96 LT1 Exhaust Questions

[vettered91]

I did a good research before my exhaust mod and one CAC member (I don't remember who) that is been working a lot with C4 exhausts and even was the designer (or one of them) of the C5 exhaust said that the balance tube should be as far back as the spare tire allow it, so I did it that way and worked very well in my 94 LT1.
I have the long headers, no cats and the Stainless Magnaflows with dual 4" tips each side.

I drive for hours just to hear the engine growling sound. I was in love with the Magnaflow's sound, it went better with the balance tube and today it's perffect with the long headers!

I hope this pic help!

 

[regalniz]

cheese and rice 4 inches?!?! looks good though. im in the process of researching this balance tube dilemma. some say x-pipe, others say H-pipe. now you throw a wrench in the works and say install it by the spare. all i want to do is get rid of the resonance while cruising at 30-40 mph. it got real bad after i put on a set of borlas. i dont think it will be that bad once i put my 3.75's in it. what do you think? thanx for the pic.

 

[vettered91]

I can't tell you anything about the "X", but the "H" as far back as you can it's a very low $ mod that I have and recommend. (it took care of my resonance problem and improved the engine performance)

I was going for the 3.75s too, but when I ordered in Jegg's they only had at that time the 3.54 so I went for 3.54 and now I thank God for it!

Four speeds in the auto are just not enough for the 3.75! (just my opinion) It's my everyday car and here in town it's in fourth at just 35 mph! it's giving me just 13 mpg of fuel but anyway I love her!!

Change the rear axle ratio and you're going to love it!

Here's a side pic of the Magnaflows:

 

[regalniz]

looks mean. thanx for the info. ill let you know how it turns out.

 

[Vettart]

I have Dynamax mufflers and headers on my '79. Very civilized deep grumble sound. At speed, I can still hear the tunes.

 

[miken]

Corsa's are not too quiet, they roar when you take off and get quiet when cruising. The possitive is that there is no resinaance as you will find in louder systems. If you add headers the Corsa is even better and with a cam and gears they are loud.

My two cents.

 

[warren s]

Before you blow almost a grand on a Corsa product, please check out the link on my web page. (Below) I posted some pictures of the problems i had with it.

The Corsa system was expensive, fit poorley and is as quiet as stock.

 

[Green LT1]

Warren S, you are not the only person who has had complaints about the Corsa system. I decided to go with the Magnaflow stainless mufflers, and I just installed them last weekend. I have another post describing the installation. I am very happy, and feel I achieved the improved sound I was looking for, without spending $900-$1,000 (which is hard to explain to the wife!). Thanks, everyone, for your valuable input - it really was a big help to me. Long live CAC!

 

[c4rick]

LT1 Exhaust

Green LT1, I was wondering why you chose the Magnaflows over the Corsa's? I have a '92 LT1 (White) and have been seriously considering the Corsa PowerPulse. (BTW, Mid America Designs sells this system for $799 plus S&H online and over the phone.) Like you, I am disappointed with the sound of the stock exhaust system. I would like a more "throaty" sound. However, I do not want to blast out my neighborhood when throttling up. That is why I am interested in why you went with the Magna's.

I read a previous post about Corsa installation problems. I am not too concerned about this since I plan to have the new exhaust system installed by my local Chevy dealer. They have done a good job on previous repairs, including a recent underfloor "banging" problem I had when braking. (They replaced all 4 U-joints.)

Thanks! Rick J.:confused

 

[Green LT1]

c4rick, I finally went for the Magnaflow mufflers over the Corsa system after a careful cost/benefit anaysis. My overall goal was an improvement in sound, and any HP gains would be "icing on the cake." That being said, the Magnaflow polished stainless mufflers for the LT1 can be purchased for $350.00 to your door, via the Internet. As you indicated, you are looking at $850 to your door for the Corsa system. My stock stainless system was in very good shape, so for me, it just seemed to make the most sense to simply cut off the stock mufflers and clamp on the new Magnaflows. I installed the Magnaflows myself in my garage, with no lifting needed, in less than 1 hour. It was a very simple installation. The only modification I needed was to slightly bend the supplied hangers to achieve the desired installation height of the tips. When I started the car, I got a big silly grin on my face. The sound was just what I was looking for, and for a fraction of the cost of the Corsa cat back system. The Magnaflows also look great, too. Finally, unlike the Corsa mufflers, BOTH of the tips on each Magnaflow muffler are functional. Exhaust sound is definitely subjective, but if you want MUCH improved sound without being obnoxiously loud, I strongly recommend the Magnaflows. Just my .02 worth. Good luck with whatever you choose, and please post a thread when your choice is installed to let us know what you think.

 

[warren s]

I read a previous post about Corsa installation problems. I am not too concerned about this since I plan to have the new exhaust system installed by my local Chevy dealer. They have done a good job on previous repairs, including a recent underfloor "banging" problem I had when braking. (They replaced all 4 U-joints.)

Check the link on my webpage to see pictures of the problems I had with the Corsa system, if the place doing the install has to get out the torch and start cutting stuff, I bet the price will rise accordingly

 

[c4rick]

Thanks, Green LT1. Your input helps a lot. Could you tell me where you purchased the Magnaflows and where your post on the installation is? I have little, or no, mechanical ability and am not sure I feel comfortable installing them myself. However, I am open to learning new things, as long as my baby (I mean my Corvette) is not harmed!

Rick J.

 

[Green LT1]

c4rick, I bought the Magnaflow mufflers on E-bay. See the link below. I have a separate thread titled "Just Installed Magnaflow Mufflers." If it would be helpful to you, I can scan and post the installation instructions. I honestly can say that anyone with even a tiny amount of mechanical ability can cut off the stock mufflers 5" to the rear of the muffler (with a hack saw or, preferably, with a reciprocating saw), and clamp the new Magnaflows in place. They hang from the stock hangars, with supplied bolt-on straps. I took out the spare tire carrier to have extra room to work, but that would not be absolutely necessary. I have posted some pictures in my other thread, and can post others/answer any questions if you have any problems or questions. Just so you know, I have absolutely no affiliation with Magnaflow in any way. I just like their products.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2449108672&category=33630

 

[c4rick]

Thanks, Green LT1! I found your other post and appreciated the pictures. I also appreciated the link to e-bay. I am now seriously thinking of installing the Magna's since, as you suggest, it would be cheaper and provide similar results to the Corsa. I may even try the install myself, but it would have to be outside since I have no garage. Although not in a super cold climate, it still gets pretty cold in northern Virginia. BTW, my C4 is almost identical to Warren S' car. I would appreciate knowing how the interior resonance is on the new muffs once you get a chance to drive it for awhile.

Rick J.