new exhaust

[nlreb54]

I am planning on replacing the factory exhaust with a Corsa Indy exhaust and x pipe. How difficult is the job and has anyone had experience in doing it themselves? Are there any other systems that equal corsa for less cost?

Thanks for the assist!

 

[DanHammer]

nlreb54 ... the Corsa Indy exhaust and x pipe you selected is a good choice. Most exhaust systems are priced about the same. I used the Borla XR-1 Racing exhaust combined with long tube headers that are TPIS coated and high-flow Cats with Quad chromed 4" round tips. I did not even attempt to try and install the exhaust system, but instead took it to a corvette specialist with the proper lift and equipment, too much $$$ involved. If you don't have the Mid America Motorworks catalog, I suggest you get one ... their site is: www.mamotorworks.com

They have a lot of exhaust system selection with different prices. Just depends on what you want and how much $$$ you willing to spend... all built to unleash true performance of your pride and joy.

Dan

 

[vettenuts]

I installed mine myself, but I put in the Z06 exhaust. It saves weight, doesn't resonate and is slightly louder. I am hoping to upgrade to long tube headers over the winter. As for the installation, it is actually very easy but the car needs to be at least 36" off the ground. If you don't have access to a lift, you may want to find someone to do the job for you that you trust.

 

[Terry Holtz]

[" I used the Borla XR-1 Racing exhaust combined with long tube headers that are TPIS coated and high-flow Cats with Quad chromed 4" round tips. "] Dan

Dan, what brand long tubes did you use? what brand high flow cats? Does this offer a significnt gain over a plain cat back system? Did you consider replacing the cats with straight pipe and Oxygen simulators?

 

[DanHammer]

Borla Custom Exhaust

Hey Terry,

Just got back in town ... my entire exhaust sysyem, including the headers is custom made by Borla, from the headers, to the quad tips, including the High-flow cats are all stainless steel and chromed. I would have loved to use the straight pipe instead of the cats ... But, must have the cats in the state of Maryland otherwise, the car will not pass emissions. My whole exhaust system cost me about 5K, not including labor for installation. But it is worth it. High flow Cats had to be used because I have a 226/226 cam setup and stage II Speed Deamon Heads and the stock cats just won't do ... on the Dyno ...the engine is pumping out 550 HP ... does 0 to 60 in about 3.8 sec with top speed of 227 mph. That's without the nitrous, which is also available if needed, in case I come up against some European rockets. The car have about a total of 25K in performance parts including underchasis components. But, the car has never been raced ... just an awesome street machine. When the need for speed is a must ... it is nice feeling to know it's there.

Dan

 

[Terry Holtz]

[[[[[ DanHammer " my entire exhaust sysyem, including the headers is custom made by Borla, from the headers, to the quad tips, including the High-flow cats are all stainless steel and chromed. I would have loved to use the straight pipe instead of the cats ... But, must have the cats in Maryland otherwise, the car will not pass emissions. My whole exhaust system cost me about 5K, not including labor for installation. High flow Cats had to be used because I have a 226/226 cam setup and stage II Speed Deamon Heads and the stock cats just won't do ... the engine is pumping out 550 HP ... " ]]]]

Wow. That is sweet. But unfortunatly not in my budget. Not being in an emission testing state, I am considering taking out the cats entirely. In another thread, C4C5Specialist (who is always knowing and helpful) said that it can be done, but that the rear Oxygen sensors provide about 25% of the fuel information to the computer and that the car might then have problems. Far be it for me to doubt him, but I am always willing to listen to second opinions. (Hope springs eternal).

I probably can't afford headers at the moment and have always doubted the HP claims that cat back systems make, so I was hoping for real (and inexpensive) gains by eliminating the cats.

 

[DanHammer]

Terry,

I wished our state didn't have emissions testing ... like yours. You definitely would want the oxygen sensors in tact ... C4C5Specialist is absolutely right.
If you plan to install headers, go with the long tube type to make your engine breathe right ... if you do away with the cats and use a straight pipe, use the X-pipe to connect to the straight pipes, it will also replace the H junction. Good Luck and let us know how the straight pipe works out if you take it out.

God Bless ... Dan

 

[Terry Holtz]

>>>>>You definitely would want the oxygen sensors in tact ... C4C5Specialist is absolutely right. <<<<<<

Dan, I don't know what I'm going to do now. If the O2 simulators leave out vital fuel information (25% of the info) as C4C5 says, then there's no point in replacing the cats with straight pipes. I can't afford headers for now, and doubt cat back systems make much of a difference. Maybe a used z06 titanium exhaust for the weight savings.

It would be great to hear from someone who has replaced their cats with straight pipes and tried the simulators.

And if any manufacturors watch these pages for ideas on products to produce, then how about an O2 simulator that DOES give the computer fuel information, allowing one to replace cats with straight pipes with NO problems? And a kit (computer and all) to allow us C5 owners to eventually put the new C6 engines in when ours wear out.

Terry

 

[KANE]

I plan on doing the same thing. I bet the "kit"- a harness interface and new PCM program- is about a year away. I say that because I have done a retrofit EFI (six years ago, and technology moves so much faster now!!!) set up and given the state of technology.....anything is possible!!!

 

[Terry Holtz]

>>>>a kit (computer and all) to allow us C5 owners to eventually put the new C6 engines in when ours wear out. <<<<<

>>>>>I plan on doing the same thing. I bet the "kit"- a harness interface and new PCM program- is about a year away. I say that because I have done a retrofit EFI (six years ago, and technology moves so much faster now!!!) set up and given the state of technology.....anything is possible!!!<<<<<<

Darkshark, .... I hope you are right and that the after-market suppliers take note of this potential market. Can you imagine the new zo6 motor in our c-5's?

 

[psycho]

I just have the Corsa Indy with the Pro Tips, and it sounds great!

 

[tomls1]

I just have the Corsa Indy with the Pro Tips, and it sounds great!

i opted for the corsa touring with tigershark tips. i went with the touring because i'll eventually be doing headers and cats and i don't want it to be crazy loud.

as far as the install...it was quite easy. i wasn't crazy about jacking the car 36", so i cut the stock pipes (i knew i wouldn't be using them again). the new mufflers were in two pieces so installation was a breeze.

no real big hp gain, but they sound bad-a$$...can't wait to get the headers and cats on there.:Twist

 

[nlreb54]

I installed the corsa system myself and had no problem. It sounds great. I used some rhino ramps and convinced my son to do the hard stuff. A couple hours and we were finished.

 

[Patrick]

I installed the corsa system myself and had no problem. It sounds great. I used some rhino ramps and convinced my son to do the hard stuff. A couple hours and we were finished.

Convinced your son? :L
What did you have to bribe him with? Being able to take the Vette on a date? Good call though!

You and your son should be happy with the Corsas. IMHO, Corsa and Borla both offer far superior exhaust systems to the stock exhaust. It comes down the note you want you hear.

-Patrick

 

[Terry Holtz]

I would like to hear the experiances of those c-5 owners who have removed their catalytic converters. Anyone?

 

[MsSchroder]

Terry,

If you don't get the answers in this thread, you might want to start a new thread with your cat-removal question.

Tammy

 

[Terry Holtz]

Thank you Tammy... I will do that right now.