XLR Exhaust change.

[zeek]

I would like to get a more throaty sound out of my 05 XLR. I was thinking that since it is based on a Corvette chassis, would I be able to just buy an aftermarket exhaust system made for the Corvette? Also, is the XLR based on a C5 or C6 Corvette? What exhaust systems are popular with other XLR owners?

 

[cubby558]

Exhaust

Your best bet for exhaust change is Corsa exhaust. No drone and sounds great on the Northstar engine. Buying a Corvette system can be tricky, as the rear end measurements are different and the exhaust may not come out far enough. Corsa cat back system is made for the XLR.

 

[Stella]

I would like to get a more throaty sound out of my 05 XLR. I was thinking that since it is based on a Corvette chassis, would I be able to just buy an aftermarket exhaust system made for the Corvette? Also, is the XLR based on a C5 or C6 Corvette? What exhaust systems are popular with other XLR owners?

Zeek I had the same curiosity when I first got mine. I purchased a h pipe and axle over assy. from a 06 corvette. First I tried the axle over assy to see if a base vett muffler was any throatier. It was a touch but I wanted more. I then used the axle over tubes cut the c6 mufflers off and welded on a set of hooker mufflers. I went had the c6 h-pipe and axle over tubes/mufflers ceramic coated which helps with heat control. Sounds great looks great but it'll take alittle work to go that route.
As cubby stated the dimensions on everything is exactly the same except the distance from the muffler exit to the exhaust tips. There is no bumper on the c6 verses the xlr so the tips will not stick out past the bumper on a c6 version. Other than the tips their exactly the same.

To answer your question on what chassis the xlr is based off The c6. The base xlr has a c6 chassis along with the V. The base uses base c5/c6 brakes and the V uses the z51 vet package which has a larger rotors front and rear. A c5 exhaust system has a different exhaust configuration.
Hope this helps alittle good luck

 

[Eslic1]

Corsa or Magnaflow...

Your best bet for exhaust change is Corsa exhaust. No drone and sounds great on the Northstar engine. Buying a Corvette system can be tricky, as the rear end measurements are different and the exhaust may not come out far enough. Corsa cat back system is made for the XLR.

Yea, I agree... Although Corsa isn't the only option. I opted for the "Magnaflow" cat-back system and it looks and sounds wonderful and it was a huge difference from the factory sound. I love it.

 

[zeek]

Thanks for the input and advice guys. I have a friend who owns a muffler shop. He said he custom made a set of exhaust for an XLR once but I think I would prefer to go with something more factory like the corsa or magnaflow. Ill have to research prices and see which I can afford....

 

[Stella]

Your gonna want to be sitting down when you see the prices. Check ebay too seen a lot of good deals. Good luck

 

[HOMEGAMEROOM]

I was able to get a set of XLR-V mufflers on eBay for a cheap price (they fit the base model perfectly and installed very quickly!). I added a mild-to-wild setup so I could control the exhaust butterfly valves to go from factory quiet to factory loud. I'm very happy with my setup!!

 

[Phrede]

I was able to get a set of XLR-V mufflers on eBay for a cheap price (they fit the base model perfectly and installed very quickly!). I added a mild-to-wild setup so I could control the exhaust butterfly valves to go from factory quiet to factory loud. I'm very happy with my setup!!

+1 for the V exhaust with mild-2-wild.

 

[Bakertech]

Corsa Exhaust System.

Thanks for the input and advice guys. I have a friend who owns a muffler shop. He said he custom made a set of exhaust for an XLR once but I think I would prefer to go with something more factory like the corsa or magnaflow. Ill have to research prices and see which I can afford....

I don't recall the sound of the Factory Mufflers, but I do not like the sound of the Corsa setup I have on my 2008.
I prefer a V8 Rumble instead of a snappy stacatto drifter sound.

I do get a bit of resonance in the cabin. I find it too loud and unpleasant.
I don't know if the Corsa provides additional power but many of those claims are overstated.
I have not heard a Magnaflow setup.

Be very sure of the path you take.

Gord.

 

[Eslic1]

Youtube...

I don't recall the sound of the Factory Mufflers, but I do not like the sound of the Corsa setup I have on my 2008.
I prefer a V8 Rumble instead of a snappy stacatto drifter sound.

I do get a bit of resonance in the cabin. I find it too loud and unpleasant.
I don't know if the Corsa provides additional power but many of those claims are overstated.
I have not heard a Magnaflow setup.

Be very sure of the path you take.

Gord.

There's a few decent before and after videos on youtube. I just typed "Cadillac XLR exhaust" and they popped up. Yea, I didn't really care for the Corsa system either but like with most things it's all about which one you prefer. Hope this helps and happy hunting.

 

[Eslic1]

I agree...

Your gonna want to be sitting down when you see the prices. Check ebay too seen a lot of good deals. Good luck

Stella tells nothing but the truth...lol. Some of the pricing will make your knee caps pop off and roll under the car...lol. Although I got a really good deal from an ebay vendor it still was NOT (approx $1,000) cheap. PM me if you'd like the vendor's info.

 

[Phrede]

If a stock V exhaust is held in the open mode there can be some droaning with the top up at around 60 MPH. It is not a problem for me as I run mostly with the top down, hardly ever do 60 and can switch to quiet mode when it does happen.

Not sure how hard it would be to retrofit a V exhaust to a base model as far as hooking up the vacuum and electrical controls.

 

[Stella]

I don't recall the sound of the Factory Mufflers, but I do not like the sound of the Corsa setup I have on my 2008.
I prefer a V8 Rumble instead of a snappy stacatto drifter sound.

I do get a bit of resonance in the cabin. I find it too loud and unpleasant.
I don't know if the Corsa provides additional power but many of those claims are overstated.
I have not heard a Magnaflow setup.

Be very sure of the path you take.

Gord.

I can only speak for a base model I'm sure with the V there's gonna be a sound difference. I heard a base model with Corsa can say the only thing I liked about it was that it was rust free material. Stainless looks awesome but retains heat 10x longer than steel. When he got on it the sound was not deep at all almost rattly. Think you are close with those drifter wanna bees with a pop can for a muffler on them.
As for numbers ALOT of times you get more when used in conjunction with other parts like intake,headers,etc.
I'm sure you throw your setup on here it wouldn't last long.

 

[zeek]

Wow...I see what you mean by pricey..... even on Ebay they're going for close to 2K.....Ill have to shop around a bit more...but then again....Im starting to like the sound of my stockers!....

 

[Eslic1]

Video...

I can only speak for a base model I'm sure with the V there's gonna be a sound difference. I heard a base model with Corsa can say the only thing I liked about it was that it was rust free material. Stainless looks awesome but retains heat 10x longer than steel. When he got on it the sound was not deep at all almost rattly. Think you are close with those drifter wanna bees with a pop can for a muffler on them.
As for numbers ALOT of times you get more when used in conjunction with other parts like intake,headers,etc.
I'm sure you throw your setup on here it wouldn't last long.

I'm gonna have to do an after video of mine... I Did the before already so all I need to do is figure out how to upload them to the site.

Before and after "Magnaflow" install.

 

[MarkSki]

I installed a set of flowmasters on my 88 Vette and they sound like a V8 should (with a cam). I have not looked into anything for the XLR because the Mrs. wants it to be stock quiet.

I have not heard anything on an XLR because theause there is only one other than mine in my area and he is stock too. I have heard the Corsa on different year Vettes and they were veru loud and harsh shrill like a Lambo. Too shrill for me, too much of a cop attention getter.

Just sayin!

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

My 05 base had Corsa on when I bought it, I did not know it was aftermarket until later on! In any case I love it fairly mellow for main driving very little drone until you put your foot in it. I think it has a nice roar of heavy HP! Just my opinion but I'm happy it was on her when I purchased her!


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Dan & Wendy
"05 GRAND DADDY"

 

[zeek]

+1 for the V exhaust with mild-2-wild.

I like the idea of the mild to wild system....I think that's the route Im going to take....

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

I like the idea of the mild to wild system....I think that's the route Im going to take....

It's all about what you like! GO FOR IT!


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Dan & Wendy
"05 GRAND DADDY"

 

[hawkeye372]

I "want" but probably don't "need". But I think the rectangle exhaust tips would look better, with the kind of opening we base models have, for the rear bumper area. But again this is my opinion.


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