Hoffy

I’m looking for a bit of exhaust sound change. A bit louder but I don’t want the drone that comes with changing the mufflers and cats. Thought maybe doing headers would give me the sound I need without the headache of drone during long drives. Has anyone changed just their headers and kept the stock mufflers? How do you like it? Who did you go with?

Kracka

I started with aFe headers before any other exhaust mods. Good power gains but minimal change in exhaust sound with the stock cats & muffler in place. If you want more volume, do cats. Even with headers + cats I had zero drone with the stock NPP muffler in any mode.

Hoffy

I live in an area that doesn’t have e check. So I could get away with no cats. Would that be a bad thing for throwing codes and drone?
so you’re saying hi flow cats and headers gave you a good sound and no drone inside?

Kracka

Full catless is going to be LOUD and there's a good chance you'll struggle with CEL codes.

Correct regarding headers + cats. Here's my thread on the two: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...port-cats.html

Hoffy

Louder than a new catback?

Kracka

A new catback exhaust system will be louder. I've since added a Borla and it added more volume than anything else did.

Hoffy

so maybe just do headers and hi flow cats

Kracka

That would be my advice; easy to install them both at the same time.

itsonlyairandfuel

https://shop.2mfabrication.com/produ...-headers-1-7-8

Corvetteexhaustsystems

Adding headers or sport cats will add drone in cabin in loud mode if you currently have a dual mode exhaust.

If a customer of mine is worried about drone I always point them to a top of the line C8 Corvette Corsa catback with the four valves as they tend to minimize drone better than any other option out there. If you do not have the z51 package or the performance exhaust package from the factory you cannot run this setup.

If you don't want to spend the big bucks on a new catback sport cats or headers will be a good option at a much lower price point. On an oem dual mode setup once you close the valve it'll be super tame.

Happy to go over all the options in stock from headers sport cats & catbacks with special corvetteforum savings.

Hoffy

thanks for the information. I do not have the Z 51 package. So mine is just the base model entry level exhaust. No valves to control. I figured doing at least the high flow cats would give me more sound. But the stock muffler would hopefully keep it tight enough tonight give me crazy drone.

Wadejesu

What size tubes do the OEM headers have 1.5 inch maybe?

MerakiAutoworks

I would start off with Corsa Sport cats and see how you like that, then you can add headers or an exhaust from there for more power and sound.

We have these in stock and can help you start off there.

-Josh

Corvetteexhaustsystems

You actually have two valves, the afm valves, before the mufflers. Among the many other functions they serve, they also close when the engine goes into 4 cylinder mode to minimize drone in cabin.

If you want to add volume without modifying emissions components, I'd suggest headers. I do have the following options in stock ready to ship:
Corsa Headers For C8 Stingray
aFe C8 Twisted Steel Headers For C8 Stingray - Raw Finish

If you would want to go with a Sport Cat, I have the following options in stock:
Corsa Sport Cats For C8 Corvette (for the month of February I can get you $193 back on these)
Kooks Ultra Green Cats For C8 Corvette (these utilize a custom-spec GESI catalytic converter)

gtpvette

You can probably pick up an NPP exhaust (C8 performance exhaust) for $100 or so and bolt that on. Valves remain open without the wiring. Easy and inexpensive first step to make it louder. I ran my C7 with valves open all the time. I've already bought one myself, just need to bolt it on.

Corvetteexhaustsystems

HA this is one way of upgrading the standard exhaust. Open all the time

C7Me

I'm thinking of just adding headers with the stock NPP hoping for a more aggressive sound, but you're saying it barely increases the exhaust sound? Bummer! I do have 2M Sport Cats, but from my research, they don't really add anything other than sound, so I'm not sure I will use them. I'm worried it will be too loud with the headers and sport cats.

Sweetness34

How is cold start with the 4 valve system? Will it suppress the volume more (or quicker if the valves can be closed) compared to other aftermarket solutions? That's my biggest concern due to living in a shared building. My garage shares walls with actual units so trying not to really upset my neighbors.

Kracka

It definitely will not be too loud with headers + sport cats retaining NPP, that I assure you. I still wanted more after doing both, and added the Borla system.

Wadejesu

What do you do with OEM headers & Shields? , Besides scrap yard