13 Tips for Understanding Corvette Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

Choosing the Best Aftermarket Exhaust System for Your Corvette

Do you need a new exhaust system for your Corvette? Whether you're replacing old parts or wanting to rev up your vehicle's performance, you owe it to your car to read this guide on choosing the best aftermarket exhaust system first.

Keyword(s): best aftermarket exhaust

Corvette has come a long way since its launch in 1953. The team behind the car takes pride in their work, and this is reflected in the car’s iconic style.

Corvette offers a combination of performance and quality, the same philosophy that drives the manufacturer. The car's popularity helped it to top the list in the Automotive Digital Brand Exposure Index in America, and the three main factors that make the Corvette so popular are ease of maintenance, new models and secondary market selling.

Corvette owners are proud of their cars, and because of that pride, it is not uncommon for owners to want to find the right aftermarket exhaust system in order to give their car the right sound velocity and durability. 

Read along for 13 useful tips for understanding what type of system you may need.

1. Check the Construction and Sound

An exhaust system made of steel is not only durable but also has a great look. Additionally, the system should utilize the corvette's own patented technology for reflective sound cancellation. (This is a feature that eliminates any low-frequency drone.)

Aftermarket exhaust systems are prevalent because they have a different make from that of their stock counterparts. They serve to promote exhaust scavenging, reduce power-robbing restriction and free-up more horsepower.

2. Stock Versus Aftermarket Exhaust

What makes aftermarket exhaust systems more popular than the stock ones? One difference lies in the diameter of the pipes. In aftermarket options, the diameter ranges that are available vary from one application to the other. Generally, the aftermarket systems come with a larger diameter to allow the flow of a larger volume of air.

When choosing the best aftermarket exhaust system consider variables such as revolutions per minute, engine size, and application. A well-informed sales rep can help you choose an exhaust system for your vehicle.

Another essential difference between aftermarket and stock exhausts is the pipe bends. The crush bending technique is used on the stock exhausts. It is a quick and straightforward technique, but it causes performance-robbing restrictions on the arches of the pipes.

The technique used on the aftermarket exhausts is known as the mandrel bending. It aims at eliminating the restrictions and utilizes a flexible rod that is inserted into the pipe. As the exhaust pipe is bent, the rod keeps the walls of the tube from kinking or collapsing.

3. Exhaust Type

The aftermarket exhaust systems come in three main types: namely cat-back, header-back and axle-back. Some varieties come with a combination of crossover pipe, intermediate pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter and tailpipes. The choice you make depends on the needs of your Corvette.

Header-Back

The header-back systems provide a replacement for everything from the header collector to the tailpipes. The replacement allows for the enlargement of the diameter of the whole exhaust system which provides for the flow of more gas volume.

Should you choose the header-back type, be prepared to reach deeper into your pocket. These systems are more expensive and require a lot more expertise to install. The cat-back and axle-back exhausts systems do not need the replacement of the whole system.

Cat-Back

The cat-back exhaust systems replace the catalytic converter back components. These types of exhaust systems include a tailpipe and muffler. Others, depending on the model, contain an H-pipe, X-pipe, mid-pipe and Y-pipe. The cat-back type is considered the best aftermarket exhaust system because of several factors:

• It is a simple modification that frees up a lot of gas flow from the exhaust.

• It improves the power gains of your Corvette, but the horsepower depends on the components of the remaining stock exhaust. The make of the catalytic converters also has a role to play.

The more the space that is freed up, the more efficiently the engine performs. Eventually, you will have improved fuel economy.

• Cat-back systems retain the use of stock converters, hence producing a more aggressive exhaust note.

• They are emissions-legal.

Axle-Back

The axle-back exhaust systems include all the components from the rear axle to exhaust tip. This type comes with its fair share of benefits although it does not deliver as much power gains as the other types.

• It is less expensive than the header-back and cat-back exhausts systems.

• It provides power gains over the stock exhaust.

• It is easier to install and produce the exhaust sound you want.

4. The Configuration of the Exhaust

If you want to pick the best aftermarket exhaust system for your Corvette, you must check the setting. The most popular setups are the dual exit, dual crossover, dual and single.

The single system:

• Is the most common and includes muffler with an exhaust tip

• Provides a significant upgrade in performance over the stock exhaust

• Is less expensive

• It’s lighter weight than dual rear systems.

The dual systems:

• Are the most popular

• Have two separate pipes running from the headers to the exhaust tip

• Have a sporty look

• Have potential for pressure imbalance (downside)

(It is crucial to gain information about what each type offers before you settle on a particular one.)

5. Exhaust Material

The material from which an aftermarket exhaust is made differs slightly from that of the stock exhaust. Most stock systems are made from mild steel while most aftermarket systems are made from stainless steel.

Mild steel is cheaper but will erode with time.

Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for snowy and rainy climates.

6. Exhaust Manifolds

Exhaust manifolds are crucial because they scavenge exhaust gases from the chambers of combustion. They are bolted to the cylinder heads and are the first components to come into contact with the gases. Aftermarket manifolds are mandrel-bent to minimize the exhaust restriction.

7. Downpipe

Downpipes are also known as headpipes, and they are the link between the manifolds and the mufflers. In between the two points is a catalytic converter (whose presence depends on the specific application).

8. Catalytic Converter

One way of knowing if your car needs an exhaust system with a catalytic converter is to check its year of manufacture. If it was made after 1975, there is a high probability that it came equipped with the device. A catalytic converter plays a significant role in controlling how your vehicle releases emissions into the air.

One other reason why you need a catalytic converter is that the law stipulates so. Federal and state laws dictate that your car must have the device if you are driving on public roads. Their function is straightforward; it converts exhaust gases into oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen before releasing them to the air.

9. Muffler

The muffler reduces the noise your engine produces. The description of its function may sound simple, but its actual performance is very complicated. The best aftermarket exhaust systems come with a combination of chambers, baffles, perforated tubes and sound reduction material.

Different exhaust tones are created by configuring the components in various combinations. A well-made muffler should produce a good sound without creating too much backpressure (which steals power).

10. Crossover Pipes

If your exhaust system is the dual type, there needs to be a balance of the exhaust flow, and this balance is achieved through crossover pipes. They reduce the uneven flow of the exhaust gases from the engine cylinders.

Crossover pipes give the exhaust pulses an avenue through which to travel on both sides of the system. They serve to reduce backpressure and prevent exhaust build-up. Two common types of the pipes are H-pipes and X-pipes.

11. Tailpipe

The tailpipe is the last thing you will need to check on the exhaust system checklist. It is the piece that runs from the muffler to the back of the vehicle, and many are polished or coated with chrome.

You can buy the tailpipe separately so that you get to choose the finishes that appeal to you.

12. Your Budget

Doing away with the stock exhaust may not be a cheap affair, especially if you want your customized exhaust to produce the sound you’re looking for. There are tons of options out there, all of which come with a cost to consider before you head down this path.

13. Taking Care of Your New Aftermarket Exhaust System

If you want to get the most out of your exhaust system, you need to take good care of it. Once it has been installed, drive gently for the first few outings. Have a keen ear, listen for any leaks under the system and check for leaks when the car is idling, too.

If you find a leak, realign or tighten the exhaust accordingly. Take note of any banging or rattling sounds on the underside of the car, as well, since they could be indicative of mountings or adjustments that need added to hold the exhaust in place.

Periodically check to see that the connections remain securely and tightly fixed.

Best Aftermarket Exhaust - Take Away

There are good reasons why you should add an aftermarket exhaust system to your Corvette, and the benefits certainly outweigh the inconvenience of shopping around until you find one that suits your car. Sound improvement, changed appearance and increased performance are among the benefits you will derive from the new system.

By choosing the best aftermarket exhaust system for your Corvette, you are basically ensuring increased longevity. Aftermarket exhaust systems are made from stainless steel, which is made to resist wear and tear, as opposed to the stock systems that use mild steel that deteriorates over time.

With the above tips for choosing an exhaust system, it is highly unlikely that you will go wrong in making the final decision. We have also made things easier for you with our collection of Corvette parts. Just place your order when you're ready to get started!