Exhaust

[butler]

Just curious, does anyone have any suggestions on which exhaust to use, other than the stock exhaust on my C5 for a little more hp and better performance. Or, should I stay with the stock one, being I'm not racing it.

[fatherlarry]

Butler, actually aftermarket exhausts will give you better performance. Automobile manufacturers have to meet certain requirements for their systems and have certain criteria to abide by. This doesn't stand true for after market parts, so they may be a little more inferior as far as emission is concerned, but they'll give you better exhaust flow and in return better performance and power. You'd think that because the aftermarket doesn't meet the factory requirments, that they' maybe be cheaper, but unfortunately these companies take advantage and price it higher. Years ago, we used to take the mufflers off and put a set of glassbacks on, and the baffles in it were set up so the exhaust would flow smoother and contribute more hp, but was a little noisy. They were very affordable 25-30 years ago. Today it's based on the same principal, but this generation sits in awe over the technolgy and pays exhorbitant prices for the same thing we had years ago.

I would go with the cheapest of the well known brand names. Good luck on your decision.:smoke:

[TopVette]

I agree with father larry. These after market mfg are going after this virgin performance Vette lovers and socking it to them. They don't have to meet the gov't restrictions, so they make a product that is a lesser emission performer by redesigning the baffles to be less restrictive to get more horsepower and make more noise. Oh, and of course, make more money.:lol:

[MKOTZE]

Originally posted by butler
Just curious, does anyone have any suggestions on which exhaust to use, other than the stock exhaust on my C5 for a little more hp and better performance. Or, should I stay with the stock one, being I'm not racing it. Hello Butler, There are numerous aftermarket exhaust systems for the C5. Most are built for the different appearance of the tail pipes. There are some after market exhaust systems that will increase your horsepower. Along with increasing your horsepower however you will also be increasing the noise level. If at all possible it would benefit you to try to listen to other C5's that have modified exhausts. That way you would be able to determine if the noise level is acceptable to you before you make any modifications. Then there is the question about the cost. Most quality systems are made out of stainless steel which is expensive. I would recommend the exhaust system from SLP Corp. This system is definitely on the loud system but it also increases your horsepower by 19Hp. This system is stainless steel and only costs around $500-$600. I put this system on a 2001 C5. The customer was very pleased. Let me know what you decide.:chevy: MKOTZE

[butler]

Thanks Father & Mike.

I have seen some other exhaust systems, stainless steel, for even less than the $500. The level of noise that I like is something like on my friends 2002 Z06. But, his system is titanium, which I know is lighter, and its very expensive. I think I'll stick with what father said, and being I'm not racing the car I'll stick with the stock exhaust for now.

[fatherlarry]

Butler,

Good choice. The stock exhaust is great for street use and especially for warranty reasons and of course emissions. If you just want the look, you can add Corsa tips for around $100 or less and they look good. What I was thinking when you mentioned the Z06, in 2002 they changed over to the titanium and a little less restriction. I believe the cats were also changed. The sound is much more serious and so is the cost. If you are willing to wait and look on other websites, a lot of the Z06 owners are selling their factory exhaust systems so they can upgrade, so you might be able to catch a good deal. Plus they come with the factory chrome tips. Ebay is another good source. Good luck.:smoke:

[REDGAR]

Butler, I do race (and often) and I can tell you the performance gain from exhuast is very negligible. I had Corsa Indy Pace on my C5. Switched it to Z06 Titaninum take offs for a decent price.

My car lost ZERO performance.

My times are in my sig.

My friend has the Z Ti exhaust on his big cube C5 with nitrous and has run 10.28 @ 139 granny shifting. He plans on getting into the tens soon.

Since you are in NJ you should come to the Corvette Challenges where you can watch these two cars and many others and maybe even give racing a try as well.

Be happy to help you out if you need it.

Visit www.corvettechallenge.info for more info and click on the "video" link in my sig to get a feel for it.

Now looks and sound would be the reason to change but I am happy with the Z Ti.

[omichelson]

About a month ago I put a set of GHL cat-back exhaust on my '02. I bought the bullseye tips. I think they look great. The sound is just like the ads I have seen. "A deep V8 sound" They are a little louder than the stock pipes, but overall, not too loud. When you step on it, then they really open up though. I have not had the car dynoed yet, but in one of the Corvette magazines, they put a set on a ZO6 and gained somewhere around 16 hp at the real wheels. I was a little nervious that they would end up too loud or have some feedback in the cabin, but that really didn't happen. Anyway, that is my 2 cents. You can look at them on Mid-America's web-site. Also, GHL has a web-site. I think it is www.ghlmotorsports.com

[CSDMagRed01]

If you like the sound of the stock Z06 TI exhaust, they can be bought on e-bay for 350-450 as take offs. There is almost always a set up for bid. I think Joe from Phoenix Racing in Phoenixville, Pa has a set he is selling from a 2004 Z06 he is converting to a race car. I think he was asking $350. As a choice they do flow better than stock, still GM, emissions friendly, are much less than aftermarket, and less weight than all but the very expensive Corsa TI system. Sounds like a winner.

Carmen ;bt