Cat back swap

[PeterG]

My '99 coupe's mufflers have the rust & corrode problem which causes the neck of the mufflers to rot and eventually break allowing the muffler assembly to hang loose. Also, these original equipment mufflers have peeling black paint that looks bad.

I need to replace the old mufflers, but don't want a Borla-type loud sound.

My idea is to replace the original mufflers with the GM's 2004 version original equipment mufflers. This would give me new mufflers with:
1.) Improved necks that may last several years;
2.) Polished exhaust tips -- that's OK with me;
3.) Adequately loud exhaust sound.

Two questions:
1.) Will the GM 2004 OE mufflers fit my '99 with no mods?
2.) Do I need to replace the x-pipe if I do this swap?

Thanks.

 

[silver98]

The 04 will fit, and unless you have rust on the X-pipe terminal flanges, you don't need to replace the X-pipe.
As a thought, would you consider the Corsa Touring? GM endorses them, and the Touring provides a little more breeathing room and little to no dB increase.

 

[ron]

It too bad that you didn't live close to FL. At Eckler's annual reunion last weekend, they were changing exhaust systems like there was no tomorrow. If people who were having aftermarket exhaust systems installed, didn't want to take the original exhaust (mufflers, X pipes, etc.) with them the old stuff was just heaved on a pile outside of the install garage. Two people had brand new C6's and were having new Corsa systems installed. Stock exhaust systems with about 1,000 miles use were added to the heap. Also, a number of ZO6 systems were also replaced with aftermarket systems. Had I known, I would have given you my stock system off my 2000, but I'm sure there should be plenty around your area for free or for a nominal fee that you could get. Plus they are really easy to replace. Just my two cents.

Ron

 

[mjsmm]

Our club was on a fall color tour to Pa. this past weekend and two of our '99's had the necks break off - one of them was mine! I made it there and back without any problems since the pipe was loose, but didn't fall off. The other person stopped at a Chevy dealer in Ohio and they tack welded his back together in about 45 minutes. I wasn't even aware this was a common problem until this happened and we started to discuss it (our sponsor dealer's service manager is a member and was with us on the trip).

I agree with Silver98. Monday, I went to my local dealer and ordered the Corsa Touring system with the X-pipe. Several of our members have them and they really only make more noise under hard acceleration. There is no resonance inside the car under normal driving conditions. Several members have the Indy version and they are slightly louder. I was told you really only need the x-pipe on 2001 and up. But others have told me it breathes better and helps reduce the deceleration popping with the x-pipe.

So, if you have to spend the money anyway, why not get a better system that also looks nicer (I got the 3.5" Pro Series tips - they look like the C6's) and sounds better?

 

[jrose7004]

I'd go to an aftermarket stainless system like Corsa or something!

 

[PeterG]

Thank you!

Thanks for the good ideas and opinions!

Corsa is my choice.

Can anyone describe the differences between stock '99 and both Corsa Touring and Pace versions? How much louder is Corsa'a Pace over its Touring?

What are the advantages of also installing a Corsa X pipe with my new Corsa system?

 

[mjsmm]

The easiest way is to go to Corsa's website. There, you can actually listen to the different systems. Depending on your computer speakers, it sounds fairly realistic. Bottom line, the touring system tries to imitate an old small block with sidepipes. The pacecar system tries more, in my mind anyway, to sound like a Ferrari or an Indy car with more of a high pitched sound.

The x-pipes give you two advantages. They reduce deceleration backfiring or popping. And, if you ever want to install a modified chip, go with the bigger mass flow sensors, or any of the other "go fast" goodies, it does help the entire system flow more exhaust. In other words, if more goes out, you can put more in to start with.

If you want to compare other systems, Mid-America compares Corsa, Borla, Magnaflow and B&B systems, plus maybe another, on on their website under the exhaust header.

 

[Bioscache2]

Thanks for the good ideas and opinions!

Corsa is my choice.

Can anyone describe the differences between stock '99 and both Corsa Touring and Pace versions? How much louder is Corsa'a Pace over its Touring?

What are the advantages of also installing a Corsa X pipe with my new Corsa system?

Corsa is def a good choice but if you want to save some money you might want to look at putting on Z06 exhaust. Due to its titanium its half the weight and will probably outlast the car. In addition it flows a little better then the stock but is no much louder except under hard acceleration.

 

[PeterG]

About TI Z06

Corsa is def a good choice but if you want to save some money you might want to look at putting on Z06 exhaust. Due to its titanium its half the weight and will probably outlast the car. In addition it flows a little better then the stock but is no much louder except under hard acceleration.

I like the Z06 sound but I thought a Z06 system costs several hundred dollars more than a Corsa system. Thanks for the idea. I will check the pricing tomorrow.

 

[PeterG]

That sounds great

The easiest way is to go to Corsa's website. There, you can actually listen to the different systems. Depending on your computer speakers, it sounds fairly realistic. Bottom line, the touring system tries to imitate an old small block with sidepipes. The pacecar system tries more, in my mind anyway, to sound like a Ferrari or an Indy car with more of a high pitched sound.

The x-pipes give you two advantages. They reduce deceleration backfiring or popping. And, if you ever want to install a modified chip, go with the bigger mass flow sensors, or any of the other "go fast" goodies, it does help the entire system flow more exhaust. In other words, if more goes out, you can put more in to start with.

If you want to compare other systems, Mid-America compares Corsa, Borla, Magnaflow and B&B systems, plus maybe another, on on their website under the exhaust header.

You hit the right note with me when you described the Corsa Touring as sounding like a "small block with sidepipes." I had one of those and still think it was the best sounding Vette I ever owned. Thanks!

 

[Bioscache2]

I like the Z06 sound but I thought a Z06 system costs several hundred dollars more than a Corsa system. Thanks for the idea. I will check the pricing tomorrow.

new, yes but if you look you can pick up a used pair for around 350. And since they're titanium, as long as it wasn't damaged, normal wear is almost a non-factor.

 

[ron]

I just had the Corsa Pace Car exhuast installed on my 2000 vert last Friday. I was particularly concerned about resonance inside the car. The good news is that there is none whatsoever. The idle sound is great and the volume doesn't really increase until you "get your foot" into it. This excactly what I was looking for. The install was done by the factory at Ecklers annual bash here in FL. A fellow who having the touring edition installed on his C5 was a little disappointed he didn't get the pace car. He seemed to think the touring setup was not too much different than stock. I guess it comes down to individual preference. The fit and finish is great and with the pro series tips, the install looks awesome! I had the X pipe done at the same time and this installation eliminated the burble sound at idle and upon acceleration as already mentioned previously. Overall, I couldn't be more pleased and would highly recommend Corsa for looks and sound. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Ron

 

[6 Shooter]

e-bay ZO6 exhaust search

 

[mqqn]

Hi PeterG -

I think the absolute best deal going is a Z06 take-off Ti system - it's like throwing the weight of a battery off the car, it's OEM GM equipment, flows better than the stock C5 setup, will last the life of the car and then some, and finally , it has four better looking round outlets.

A little bird told me that you can get them from MTI for around $410 shipped.

Here is another alternative I have tried -

http://www.iammoon.com/vids/billy_bob_exhaust.wmv

**note** Billy Bob is just a JOKE people - it is not associated with Billy BOAT - but it is a billy "bobbed" setup - get it? Ah nevermind.....

I cut the mufflers off of a stock c5 catback and welded on straight pipes and tips - total cost around $150.

If you would like a good stock C5 catback, I have a couple you can have for free.

best regards -

mqqn

 

[PeterG]

Hi mqqn,

Thanks for the stock C5 offer, but I want to make an improvement with some after-market system like Corsa's Touring or Indy.

But how do I contact MTI? The Z06 is probably the most desirable set up.

Thanks.

 

[mqqn]

Hi mqqn,

Thanks for the stock C5 offer, but I want to make an improvement with some after-market system like Corsa's Touring or Indy.

But how do I contact MTI? The Z06 is probably the most desirable set up.

Thanks.

Hi Peter -

[SIZE=-1]www.motorsporttech.com

[/SIZE] (281) 870-8787
[SIZE=-1]
best regards -

mqqn
[/SIZE]

 

[PeterG]

Last question

Here is my last and final question... for now.

I am going to buy one of the two Corsa systems with a Corsa X-pipe.

Can anyone compare the sound of either Corsa system to our stock mufflers?

Can anyone compare the Corsa Touring and the Corsa Indy (Pace car) systems?

I prefer a deep lowr rumble sound. I do not like the so-called exotic car, higher-pitched, whiney sound.

Thanks.

 

[PeterG]

Oops

Today I listened to Billy Boat's PRT system and discovered it has that deep, solid tone I was looking for. PRT is too loud, but BB's Route 66 version is about 20% louder than stock and allows about 9 HP to the wheels over stock.

As of now I am going with BB's Route 66 and using a Bassani x-pipe.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this set up?

 

[PeterG]

No X pipe

I have learned from reliable sources that replacing the stock H pipe with an X pipe has primarily only one effect. It will eliminate some or most popping on deceleration.

Since I actually like that effect on deceleration, I am going to keep my stock H pipe... just replace the stock mufflers with a BB Route 66 system.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[PeterG]

Thanks. Done. Happy.

Thanks to everyone for advice on this subject. It is so subjective that there is no final answer and there will probably be many more threads asking the same questions. Also, there are so many quality systems, it comes down to personal preference.

I went with the B&B Route 66 system with 3-1/2" round, double-wall tips. I kept the stock H-pipe -- for now.

Fortunately for me I really like the sound -- it's deep, low, and it is, like B&B said, about 20% louder than stock. Inside is resonance-free. It has that '60s muscle car sound I wanted. I like the four fat round tips.

Now I am looking forward to driving, listening, and enjoying my C5 -- driving it as I have driven all my Corvettes, GTOs, TR3 -- all year-round. Life is, as the proverbs and poets say, "too short," but it can be very much fun driving a Corvette as often as possible.

The only car I ever had that was damaged by winter elements and salt was the TR3 which rusted into a pile of reddish dust after I had repaired the trans, engine, and about everything else.

I will also be testing my new Michelin A/S ZP tires. Bring on the snow!