Loudest Exhaust Systems/Oil Usage

[Chris Kennedy]

My BELOVED '81 4-spd was hit by a guy running a red light last week, and, if the the heroic car (it saved my life) is a write off, I have been thinking about getting a 2001 C5 6-spd. (black/black). The reason I am thinking about a 2001 is that I think this was the year they replaced the oil control rings to solve the oil usage problems I have read about. Anyway, one thing I definately would replace is the exhaust system (I will also get flat black wheels). Frankly, I like loud boy racer exhaust systems and the all-American big block sound, and I wondering what, in readers' experience, they found to be the exhaust system with this sort of sound? I am familiar with most of them, and have bought the MidAmerica comparison CD etc., but what do you folks think? Also, what, generally, should I be on the look out for (mechanical wise) on a 2001 6-spd. (clutch is an issue, I know). Thanks!

--Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[Remo]

Chris,

I have a 2001 6-SP vert with 15,000 miles and haven't had a lick of problems. There was the steering wheel "lock-up" recall last summer but other than that - not one problem. I have the Borla Stinger exhaust system with a Corsa X-Pipe and it sounds real sweet. But there "are" some more aggressive sounding systems such as the B&B (Billy Boat) Bullet exhaust system. The problem with systems like that is that it gets pretty load inside and hard to carry on a conversation. The other issue is that you will not be very popular with your nieghbors. And then there's always the LAW factor. Cops love to pull over Vettes and the ultra load systems are a real magnet.

Remo:cool

 

[DanHammer]

Chris,

I also have a modified 2001 C5 Coupe w/ 6speed ... and have not had any problem with her. Only problem I had was the telescopic steering wheel stopped working at one time but got it to work again ... thanks to one of the guys in the CAC forum, who helped me get it reconnected to computer memory. I have the Borla XR-1 racing Exhaust using the quad tips from Billy Boat Bullet exhaust system. The sound is pretty awesome and very intimidating. She really sounds like a NASCAR setup at full throttle. But when you drive it normal ...you just hear a very low deep bassy sound of the V8 and I love it. I have driven it side by side with state troopers and not once have I been pulled over because of being loud. I always get pulled over for failure to remove cover for front tags. Anyways ... the Borla stingers are heavy favorites for most vette owners ... and they sound pretty awesome too. Good luck on finding your 2001 C5 and let us know when you get one.

This is my Sunshine ...

Dan

 

[Rock Doc]

Love my Borla Stingers!


Rock Doc (Kevin)

 

[RonJ]

Borla Stingers, cruising at 70, no problem, at 80+, it starts to get loud.

My 98 has no oil consumption at all, didn't know they had a problem.

Ron ...

 

[bossvette]

I bought a 97 6-speed in August and have over 6000 miles with no oil consumption, I do not baby it either. I plan on going with the B&B since it is too quiet for me sorry to hear about your 81, you will love the C-5 performance and gas milage to boot

 

[DRTH VTR]

I think that the oil usage issue was related to high RPM light load conditions. Most of us don't cruise around at4-5000 RPM in the neighborhood. I have had 2 C5's and have had no oil consumption problem.

 

[JR_Vette]

I think that the oil usage issue was related to high RPM light load conditions. Most of us don't cruise around at4-5000 RPM in the neighborhood. I have had 2 C5's and have had no oil consumption problem.

Ditto here. I have also heard that a lot of the oil consumption problems start out when the car is new, and it progressively gets better as miles are put on. I have 23K miles on my 99, and burns no oil.

As for exhaust, I'll second the Borla Stingers.

 

[atmmac]

2001 was the only oil burning problem year. all other years are supposed to be trouble free. I heard the 01 Z06 was worse than the base model.

 

[bobby1]

The final conclusion on the oil rings is this" Driving around in 2/3rd gear at high rpm is what caused the oil consuption,and that only affected about 10% of z06s. Enough about oil usage!!

 

[atmmac]

The final conclusion on the oil rings is this" Driving around in 2/3rd gear at high rpm is what caused the oil consuption,and that only affected about 10% of z06s. Enough about oil usage!!

lol no offense or anything...