Exhale the Beast: LS3 Exhaust Comparison
By Hovig Baghoyan
When searching for a new exhaust, modders will run into many options. There are important things to consider when shopping around for your new exhaust system:
- Pricing
- Performance
- Sound
- Look
- Feel
Pricing can be a key component when searching for an exhaust system. Most cat-back systems range from $900 to well over $2000, not including installation. Always shop around with reputable dealers to find great deals. Saving $500 off MSRP is not uncommon if you do your homework.
In the looks department there are a handful of variations. Exhaust tips come in twos or fours with round, oval, and squares options. The decisions don't stop there, sizes ranging from 2.5" to 4" are also available.
Performance, sound, and feel sort of go hand-in-hand when it comes to exhausts. The less restriction a muffler has the louder it sounds and in many cases it equates to better performance. Most owners enjoy their Corvettes sounding loud, setting off alarms on every car they drive by, while others enjoy a deeper tone that mildly warns others that a beast is slumbering in their midst.
Bassani
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Name: Bassani Stainless Steel AFT-CAT Details: 2 1/2" diameter tube, 4x8 single muffler (muffler in tunnel location), quad 4" rolled edge slash cut polished stainless tips, stock location exit Power Gain: 12-14 HP / 7-9 ft. lbs torque Price/Power: $68/hp and $111/tq Price: $888.00 USD Media: Bassani Exhaust Rev Video |
Borla
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Name: Borla Cat-Back System w/ X-pipe Details: BORLA Cat-Back™ exhausts feature patented, straight-through and multi-core technology to unleash hidden horsepower. Ultra-smooth mandrel bends ensure maximum flow and power, and precision computer-controlled CNC manufacturing ensures an accurate fit. Power Gain: 12-15 HP (with X-pipe) Price/Power: $129/hp Price: $1,739.00 USD Media: Borla Exhaust Rev Video |
Corsa
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Name: Corsa Sport Mufflers with Quad Tips Details: CORSA uses its patented Reflective Sound Cancellation™ (RSC™) technology to eliminate low frequency resonance while minimizing backpressure. Sound waves are reflected within the muffler case, producing a cancellation wave effect-with no flow restriction and without electronic devices. Power Gain: unknown Price/Power: unknown Price: $1,439.00 USD Media: Corsa Exhaust Sound Clips |
Quick Time Performance (QTP)
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Name: Quick Time Performance (QTP) - The Screamer w/ electronic control Details: The Screamer is the only exhaust system that you can control from the driver seat. Go from Quiet to Riot in seconds. An electronic control module allows you to open and close two of the four exhaust tips giving you control of power and comfort. Power Gain: unknown Price/Power: unknown Price: $1,370.00 USD Media: The Screamer Exhaust Video |
