First Impressions Of Hooker Blackheart Axle Back Exhaust
06-02-2017, 07:34 PM
#82
the style I ordered doesn't, ultimately due to multiple I issues, I had to return mine. looking on the website though they do make an axle back kit that are for cars with NPP
06-03-2017, 10:00 PM
#83
Burning Brakes
I finally got my axle back in and installed today on my base 2006... It most likely is to early for me to give a review as the last 3 vette i had still were stock exhaust and i haven't rode in another c6 with aftermarket to give my input yet.
But just love the gurgle when off the gas coast down and shift down.... I had to do a quite a bit of tweaking to get exhaust all lined up .. Then the hooker plate that mounts between pipes was off alot... DUH they welded mounting point on the right pipe in the wrong location...But i think that hooker plate looks yuk for my taste... So im gonna cut and modify my original corvette plate that was on the car and mount somehow.... Far as i can tell if all is tight that hooker plate in the middle isn't really needed anyway...
Oh and if anyone feels they may want to buy this brand of exhaust..
Just make sure it is in stock... As hooker is awful on getting their products together and shipped..
Here is quick pic... but not very good.
But just love the gurgle when off the gas coast down and shift down.... I had to do a quite a bit of tweaking to get exhaust all lined up .. Then the hooker plate that mounts between pipes was off alot... DUH they welded mounting point on the right pipe in the wrong location...But i think that hooker plate looks yuk for my taste... So im gonna cut and modify my original corvette plate that was on the car and mount somehow.... Far as i can tell if all is tight that hooker plate in the middle isn't really needed anyway...
Oh and if anyone feels they may want to buy this brand of exhaust..
Just make sure it is in stock... As hooker is awful on getting their products together and shipped..
Here is quick pic... but not very good.
Last edited by carls2004; 06-03-2017 at 10:19 PM.
06-04-2017, 08:27 AM
#84
looks good, happy to hear it worked out for you even with the issues you did have, mine has finally been picked up and just waiting on my refund now, then off to get something of better quality
06-05-2017, 02:26 PM
#85
Burning Brakes
Noise just before upshift.
Exhaust is on and i seem to be liking the sound .... 
Only issue is when i hit the gas and the rpm rise to the shift point and then i get the ear piercing in my right ear like it is gonna start ringing..then veh shift's to next gear and its gone. Is this the dreaded drone that everyone complains about. ?????????????.
Only issue is when i hit the gas and the rpm rise to the shift point and then i get the ear piercing in my right ear like it is gonna start ringing..then veh shift's to next gear and its gone. Is this the dreaded drone that everyone complains about. ?????????????.
But they were HELL to install without jacking up the motor!
06-05-2017, 02:43 PM
#87
Burning Brakes
I just installed my axle back,,, and i see know reason why you would have to use the hooker plate.... It doesn't seem to support much after correct install.
06-05-2017, 02:52 PM
#88
Burning Brakes
Thanks for the props on the write-up. I too think these are keepers and as stated before... quite the value. The sound deadening is for when I jump on the skinny pedal... there is a definite shrill sound that almost hurts my ears. (YMMV...) The TKO pads have definitely taken the edge off of that! And as you note, there is no "drone" (IMHO) so if there is any downside to the TKO pads, it's that the great sound at easy-cruising RPMs is a tad less. Solution? Put the top down! 
Anyway, glad you like'em too. I've only got about 5K miles on the exhaust, so maybe with a bit more time and miles, the sound will mellow out a bit.
Anyway, glad you like'em too. I've only got about 5K miles on the exhaust, so maybe with a bit more time and miles, the sound will mellow out a bit.
06-05-2017, 02:54 PM
#89
Burning Brakes
06-06-2017, 12:33 PM
#90
Pro
Member Since: Feb 2016
Location: Olympia WA
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St. Jude Donor '16-'17, '19
All that said, a pretty minor thing since I'm not usually hammering the throttle. Went to a cars and coffee event this Saturday, and once again, as I'm rolling in... heads were turning and people drifting over to check it out.....
06-06-2017, 01:18 PM
#91
Burning Brakes
Sure sounds like it's the same thing. As mentioned, I added the TKO sound deadening mat in the trunk (of Vert) and the pads behind each seat. I don't know if that made the difference or if just "breaking-in" the mufflers happened over time & miles (or maybe combo of both), but I don't get (i.e., hear) that shrill high-pitched sound any more and I've tried to recreate.
All that said, a pretty minor thing since I'm not usually hammering the throttle. Went to a cars and coffee event this Saturday, and once again, as I'm rolling in... heads were turning and people drifting over to check it out.....
All that said, a pretty minor thing since I'm not usually hammering the throttle. Went to a cars and coffee event this Saturday, and once again, as I'm rolling in... heads were turning and people drifting over to check it out.....
lol...And about the noise,, im gonna play with it by trying a x pipe instead of the stock H pipe.. Ill let ya know how is sound's..Oh and my car also has a ECM AND TRANS Tune....
Last edited by carls2004; 06-06-2017 at 01:31 PM.
07-14-2017, 07:39 PM
#92
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Mine have been on for a year now. I wouldn't trade them for anything else I have heard. I understand those who are talking about the extreme loudness at higher RPMs when new. I pointed this out in my OP. When I first left the muffler shop I thought my ears would bleed in 1st 2nd and 3rd gear. $th gear settled down.
Now all but the mildest drone is gone. These mufflers sound great IMO. 60-70 mph in 6th gear gets the least drone which turning ion the music at normal volumes will over come.
Now all but the mildest drone is gone. These mufflers sound great IMO. 60-70 mph in 6th gear gets the least drone which turning ion the music at normal volumes will over come.
07-14-2017, 08:02 PM
#93
Burning Brakes
Mine have been on for a year now. I wouldn't trade them for anything else I have heard. I understand those who are talking about the extreme loudness at higher RPMs when new. I pointed this out in my OP. When I first left the muffler shop I thought my ears would bleed in 1st 2nd and 3rd gear. $th gear settled down.
Now all but the mildest drone is gone. These mufflers sound great IMO. 60-70 mph in 6th gear gets the least drone which turning ion the music at normal volumes will over come.
Now all but the mildest drone is gone. These mufflers sound great IMO. 60-70 mph in 6th gear gets the least drone which turning ion the music at normal volumes will over come.
That noise that i posted i have happens between 2000-3000 rpm as you approach the next shift then when car shifts up it is gone... Other member elsewhere describe it best..
LIKE A TUNING FORK.. And will ring your ears...
I did get back under car and cranked on exhaust clamps but it didnt help.. Local exhaust place said, since i did DRY install on pipes and clamp's i should loosen everything up and oil it and the clamp's while i tighten them and also maybe try diff clamps..
07-14-2017, 09:04 PM
#94
Safety Car
Thread Starter
And i was gonna take mine off..And do muffler mod to the stock one's.. Maybe i need to leave on for longer period.
That noise that i posted i have happens between 2000-3000 rpm as you approach the next shift then when car shifts up it is gone... Other member elsewhere describe it best..
LIKE A TUNING FORK.. And will ring your ears...
I did get back under car and cranked on exhaust clamps but it didnt help.. Local exhaust place said, since i did DRY install on pipes and clamp's i should loosen everything up and oil it and the clamp's while i tighten them and also maybe try diff clamps..
That noise that i posted i have happens between 2000-3000 rpm as you approach the next shift then when car shifts up it is gone... Other member elsewhere describe it best..
LIKE A TUNING FORK.. And will ring your ears...
I did get back under car and cranked on exhaust clamps but it didnt help.. Local exhaust place said, since i did DRY install on pipes and clamp's i should loosen everything up and oil it and the clamp's while i tighten them and also maybe try diff clamps..
My neighbor, (who used to own a Corvette) remarked on how they weren't so loud as they were very deep sound.
BTW, I use my paddle shifters most of the time. I drive 45mph mostly in 4th gear. 50 and above in 5th till I get to 60 in 6th.
Last edited by J Vette; 07-14-2017 at 09:06 PM.
08-08-2017, 09:39 PM
#95
Pro
Member Since: Feb 2016
Location: Olympia WA
Posts: 745
Received 187 Likes
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St. Jude Donor '16-'17, '19
Maybe i need to leave on for longer period. That noise that i posted i have happens between 2000-3000 rpm as you approach the next shift then when car shifts up it is gone... Other member elsewhere describe it best..
LIKE A TUNING FORK.. And will ring your ears...
I did get back under car and cranked on exhaust clamps but it didnt help.. Local exhaust place said, since i did DRY install on pipes and clamp's i should loosen everything up and oil it and the clamp's while i tighten them and also maybe try diff clamps..
LIKE A TUNING FORK.. And will ring your ears...
I did get back under car and cranked on exhaust clamps but it didnt help.. Local exhaust place said, since i did DRY install on pipes and clamp's i should loosen everything up and oil it and the clamp's while i tighten them and also maybe try diff clamps..
08-11-2017, 09:34 PM
#96
08-11-2017, 11:31 PM
#98
08-23-2017, 05:07 PM
#99
Instructor
A lot of great info here fellas, thanks for taking the time to post. I just ordered a set, I guess we'll see how long they take to get here. If too long, may need to wait until spring for the install. If there are any updates or new info from new owners I'm sue we would all love to hear them. Thanks again for posting!
08-23-2017, 05:29 PM
#100
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Fellas. I have an interior video of going through the gears and leveling out at about 70-75 in 6th. However, I can't get it off my phone. Don't know why Just another problem to deal with. I'll take the camera out soon and do a video with it. I can upload off the card with it.
Adam. You just have to be patient. 500 mile in the Vette isn't that much problem to do is it? Go back and read my OP. My car is stock. I added no insulation or anything like that. Just drove until they put a great big grin on my face.
Adam. You just have to be patient. 500 mile in the Vette isn't that much problem to do is it? Go back and read my OP. My car is stock. I added no insulation or anything like that. Just drove until they put a great big grin on my face.