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.
I was thinking of buying the Billy Boat cat back exhaust from Corvette Central and was wondering if anybody has that and if they like it. It's kind of hard to spend that kind of money and not know what it sounds like. Also it was kind of hard to understand the difference between the two year warranty and the lifetime warranty. Could anybody explain this? Thanks.
If your car is a daily driver I suggest getting a Corsa system instead. Billy Boat or B&B make a fine exhaust system however it is very loud and the resonance is horrible in the 1300 to 1800 rpm range of driving. Forget having a conversation with your passenger. Some members will tell you to crank up the cars sound system but normally those folks are not daily drivers. It is a great system for a track car if you plan on racing on the weekends or only drive the car short trips.
If I wanted a track car however I would just hang straight pipes from my headers I would not buy the B&B system which is pretty much close to straight pipes anyway. B&B has a few generational changes in design to try and reduce the resonance level but to not much success. Even newer owners complain of the sound. I had a B&B system on my ZR-1 and sold it and bought the Corsa system and I could not be happier. B&B also uses a fart can size resonator under the centerline of the car which is prone to speed bump scraping and damage. The Corsa’s resonator is elongated and slimmer in design.
To date I have not had an issue with scraping the Corsa resonator at my cars stock height. Even running Jeal longtubes the Corsa is the way to go. On the appearance side, B&B makes the better looking exhaust tips in the oval design that fit the rear exhaust cutout area better and the exhaust tips are both functional per side. Corsa with its round tips are not as nice and don’t fill the cutout as nice and only one exhaust pipe preside is functional and the other tip is there for show. In a prefect world IMHO a Corsa system with B&B exhaust tips would be the best of both systems.
So IMHO it comes down to what type of driver you are. If your an old school track guy who has lost most of his hearing already go for the B&B but for the money you could be just as happy with straight pipes or an X-pipe. My recommendation is go with the Corsa it is the better driving system.
Last edited by Goldcylon; Apr 2, 2009 at 08:58 AM.
Look at most of the c4's that make big numbers....I would say that most have the BB's......They sound amazing.....I have heard some great exhausts on the c4's, and they are all up to personal preference, BUT once you hear them you'll be sold
Thanks, I listened to the Corsa on Corvette Central and they were too quiet for me, I bought the B&Bs today!
Listening to an exhaust system on an audio clip and listening to it in the interior of the Vette are Completely Different.
You can't hear the Resonance in an audio clip. Also, exhaust systems sound a little different on the L98's compared to the LT1 Vettes which have a true dual exhaust system.
The latest style B&B are much much quieter outside and in than the earlier ones. Oustside has a deep bassy note, very tolerable inside. Corsa is the quietest inside, higher pitched exhasut note.
I think those systems are pricey..you are paying for the name and stainless steel.
I went to a reputable exhaust shop and they set me up with a dual 3" exhaust X-pipe and 3" magna flow wit My choice of tips..(I chose a dual oval) It cost me less installed than what those other systems go for. I do get the resonance in the 1300 RPM rangs, but my car is not a DD and more a toy. I love the sound, It really sounds badd A$$!
I had an 89z51 with it on and it was just the way I like it. I actually liked it better than the catless straights I have now.
But they are right if you drive your vette and don't have a full appriciation for obnoxious than get corsa. if you like being reminded you have a coolsounding car all day than this one is fine.
IMHO
I had the same question a few weeks ago as I just bought a c4 lt4 convertible. Some of the responders said to check out the prices at Corvettes of Dallas and Corvette Garage for pricing on the BB system which are quite competitive in their pricing. They also recommended a 2.5" system as opposed to a 3" unless you have done major engine modifications. They said that the 2.5" has less resonance than the 3". I'll be purchasing mine this week as the car is way to quite with the stock exhaust.
I have the B&B tri-flo and am going to the Corsa. Generally speaking, the more HP, the louder the cabin will be. I'll be selling my B&B in the next two months or so. I agree that B&B has the best looking tips but I wanted a totally quiet cabin.