2003 b&b bullets vs stock exhaust

[Rustee]

I'm shopping to replace the stock exhaust and want some opinions on billy boat vs. corsa and borla...any/all are welcome. Most importantly, is the stock exhaust hard to remove? I looked under the car and am wondering what needs to be removed in order to get the stock system out, or is the system just bolted on via hangers and I don't have to remove anything?
Thanks in advance!

 

[TooFast]

Exhaust choices are very personal, best bet is to listen to them all, there are many sites where you can listen to the different axle back systems. That is the other question, I assume you are talking about axle back only and not also replacing the H pie with an X pipe. Replacing the H section will require cutting of the factory exhaust. Replacing the axle back section is pretty much an unbolt and bolt on, with a couple of caveats, you need to be able to lift the rear of the car high enough to remove and re-install the sytem without cutting, unless the new system you get has the over axle pipes in sections (some do). Also, I have personal experience with the muffler hanger bolts, they will push up into the frame, where you cannot access them without removing the rear body facia - if you are not careful. If you remove the bolts, make sure you rethread at least one nut, on one side, because they are actually a U style bracket that protrudes through the frame. The following URL will give you step by step instructions -http://www.corvettefever.com/techarticles/153_0410w_chevrolet_corvette_c5_exhaust_upgrade/index.html

Hope this helps...Mark

 

[Rustee]

Mark, this was most helpful (especially the link) and I have listened to quite a few systems...I'm most impressed with the bullet.
I will be careful about losing the bolt in the rear mount; do you know how high off the ground the car would have to be in order for me to do this in my driveway...without cutting the stock exhaust to get it out/off of the car?

 

[TooFast]

I have not personnally installed the rear system yet, but from what I have heard it may be as much as 20 inches...do some more research and you may find literature on the subject. You might want to try a forum search and I'm sure there will be another member that has installed exhaust using jack stands.

Mark

 

[gofastlarry]

what site did you use to compare sound. i have never heard the bullet exhaust

 

[TooFast]

Try this site; C5 Corvette Exhaust Applications from Billy Boat Performance Exhaust

 

[ernestD]

I installed a cat-back system from mid-america,all 304 stainless,nice!great sound all around,but make no mistake-you need to be on a lift!and i still had to cut pipes to get the old ones off!

 

[TooFast]

I installed a cat-back system from mid-america,all 304 stainless,nice!great sound all around,but make no mistake-you need to be on a lift!and i still had to cut pipes to get the old ones off!

Which system did you install? What was the problem with getting the old system off? From what I understand, as long as the car is high enough cutting is not required. I have seen used systems that are not cut, so I figured it is possible to remove the old system without cutting.

 

[ernestD]

I installed mid america quadpower cat back,4 tips out back.Stock pipes have weird bends. aftermarket brands have smooth bends,easy to install. You really have to get your vette high to do an easy install. Mine are alittle louder than stock at idle.LOUD at wot cruzing little drone.

 

[TooFast]

Hey thanks for the info.

 

[ernestD]

NO problem,a lot of vette owners change out their ex. systems,stock is just too quiet imo!I now have a sweet rumble at idle!It turns heads I know that,enjoy your search for a nice system. I have bought a lot of products from Mid-America,but i think Mike Yager looks like a Dork with that straw hat!He looks like aproduce farmer from Ohio or something!wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwow!wear a ball cap mike!sorry about that bro! Peace!

 

[Toms007]

Like someone said, exhausts are so subjective. Personally I can't take the drone that comes with most aftermarket exhaust systems. When I change mine it will be Corsa, the sound is nice and absolutely no drone or resonance. I had a Corsa system on my 94 and loved it, so even though they are a little pricy that's what I am going to do when I can afford to do it.

I absolutely agree that the stock system is too quiet...it's a sports car, it should sound like a sports car.

 

[BogSpores]

I have the B B bullets on mine and I like them! I get positive comments on the sound all the time...

But, the wife doesn't like them as much.....Highway driving is loud, and women want to talk....I prefer the LOUD!

Although any performance exhaust should sound better than stock!