Pajak44

I am a new owner of a 2002 Z06.* It is mostly stock with the exception of a VaraRam intake and a Corsa X-Pipe. *The sound is okay, but I want a bark to match its bite.
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I plan to eventually add “real” performance mods to increase power, but right now I just want a more aggressive sound.* I’m looking for a nice “grumble” at idle.
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I’ve been doing some research on exhaust, and have found numerous brands.* I’m constrained by a budget of around *$500, so pre-owned is fine by me; and by Maryland emissions, so I’ll need to keep the cats.
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So far, based on my research, I’ve narrowed it down to SLP Loud Mouth, Corsa Xtreme, and Billy Boat Bullets; however, I am completely open to any other suggestions. *I saw a brand called “Pypes” on the Summit Racing website, and the NXT Step brand on eBay…does anyone know anything about those?
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So I guess my question is three-part…
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1. What would you recommend the first thing I do to achieve the sound I’m looking for?

2. Those that have installed any of the above systems, what are the pros/cons?

3. Is this something I can do, or will I need a professional? *(I’m no mechanic, but I can turn a wrench and follow instructions)
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I would also like to mention that I have never been as happy about owning a car as I am with the Z06. *In fact, I sold a “Magnum PI” Ferrari to buy the Z06, and I have absolutely no regret. *I have to believe that a lot of that has to do with this forum…I’m addicted!* You guys are great, and I look forward to participating for a long time.
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Thanks again and have a great day!
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Josh

BHRZ06

Check out the borla stingers they will make your z have much more bark, A new set of the twin tips is 650 or so plus you can get 350 or so for your ti's Ive been in a few stock z's with these and they are loud for sure.

zeevette

The loudest catbacks are SLP loudmouths, or Magnapack straight pipes. Nest step down is BB Bullets. Very loud, but well loved for their muscle car sound. Next step down would be Borla Stingers. I've had these, and I think the BB Bullets sound better. All of the above will have some resonance at certain RPMs. My personal favorite would be GHL Bullets. Not quite as loud as Stingers, but a sweeter sound, IMO. Lots of catbacks are available used, for sometimes less than half price. If you can be patient, you'll get a great deal eventually. I bought my Stingers a few years ago for $250, (two tip) and they were in great shape. I then bought a Magnaflow (full system, pretty quiet) for $500, also in great condition.

fisher auto

Make sure you research sound clips or hear someones first! B&B Bullets, Borla Stingers and SLP loud mouths, sound good but are LOUD. Just be sure before you get a set of somethings.

cor28vettes

Do a search on Ti-mod bypass and see what you think

The Parts forum may also work on a budget

jamies z06

lg street headers with corsa x pipe and corsa pace car exhaust mine has a cam and head work sounds bad *** but no drone at cruise but sets off car alarms at full throttle, enjoy your new zo6 i know i do

fisher auto

Remember $500 budget!

V2lude

I'm about to take a video clip of my Borla straight through exhaust. I'll post it in a bit. The drone is pretty bad though.

Here is the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDkJL0ygItc

Pajak44

Can someone describe what drone sounds like? If it's what I think it is, I think I like it...I'm probably wrong though...is it the burble and pop sound?

Bad95killer

Borla Stinger will make you feeling better

http://vimeo.com/16406955

zeevette

No, it's not the burble and pop. That's a sound made while decelerating. The "drone" is while steadily cruising, or mildly accelerating at low revs, and is a vibration type resonance that rattles the rear interior of your car.

imavettegirl

it goes mmmmMMMMMMmmmmmmMMMMMMMmmmmmmmMMMMMMMmmm mmmMMMMMMmmmmmMMMMMMMMM, over and over again.

save up and get long tube headers or find some used.

only mod that will really give you more power and better sound.

~Josh

If you do a search for Ti Bypass you may find what you like.

It involves having a welder who knows how to weld titanium add some Ti pipes which bypass some of the gas past the muffler. I got quoted $350 by a shop in Atlanta if I supply the pipes and those can be found through a google search.

It will give the exhaust note much more of an edge while keeping the distinctive sound the Ti has. Keep in mind with any loud catback that once you add headers and maybe cam or forced induction the noise may become unbearable if driven often. A lot of guys end up going back to Ti when the mods add up at which point they sound perfect. They flow almost the same as aftermarket catbacks yet really tamp down the police attention.

Milan

Until you add headers non of those cat backs will truly sound good.

imavettegirl

yup.

stig-zzz

Pajak44

Is your statement based on experience, or just a guess? Obviously any exhaust will be loudest with maximum flow. However, even without headers, the stock manifold conveys significant flow.

Additionaly, sounding "good" is completely subjective; therefore, your idea of good could be completely different than what I like.

If you could be more descriptive of what "good" is, that would be helpful.

Thanks!

Josh

Pajak44

Thanks for the clip! They sound great! Are they the ones I see for $400+/-? How are you dealing with the drone? Is it keeping you from driving it as much as you'd like?

Milan

First I had a stock C5Z. I added SLP Loud Mouths, sounded like ****.

Sold the LM's and bought Borla Stingers, which made it sound much better, decent, not amazing.

Then I did Kooks 1 3/4" headers with a catless X pipe. Now I have random people coming up to me at the track and rolling down their windows next to me on the street asking what I have done to my car because it's the best sound they have ever heard.

Badd LS6

i have borla straight pipes with Longtubes and catless X..love it!! .,..if your on a tight budget..try out some electric cutouts..loud when you want quiet when you want...can pick em up for $350 or less