supercharged engines. Moreover, they don't expect to develop an X-pipe for the ZR1, but may at some point do an axle-back exhaust system.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'22-'23
Originally Posted by 3 Z06ZR1
Not sure the difference will be noticed with the many other factors in play. I think if your going to the expense and trouble but want results that are best you should do long tubes. Really no substitute.
Weapon X put them on and the car adjusted for good results with out the tune.
True but these days headers are a possible warranty issue.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'22-'23
Originally Posted by Glenn Quagmire
I called and spoke with Borla tech support and was told their X-pipes are NOT recommended for Chevy's supercharged engines. Moreover, they don't expect to develop an X-pipe for the ZR1, but may at some point do an axle-back exhaust system.
That's likely a CYA statement. There's been plenty of them go on Z06's with no reported issues.
You guys do what you want with your ZR1s, but no Borla (or Corsa for hat matter) is going on mine unless Borla designed it for that application.
Again, logic ruins armchair speculation: GM says their own Z06 exhaust is not up to the task of safely containing the ZR1's exhaust heat and flow. Borla says their x-pipe is not even good enough for a Z06. So you'd be an idiot to put it on a ZR1, unless it's only going to see light street duty.
A few folks have seen some impressive gains with the Z06 Corsa X Pipe in the ZR1.
- Yes, that's one reason why I'm interested in it. BUT, until someone with decent skill puts several 30min track sessions through it I'm not going to believe that it is "somehow" as durable as the ZR1's stock exhaust when the Corsa was designed for the Z06's exhaust flow and temps.
08-03-2018, 10:45 PM
X-Pipe Comparison
