Although there is nothing wrong with a stock Corvette, some owners want to truly make their car their own. There are several ways of adding your own flair to your vehicle — from inconspicuous interior detailing to flamboyant paint jobs, with everything in between. No two owners will customize their Corvette the same, even though some modifications are more popular than others.
One of the most popular modifications in Corvettes is the exhaust system. The huge amount of exhaust systems available for the C6 Corvette, as well as their several different features, makes changing the exhaust system a very sought-after modification and one that will give owners a personal touch to their car.
Exhaust for C6 Corvette — Comparison Table:
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
stainless steel  | SLP Performance Parts 31077
| Check Price |
2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette  | Borla 11815
| Check Price |
Axle-Back Exhaust  | Borla 11822
| Check Price |
2009-2013 Chevrolet Corvette  | NXTSTEP PERFORMANCE Axle Back Exhaust EX3033A
| Check Price |
Oval Tips Exhaust For C6 Corvette  | SLP Performance Parts 31078
| Check Price |
Best Choice  | CORSA 14169
| Check Price |
However, the huge amount of exhaust systems might turn this modification into a very complex headache. C6 Corvette owners want the best exhaust system for their vehicle, but choosing the best one is not as simple as it seems.
In this article, we will guide you through some of the best exhaust systems for the C6 Corvette and let you know everything you need to know in order to choose the right exhaust system for you and your vehicle.
Review of Top-Rated Exhaust Systems for C6 Corvette:
- CORSA 14169
(Best Exhaust for C6 Corvette) - SLP Performance Parts 31077
(Best Exhaust System for 2005-2008 C6 Corvette) - Borla 11815
(Axle-Back Exhaust for C6 Corvette) - Borla 11822
(Exhaust for Z06/ ZR1 7.0L/ 6.2L V8 Corvette) - NXTSTEP PERFORMANCE EX3033A
(Stainless Steel Exhaust System for C6) - Billy Boat Performance Exhaust FCOR-0410
(Performance Exhaust for C6 Corvette)
1. SLP Performance Parts 31077 – Best Exhaust System for 2009-2013 C6 Corvette
This exhaust system’s name probably says it all. The SLP 31077 Loud Mouth will make everyone turn their heads to look at your car due to its sound. The deep powerful rumble this SLP exhaust system makes might not be for every owner since it definitely is a very loud exhaust system.
If you are worried about noise complaints from neighbors or if you dislike overly loud exhaust systems, then this is not the exhaust system you should consider. There is absolutely zero sound dampening and the car will be loud regardless of whether you’re idling or driving at top speeds.
- Exhaust System, 2005-08 C6 Compatible with/Replacement for Corvette LoudMouth
The SLP Loud Mouth lives up to its name and is aimed at the crowd that likes to really hear their car.
Besides increasing the loudness of your car, this exhaust system also increases performance. The SLP 31077 Loud Mouth increases engine performance by up to 12 horsepower due to its increased air intake.
The build quality of this exhaust system is very good. The exhaust system is made of stainless steel and features a modular design that allows you to easily change the mufflers.
This C6 Corvette exhaust system is also for the 2009 to 2013 versions of the vehicle.
Pros:
- Greatly increases the sound of your car
- Improves engine performance
- Modular design allows for easy switching of some components
2. Borla 11815 - Axle-Back Exhaust for C6 Corvette
Although no specific value is given, Borla says that their exhaust systems usually increase horsepower by 7 to 10%. Some type of increase does make sense since most aftermarket exhausts increase engine airflow and beef up engine performance if ever so slightly.
Besides the increased performance (in part due to Borla’s high-flow technology) there are two other features that set this Borla exhaust system apart from many others: the sound and the increased fuel economy.
- T-304 Stainless Steel
- Bolt On Installation
- All Welded Construction
- Made In USA
- No Drone Guarantee
Talking about fuel economy in a system that’s designed to increase the combustion rate of the engine might seem counterintuitive; however, Borla uses patented and award-winning technology that makes it so.
The only problem with it is that they don’t talk about any values at all. But the awards should speak for themselves — and what’s not to like about increased performance and fuel economy?
Sound-wise, the Borla 11815 S-Type II completely changes the note of the C6 Corvette exhaust system. This change covers the entire RPM range but is more accentuated over 3500 RPMs. At low RPMs there’s little to no drone — you won’t be annoyed by unwanted sounds while idling or when at cruising speeds. However, this exhaust system really shines when you ramp up the RPMs.
When pushing the throttle, the sound of the C6 Corvette becomes menacing and very loud.
This stainless-steel exhaust system should last for the lifetime of the vehicle and fits every 2005 to 2008 Corvette.
Pros:
- Increased performance and fuel economy
- Great sound throughout the entire RPM range
3. Borla 11822 - Exhaust for Z06/ ZR1 7.0L/ 6.2L V8 Corvette
Let’s get the Borla guarantee straight out of the way first: yes, the Borla 11822 Rear-Section Exhaust System also increases your horsepower by up to 10%, and yes, it lowers your fuel consumption as well. Borla claims that most of their exhaust systems do that, and this one is no different from the Borla 11815.
What’s different then? Well, the Borla 11822 is completely focused on sound. The 11822 is an ATAK exhaust, which means that it is going to be very loud. If you don’t know, ATAK stands for Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics and is a patented exhaust design by Borla.
Some brands are “one size fits all” when it comes to exhaust systems in similar vehicles, but that’s not the case with Corvettes. And, Borla knows it. Borla designs different exhaust cores for different versions of the same vehicle. In this case, the C6 exhaust core is different from a C5 or C7 exhaust core.
Since they build the exhaust cores with specific vehicles in mind, they can fine-tune them to get the best possible sound.
- Fits: Corvette C6 ZO6/ZR1 7.0L/6.2L V8 MT rear wheel drive 2-door
- Double round rolled angle cut
- 301 series stainless steel
- Emissions legal and CARB approved in all 50 states
- Four 4.25 inch round tips
Borla ATAK exhaust systems are designed for those who want to have the loudest possible sound in mind. These exhaust systems really focus on decibels and pump them right up to the maximum level allowed by law. The 11822 is tuned so that the sound does not lose quality at higher volumes, unlike how some other exhaust systems tend to do.
The Borla 11822 is for those who prefer to hear their car over the radio. The worst part about this system is that it comes with welded tips, but it’s a decent enough trade-off if you’re looking for the best possible (and loudest) sound for your Corvette.
Pros:
- Sound remains clear even at high decibels
- One of the loudest exhaust systems available for the C6 Corvette
4. NXTSTEP PERFORMANCE EX3033A - Stainless Steel Exhaust System for C6
The NXTSTEP PERFORMANCE EX3033A is the go-to exhaust system if you are on a budget but still want to improve the sound of your vehicle.
This exhaust system is louder than the stock Corvette exhaust but not overly so. It won’t get as loud as a Bigmouth or as a Borla system with ATAK technology, but then again, it usually only costs half as much as those systems.
The NXTSTEP PERFORMANCE EX3033A has a pleasant rumble throughout every gear and a fuller sound when compared to the stock option. The negative side is that there is a slight drone when idling or even when cruising down the road, but that is to be expected with these less expensive options.
- NXT Step Performance Exhaust System is compatible with 09-13 C6 Corvette. Excludes ALL ZR1 and Z06 Models
- Constructed of High Polished Stainless Steel
- Features T304 Stainless Steel Quad tips with 4" Dual Wall Tips
- Exhaust Note Without Resonance
- Direct Bolt-On Installation using Factory Hangers
Another negative of this exhaust system is the fact that it doesn’t really improve the engine performance. More airflow should equal more power, but we didn’t find that to be the case with this exhaust system — at least not on any noticeable level.
Still, what it does, it does well. This exhaust system is a great buy for those who want to spend a little less but still have an aggressive sounding vehicle.
Pros:
- Excellent budget option
- Pleasant rumble louder than stock
5. Billy Boat Performance Exhaust FCOR-0410 - Performance Exhaust for C6 Corvette
The Billy Boat Bullet Axle-Back exhaust system offers both increased performance and a more aggressive sound for your C6 Corvette.
Despite also being excellent on the sound side of things, let’s first focus on the amazing performance improvements that this exhaust system provides. Billy Boat’s exhaust system increases engine performance by up to 18 horsepower and 19 ft. per lbs. of torque. It’s the only exhaust system on our list to beat the Corsa performance-wise, even if not by that much.
No products found.
If you’re just looking for raw performance, then this is the exhaust system to consider. However, you should also factor in the sound aspect: although it sounds great, the Billy Boat Bullet isn’t the loudest or the more aggressive sounding exhaust system on our list.
Don’t get us wrong, this exhaust system sounds great and is plenty loud. It will definitely make everyone notice your car coming down the road, but it’s not the system you should look into if you’re mainly worried about sound. On the plus side, there is little to no exhaust drone.
If you just want the performance improvements but would prefer a quieter vehicle, then you should know that this exhaust system allows you to add resonators to the x-pipe, which will dampen the sound by a few decibels.
Overall, this stainless-steel exhaust system is a must consider if you are strictly looking for performance improvements.
Pros:
- Improves engine performance
- Offers the option to dampen the sound of the exhaust system
6. CORSA 14169 - Best Exhaust for C6 Corvette
First and foremost, you should know that the Corsa 14169 Pro-Series exhaust system only fits 2005 to 2008 C6 Corvettes. If you have a different C6 Corvette, then you will need to get a different exhaust system.
This high-performance exhaust system is a great choice for owners who are looking for both increased performance and a more aggressive sound.
On the performance level, we are looking at a 35% airflow increase. This airflow increase results in up to 12 more horsepower and 13 ft. per lbs. more torque. Sound-wise the Corsa 14169 offers an aggressive-but-not-too-aggressive sound. Regarding loudness, it’s somewhere around the middle range of the stock C6 Corvette exhaust system, but with a deeper and more menacing note.
- Dual walled design protects against heat distortion
- Adorned with high definition, precision laser engraved CORSA logo
- CORSA Performance tip kits are designed to fit directly to CORSA exhaust systems
- Premium Stainless Steel Construction
- Clamp-On Tip Design
Although the sound of the car is more pronounced, there is no resonance at regular cruising speeds. The sound is not unbearable either. It is more aggressive and deeper, but not overwhelmingly so.
The Corsa 14169 is made of stainless steel and has a lifetime warranty, so you shouldn’t have any problems longevity-wise. Its dual wall design also protects the exhaust system from heat distortion, making it a great purchase if you are looking for durability.
This Corsa exhaust system allows you to customize your exhaust system even further with its clamp-on tip design. This design lets you quickly change the exhaust tips allowing you to change the looks of your vehicle as well as its sound.
Pros:
- Improves engine performance
- Clamp-on tip design
- No drone
Conclusion
Choosing the right exhaust system for your C6 Corvette will depend on what qualities you are looking to improve. Although the stock car sounds great and has great performance, some owners want to make their vehicles even better. Depending on whether you want to improve the performance or the sound of your C6 Corvette, there are different options you should consider.
If you’re looking for the best possible performance improvements and don’t care much about the sound, then we found the BILLY BOAT BULLET AXLE-BACK EXHAUST with 4.5” TIPS fits 2005-2008 CHEVROLET C6 CORVETTE to be the best exhaust system for raw performance. It isn’t the best sounding one, but it is the one that will get you the best engine performance.
If, however, you are looking for the best performance coupled with great sound, then you really can’t go wrong with what we consider to be the best exhaust system available for the C6 Corvette, the Corsa 14169 Pro-Series 2.5” Stainless Steel Sport Axle-Back Exhaust System Kit for Chevy Corvette.
This exhaust system will give you almost as much power as the Billy Boat exhaust system while sounding way better.
If you are strictly focused on sound and want the loudest, meanest exhaust system available, then you should consider the Borla 11822 Rear-Section Exhaust System for corvette C6 ZO6/ZR1. This Borla exhaust system is as loud as the Loud Mouth (another great option if you’re looking for sound) but the sound remains clear even when you’re revving up the engine.
There’s also an option for budget-conscious people. Although not as good as the other exhaust systems on our list, the NXTSTEP PERFORMANCE Axle-Back Exhaust compatible with 2005-2008 C6 Chevy Corvette EX3033 offers unparalleled sound improvement when you consider its price.
In theory, it should also increase your vehicle’s performance, although we didn’t find any noticeable improvements. Still, it’s a great option if you are on a budget.
As you can see, even though choosing the right exhaust system for your C6 Corvette is not the simplest of tasks, knowing what you want your exhaust system to do makes everything easier. Stop and think about your car and its exhaust system: are you a sound or performance guy? Once you know the answer, you can choose the right exhaust system for you and your vehicle.
Exhaust For C6 Corvette — Buyer’s Guide
Why change a C6 Corvette exhaust system?
There are two main reasons behind buying an aftermarket exhaust system for a C6 Corvette: power and sound. Some Corvette owners are looking to give their car extra power, while others want the car to sound meaner. Some want both.
There is nothing wrong with the stock exhaust in most Corvettes. As a matter of fact, nowadays, Corvettes offer plenty of built-in options regarding the exhaust system, allowing you to keep the valves open most of the time (making the car sound more aggressive and increasing the engine airflow) or to keep them mostly shut.
However, installing an aftermarket exhaust will often increase the power and the sound of the vehicle when compared to the stock option.
Although some Corvette owners are just looking for a deeper and meaner exhaust note, the added performance is nothing to laugh at — an aftermarket exhaust system often has a more efficient exhaust route which allows your engine to clear gases faster and take in more clean air.
This extra air will help burn more fuel, creating more power and increasing your engine performance in the process.
Of course, some owners just want their exhaust to look cool. If that’s the case, then maybe you shouldn’t invest in an entire exhaust system and should look into exhaust tailpipes.
How to choose the right exhaust system for a C6 Corvette?
There is no right exhaust system for a C6 Corvette. The best exhaust system for you will depend on what you want your exhaust system to do. Your options will change depending on whether you want your car to sound more aggressive or you want to increase your engine performance (or even both).
One thing you should always keep in mind, regardless of the purpose of your aftermarket exhaust system, is the material it is made out of. You should look for an exhaust system made out of stainless steel or aluminized steel. These materials are expected to last as long as your vehicle will.
If you’re looking for power, then be sure not to buy an exhaust system with a crush bend. Crush bends restrict the airflow and decrease your overall engine performance.
Will a C6 Corvette exhaust fit a C5 Corvette?
It is not advisable to try to fit a C6 Corvette exhaust system in a C5 Corvette. Besides being a very tight fit, the exhaust ports won’t match the ports on the block. Also, you might need to resize some parts to make them fit.
Long story short, a C6 Corvette exhaust will not fit on a C5 Corvette, unless you really want to go to the trouble of making sure that it does by modifying the system.
How to remove a C6 Corvette Exhaust
Removing the exhaust system of a C6 Corvette is not very difficult.
The following are the essential steps to remove the exhaust system of a C6 Corvette. We assume that you have the required technical knowledge to do so.
- Remove the bolts that connect the H-pipe to the cat
- Loosen the pipe clamps that connect the H-pipe to the over-axle pipe
- Push the H-pipe forward to release it from the over-axle pipe
- Push the mufflers forward until the mounting hangers are released
- Clear the axle pipes from the axles
However, if you don’t know what you’re doing then you should get your exhaust removed by a professional at a shop.
Table of Contents
