Chevy Corvette Exhaust System Tips

There’s no question that the Chevrolet Corvette represents the most affordable supercar option for the vast majority of drivers. The latest generation Corvette can be found in a number of different flavors, boasting a range of ultra-powerful V8 engines along with the kind handling and lightweight design that lets them hang with exotics on the track. Whether ordered in a fixed-roof coupe, targa or convertible body style, the Corvette provides serious bang for the buck.

Given its roots as America’s sports car, it’s not surprising that the Chevrolet Corvette has long been the target of aftermarket exhaust companies. Interestingly, exhaust choices for the ‘Vette seem to be primarily split between two camps: those seeking traditional muscle car sound and attitude and those looking for a more high tech, lightweight system aimed at squeezing out maximum performance.

Introduced in 2005, the C6 represents the most up-to-date edition of the Corvette, and it offers four engine choices:

• A 6.0L V8 found in 2005 to 2007 base models that offers 400 horsepower.
• A 6.2L V8 that replaced this unit for 2008 and up Corvettes, bumping production by another 30 ponies.
• A 7.0L V8 found in the track-ready Corvette Z06, tuned to provide 505 horsepower.
• Finally, a supercharged 6.2L V8 that grinds out 638 horsepower, nestled under the hood of the Corvette ZR1 supercar.

Replacing the stock exhaust system on a Chevrolet Corvette is largely a matter of personal preference. The factory pipes do sound good – especially with the top down – but some Corvette owners are looking for a little extra snarl. It is also possible to find serious amounts of additional power hidden in each of the V8 engines offered in the ‘Vette by adding headers and a front-to-back tuned exhaust system. This is particularly true of the supercharged ZR1.

The following aftermarket brands offer exhaust components and systems for the Corvette:

• BBK
• Magnaflow
• Flowmaster
• Borla
• Corsa
• Doug Thorley

Thanks to the reputation of Corvette owners as solid supporters of the aftermarket parts industry, there is no shortage of options when it comes to headers, mufflers and everything in between. In addition, Chevrolet offers an active exhaust system directly from the factory that improves power and sound over the standard mufflers, which is worth looking into.

Chevrolet Corvette Exhaust Recommendations

1. Street or track? If you plan on heading to the strip or the road course, then a full system that is lighter and flows better than the stock pipes will most likely be worth paying a premium for.

2. Supercharged? If forced induction is in your future – or if you are lucky enough to own a ZR1 – then you should also seriously consider a full system with headers, high-flow cats and tuned mufflers in order to help you make the most power possible.

3. Looks. A Corvette’s exhaust system is fairly exposed as it exits the car under the back bumper. There are some very attractive pipe and outlet tip combinations out there that can really dress up the rear of your ‘Vette.