Stock exhaust: does the tone change?

[E.T.]

Just got the car and it's awesome, but it's quiet (I had a Corsa on my V6). Does the stock exhaust require some break in and will it sound a little better with time?

Not sure if I wanna shell out all that cash again for a Corsa system for such small gains. I hear this is one of the only catbacks where AFM and drone aren't issues. Thinking I might be better off going axleback, but again, I don't want drone or AFM issues. I've been reading a lot about the AFM sound being very annoying w/some systems.

[motorhead]

Mine got a lot better after a set of SLP loud mouths. I wouldn't expect any big changes in sound unless you look to the aftermarket.

[its a syn]

Some go muffler delete and like it, I've heard one and sounded great from outside don't know about inside sound.

[06blownSS]

I had my borla in my garage before I took delivery of my car

[SSGUNNER]

Yes within time it might get a bit deeper but nothing fancy. If you want true V8 muscle then after market is ur best bet.

Im going for flowmasters AT.

[Powhusku]

Headers and/or high flow cats can really improve the stock exhaust note. Good way to go if you want a power increase with your new sound. If you don't want to void your warranty with the headers you can buy some shorties which wont void it but will still change/improve the exhaust note.

[E.T.]

I liked my Corsa on my V6, but emailed them about the SS and they said:

"Retail pricing, depending on applications start at $1,599.99 to $1,799.99."



That's pretty pricey considering minimal gains. Just driving the car a little bit, I can definitely tell I will have to do something about the exhaust. Part of the reason I wanted the 8 was for the sound. As it is now, this thing is quieter than my 6!

I will search the threads more, but maybe someone can point me in the right direction. I like the "classic" V8 sound...low and rumbly, but I don't want it to be obnoxiously loud.

[Powhusku]

Look into the Borla S-Type. Great sound, and not obnoxious. You can get it in axelback form which will cost a lot less and still give out almost the same sound. However, I went with corsa because they promise no drone and really do work, which is great since I plan to get long tube headers which will cause tons of drone.

[gorgeous-ss]

If you want good sound I would look into stainless works retro chambered.
I have that and love it but for some it might be too loud if you decide to go with long tube headers

Sent from my Eris using Tapatalk

[axis]

The problem with the A6 and AFM is that ANY aftermarket exhaust is going to sound crappy when AFM is active. If you want a minor change that isn't going to cost you a lot, the resonator/H pipe replacement with a true X pipe is a noticeable difference but not too drastic. I went with the Dynomax VT axleback and love it. It doesn't drone at all and can be had for around $400. At cruise, it's as queit as stock but open it up, and it sounds mean. Not sure how it sounds with active AFM since i've had it tuned out for a while now.

[rberns]

No, your stock exhaust will not get any louder. I have not notice any differents. Solo Performance with J pipes is another really good exhaust system with the no drone. The J PIPES is what prevent the drone noise in their system and they are around $900 for cat back. You may always find an exhaust system cheaper on this forum from a vendor than buying one from the manufacture.

[E.T.]

Thanks for all the info. I didn't realize that AFM was such a troublemaker It's ok, I will still take it over my V6 I don't know why Corsa quoted me such high prices...I found several place online with free shipping for about $1200. Still a lot compared to other systems, but it really was drone-free on my V6, and supposedly it doesn't sound bad when AFM switches on & off. I might just have to bite the bullet and do it eventually.

Is the Corsa really loud? It sounds pretty loud in the youtube clips. On the V6, it was a little louder than stock at idle, and there was a nice rumble when cruising, but not at all intrusive. When I got on the gas, the thing really screamed. Basically, it was a loud-when-you-want-it-to-be system. Is it the same deal on the V8?

[IROCanSS]

Hey E.T. Do yourself a favor and take your time. Just bc you liked Corsa on you LT doesn't mean you will on your SS.

Go to some shows and check out what people have. Ask then to start it up. Ppl love to show off their mods. Once they do, tell them it sounded great (even if it sounded like drunk cats crying). Keep track of what you like and what you didn't.

Exhaust is a pricey item do make sure you pick the right one first. Took me about a year to finally decide. DO NOT take anyone else's word for it that you will like it and DO NOT base your purchase off Internet videos. Such bs there. How can you really get a feel for it off computer speakers??

Unfortunately with the AFM you're either going to get poor sound in 4cyl mode or have to tune it.

Best of luck.

I have LT headers, flowmaster AT and DMH cutouts. My car sounds deep and rumbly. Exactly how I wanted it!

[E.T.]

Originally Posted by IROCanSS

Hey E.T. Do yourself a favor and take your time. Just bc you liked Corsa on you LT doesn't mean you will on your SS.

Go to some shows and check out what people have. Ask then to start it up. Ppl love to show off their mods. Once they do, tell them it sounded great (even if it sounded like drunk cats crying). Keep track of what you like and what you didn't.

Exhaust is a pricey item do make sure you pick the right one first. Took me about a year to finally decide. DO NOT take anyone else's word for it that you will like it and DO NOT base your purchase off Internet videos. Such bs there. How can you really get a feel for it off computer speakers??

Unfortunately with the AFM you're either going to get poor sound in 4cyl mode or have to tune it.

Best of luck.

I have LT headers, flowmaster AT and DMH cutouts. My car sounds deep and rumbly. Exactly how I wanted it!

You're right, it's a tough decision.

Is an axleback system a better choice of I don't want to tune out the AFM? Maybe a tune will happen in the future, but at this point, I'm just thinking exhaust and CAI, and call it a day