$5,000 Rat Infested Corvette Gets A MASSIVE Sound Upgrade *NEW EXHAUST*

The finish line is getting close on the 2000 Chevy Corvette convertible that sat in a barn, got ate up by rats, then sat outside for years at a shop. Ratvette was only $5,000 and it's been a long road bringing it back to life. It's totally stock and sounds like a vacuum cleaner running when it starts up. We're going to fix that today with new headers and an axle back exhaust, this should help on the performance side, and the sound is so much better. Now it has a perfect deep exhaust note that's not overly loud and doesn't seem to drone in cruise control!
Hooker Blackheart 50 State Legal Headers:
www.holley.com...
Hooker Blackheart Axle Back Exhaust:
www.holley.com...
MERCH: shopWatchJRGo.com
Shop Motul: motul.com
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Common Questions:
What motorcycle do I ride? A few. Ducati 1198, Honda Goldwing, Honda Grom, Honda Ruckus
What do I do for a living? Make KZbin videos.
Can you wheelie? No, I suck.
Are you fast? Sort of. I suck mostly though.
Where can I keep up with you off the bike?
Instagram: WatchJRGo
Facebook: WatchJRGo (or JRGo, FB hates my branding)
Do you go to school? College, for 2 classes.
Why do you ride so dangerously? What do mean? I was doing 25.
Do you go to the track? Of course, hopefully there will be videos in the future.
Do you play video games? No, but I might stream N64 Goldeneye at some point. Twitch: WatchJRGo
Are you afraid the police will watch your videos and arrest you? Something something evidence something something warrants and due process of law
#CheapCar #Corvette #C5Corvette #oreillypowered

[@WatchJRGo]

The mid-pipe flanges are threaded and had to be saved... plasma and the cutting torch would've destroyed the flange. There's no real access in the tunnel. I have the ultimate cutting torch, there was no way to use it. 🍻

[@michaelnewton-1989]

Link to your off road channel? Can’t find it .

[@pppaybackkk]

You don't need to cut anything off. If you heat up JUST the flange, the bolts would come out easily with a ratchet. I agree a plasma torch would probably destroy everything; heat's too focused. The oxy/acetylene is easier to control. I just finished doing exactly this on my 257,000mi, 2001 Sonoma. Granted it's a west coast truck, but everything was still rusted solid. I wasn't there, but it didn't seem like too close to just warm up the flanges.

[@Kajemyster]

Hammer and chisel.

[@btol1]

Have you tried the rusty bolt removal tool, might be worth a try. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aarEaZmuop1soM0

[@rsole65]

When bolts are really rusty you need to not use a bloody impact! Cut off the tailpipe flanges with a torch then you can heat flanges you want to save easier. More skill less speed defeats the red menace😀

[@clifbradley]

JR sometimes has a laugh like an evil villain in a kids movie

[@craftsmanmcvmaxvon-cheroke6925]

Literally heard the evil laugh as I read your comment hahahah he should join the bad guys group in the Twinkie movie.... despicable JR!!!! HAHAHA AND then after his evil laugh he eats one of the Twinkie guys.....

[@lostforgottencars824]

Would like to see JR drive the Vette with white new balances and a tucked-in golf polo when this is complete.

[@ajvot71]

…and satin jacket

[@crownhic6827]

Don’t forget the khaki shorts 🩳

[@decafam3410]

Fanny packs are coming back - yo

[@robertwhall]

Hehheh. I’ve worn white New Balances and polo shirts since I was a teenager. Though I like Rockport deck shoes w/o socks also

[@henrymatthews9365]

Didn't Vice grip Garage do just that lol. Check it out if you haven't.

[@Jddvs]

Great improvement on the exhaust. It’s not too loud and gives it a nice “mellow” tone.

[@craftsmanmcvmaxvon-cheroke6925]

Your mom puts out a mellow tone.....you shoulda heard it last night.....they call her (your mom) mellow yellow!!!! God I love mellow yellow! But they always warned name that yellow number 5 was gonna give me ball cancer.....and my left one is really large!!! Like growing by the day....idk if it's ball cancer or elephantitious of the testis....either way not stopping mellow yellow is the shit!!!

[@sleepyhollow783]

Love the Vette's color scheme. Proper sound, not obnoxious. Great work ethic & positive attitude in the face of challenges.

[@cpscps2679]

That green ! Ugh !!! Needs to go to Hoovie's MAACO guy ! That exhaust sounds awesome.

[@shysgarage2405]

The most important tool you could have that would have exhaust off in 5 minutes is called a plasma cutter to cut it off... 🤷‍♂️

[@jackofalltrades8933]

Yep 👍

[@miguelare3]

That what I was gonna suggest great minds think alike!

[@zkdadof4]

Needs to fill time.

[@peterhavens1108]

Or an oxy/acetylene torch.

[@pppaybackkk]

At least oxy/acetylene. Heat up the exhaust flange cherry red, and the bolt will come out with a golden rachet.

[@thehomer5913]

I'm sweating having to just take off the EBCM on my '03, send it somewhere to fix it, then reinstall it. These videos are fun to watch but just make me shake my head at all the things I DON"T know how to do, and honestly, don't want to learn. I thought it was a big deal to simply add a multimeter to my tool collection! The one thing I DO have in common with this mechanical genius is finding myself in a much bigger project than I anticipated.

[@rickschwindt1691]

I got my Hooker Blackheart Axle Back Exhaust: installed yesterday. Sounds Awesome!!! Thanks for the heads up on this exhaust!!!

[@andytilley99]

Best upload in recent history....thing is you actually reach out and show people they can do it ....nice!!

[@billstreber5194]

JR number one rule when installing headers you're always started up with open headers lol I was waiting for that and it didn't happen

[@trickyricky12147]

This Corvette has definitely come long ways I must say

[@johnmiranda8287]

Man that’s the sound I’ve been wanting. I may have to swing by your shop and have a listen in person!

[@WatchJRGo]

I'll sell you the car 😛

[@etherealbolweevil6268]

The burnt out shell of Rod's Austin Maxi taught me all I needed to know about welding on cars.

[@squatch422able]

When you get to KC in the Lenexa area …come by Star Performance and Motorville we are a performance parts warehouse love to give you the nickel tour. Lots of the parts you use we sell and machine shops you deal with we sell to. Hope to hear from you

[@MrMattDat]

WOW! What a difference!!! While it took a lot more work than expected, that sounds great!!

[@ajw828]

Oh man, that thing sounds SOOOO good! Can't wait to hear it in person.

[@keithmason9342]

Wow! That exhaust fought you to the point of exhaustion. The final product was well worth the effort. It sounds great. Everything you do to that mistreated piece of ratbait brings it back to the car it should have always been. Great job JR. Love to watch you work.

[@shawangunk]

Under carriage dry ice detail for the Corvette. It’s a mobile service they will come to you it will be a incredible transformation. Would love to see it after It’s done. Make it happen Captain!

[@tkskagen]

Can't wait to see how you (and Crew) fix the Clearcoat Problem...

[@adamdg12]

prob a wrap

[@qunicetoole7497]

J.R you a lucky man to find a convertible 01 Corvette for $5,000 good grab!✌👍👍

[@richardfarmer6570]

Nicely done, that cold start sounded incredible.

[@Bobbybeb]

That is significantly better! It's surprising they didn't have that from the factory.

[@larrydeaton5452]

I have the Milwaukee impact in my Milwaukee power tool collection. It is a beast!

[@daviddavis1322]

Big Red the exhaust persuasion brand. Can't be tight if it's a liquid. Red hot wrench is best for exhaust.

[@ne2i]

wouldnt dream of removing an exhaust without a torch. Out in 5 minutes....

[@Bumblebee4788]

Back in the day , a torch man could burn them out without damaging the threads 🔥🔥🔥🌝

[@decafam3410]

Plans to remove that destroyed under-hood sound deadener?

[@jeesmith99]

Happy birthday. One of the best channels on KZbin.

[@peachfuzss7548]

I did the borla x pipe you cut in without changing the cats and it made mine sound so much cleaner at idle 👌. Love the c5 content btw

[@jeffb243]

Sounds great! I love the low rumble, instead of the high pitched raspy sounding exhaust most C5’s I’ve seen have!

[@nbrowser]

Ah the old "Mechanic Mantra" came out in force..."Every 20 minute job is a broken bolt away from being an all day nightmare"

[@thebonefish]

Bustin' nuts breaking bolts

[@enjoylife7030]

Kudos to you for finishing this job, 2 minutes in and I didn't think we would see a completed project by the end of video. Any plans for those rear wheels, they still look like they sit too far in the fender.

[@25Wineman]

Hi John watching from Ireland. Love the daily channel updates. Just a reminder Heads Up Display

[@mullinsjm1]

That vette looks so much better already

[@edpoints1127]

JR.... Get a pack of Lenox Gold Power Arc Thick Metal sawzall blades. Seriously, try them out. They will change your life as much as your Milwaukee tools did!!! I had the same struggle for years. Total game changer

[@gtametro]

ive been doing my exhaust and manifolds this week, im on day 5 one bank and pipe fully done, the other bank is loosely mocked up, i've had stuck bolts, broken studs, and im making all the hangers and wrapped the manifolds. was meant to be a 1 day job.

[@elvisroa9375]

Nardo Gray wrap with top delete! gloss black wheel powder coat and done!

[@bosmerfromcanada3878]

So heartwarming to see an old Corvette being brought back to life . She deserves love after all the years of abuse she took. May I ask, are you going to re-coat her with a new clear-coat or go full ceramic coating front to back?

[@JoshuasRecordings]

Now is the time for broken bolts. I just drilled the exhaust studs out of my Corvette stock manifold, broke 3 drill bits, 2 saw blades, and a blade shank. Thought that was hard to get to, kinda glad I don't have a C5. Oh, and Milwaukee power tools ftw!

[@SecondHandDIY]

you need a blue flame wrench a cutting torch set up bro make it much easyer to got that apart

[@kerrylewis2581]

One of my least favorite jobs is repairing or replacing an exhaust system. One of the most rewarding jobs also happens to be replacing the exhaust when done properly. The hours of aggravation and effort are quickly forgotten once you sit in the driver's seat and hit the road. Great choice, sounds amazing.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Great job John Ross, the car sounds awesome, just need to tackle that paint job now 😬👍🙂

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Well that took a minute. Ohh the challenge JR . So much work to sound better . You’re a trouper buddy. I would said aaaaah sounds good enough as it is .

[@troywhite76]

I'm amazed that none of the exhaust manifold bolts broke.

[@claysmell]

Would love to see Fuzzy Dice Projects show up one day

[@davidpearson85]

JR, mig welding should be pushed. It will flatten out. What you did looks tidy enough though! Maybe slightly too much wire but volts look spot on

[@kylemcweeny878]

Yea too cold

[@davidallen3158]

You need a Multi-Tool for those close up jobs. I love mine.

[@mikeanthonysarchives]

I wouldn’t necessarily worry about the emissions and keeping those catalytic converter‘s when you’re on video deleting the EGR system, part of the emissions testing, whether you delete it in the computer from seeing it or not. You can still upgrade the mid pipe with a high flow cats x pipe.

[@cppctek]

sounds soooo good! very good reputable exhaust company and i see everyone has loved them.

[@GenMaster124]

That V8 breaths so much better 😍😍

[@Shmity1962]

Hit them with a torch. My 25 year old Toyota exhaust bolts came right out and I reused them.

[@USA__WILL]

Weld looks cold for the thickness of that angle

[@adampopour8491]

Now you gotta add those motion raceworks valve covers and throttle body Cletus just dropped

[@WatchJRGo]

I don’t think I make that kinda power, that throttle body is wild 🍻

[@adampopour8491]

@@WatchJRGo it’s just to make it look fast lol

[@chevelleburke7252]

Wish i could of seen the vid more clear i think it was all the blue smoke everytime you reved the vett up lol

[@bmwloco]

My charger for my laptop is busted, so the last 23 minutes before going dark I had were watching your battle with rusted bolts. Apropos I think.

[@gvit001]

I have the same welder, bought the tig torch & pedal recently to learn that next.

[@alexmasse2858]

7:20 Welcome to the daily struggle of people in New England who own 20 year old vehicles

[@tbozzz8785]

Even 5-7 year old Ford's and rams are getting rough aswell

[@admranger]

Milwaukee Torch sawzall blades are the ticket.

[@pitty0979]

Grab some Diablo demon carbide blades for your recip saw.

[@jamescriswell1505]

Love the way it sounds. Can't wait to see what you do with the paint. I have similar problems with the clear coat on my vet and I want to see if anything can be done for it.

[@PaddyBoy644]

3:38 engaging safety squints.....😂

[@Irishjim401]

Might be a good excuse to invest in a plasma torch next. Would've made getting those bolts out go a little faster lol

[@ryanjoe1977]

looking good and would look good paint red and PURPLE pin strip and nice stereo and sub woofer

[@armandopatane5343]

I found with rusty bolts hand tools work best/..? Maybe because there not heating up and expanding

[@jaym9529]

Jr's Dr Evil laugh at the new exhaust sound. 🤑

[@tbozzz8785]

Well that's not harbor freight, so only imagine the cost of that ouch lol

[@uuwalnut]

Welding is tough! That looks awesome!

[@jamesrhodes6462]

Sounds Great. Next is paint. Then sell for a wi led profit.

[@billvanderpol]

Gas Axe for the bolts! System sounds great!

[@redherring395]

If you have a problem with your header bolts loosening up after you drive the car for awhile I would suggest switching to Stage 8 locking header bolts, the Stage 8 bolts will never loosen.

[@jean-marcandjoshua-petsjournal]

Looks beautiful JR. you have again done quality work.

[@mds2465]

Hey JR, not sure if you have an oxy acetylene torch but if you don't that would definitely be a very wise investment for you to have at the warehouse. Works every time on those rusty and/or seized on exhaust bolts. I've been in that same scenario as you were here with the vette many times on both older and even newer cars where the bolts are just hopelessly seized in place, and it ruins my whole day every time. But having a torch like that will get the job done in no time.

[@Drewmk-sc9zv]

wow ,lovely sounding exhaust .

[@xarups]

3:50 - By the looks of it, the oil penetrant didn't "penetrate" the bolt. Either isn't a good brand, not enough oil or not enough time to do it's magic. Some bulky rusty boats from the 90's often requires that you leave it with penetrant from a day to another, to make sure it lubricated properly. Just give it a try that way and see if it works. Torch often makes more mess then helps. I would keep it as last resort only.

[@Fony_turgeson]

heat works well like from a torch on those bolts and exhaust

[@Fony_turgeson]

ok so u said u used heat lol didnt see it tho

[@Fony_turgeson]

then i saw the baby torch you need an acetylene o2 torch bro

[@69Dartman]

If you live on the west coast old cars are in way better shape because we don't salt the roads. You still see rust but nothing like cars from back east. At least you have the awesome warehouse and lifts now so you can work on anything, any time, and have a safe dry place to leave everything when you've had enough for the day. Good battle but you won.

[@gunder3]

Fair play to you, content every day.

[@djborud]

You gotta take the C 5 to the Maaco that painted Hoovies Purple Porsche!

[@anthonyharris7679]

Where is your hearing protection???!! You'll lose most of your hearing very soon...so preventable. Come on JR! You can do it! :-)

[@cabelas1987]

I never understand why folks choose to permanently lose their hearing through damage, instead of losing it temporarily while they wear hearing protection. Our senses are so precious, you can't just get replacement hearing parts from O'Reilly's

[@wriddle082]

Milwaukee should make a Golden®️ Impact, endorsed by you!

[@daveblack5109]

Being successful with older cars and repairing / maintaining them cheaply requires that you be a 'Black Belt' (8th Dan) in seized bolt removal because it sure can soak up the hours. which must be an anathema to some one like JR who is obsessed with things being done quickly... Relax and take a breath JR , 5 minute exhaust changes on old cars which then take all day are where the entertainment (and the skills) are at. Any idiot with a spanner can unfasten 'fresh' nuts and bolts.

[@baitse7676]

how about stocking more than one blade for the sawzall?

[@WatchJRGo]

I have a full box of them, if you ruin one you'll probably ruin them all 🍻

[@baitse7676]

@@WatchJRGo don't overheat the blade. don't try to cut welds, don't use wood blades for metals

[@mnewa]

You should go buy the Cleetus turbo kit and valve covers!!!!

[@p00ner]

What is that tool you use too clean the mating surfaces? The Milwaukee tool? I need a dewalt version of that since I already have their batteries

[@jwlindem1]

Sounds much better.

[@MrJav69]

How's the can crusher????

[@JackpotsAfterDark]

What a improvement. Well done

[@promationsystems]

JR - suggest some earplugs with all that noise!

[@victorsilveira3129]

Next time you are at Home Depot, check out Diablo blades they make a carbide toothed Sawzall blade.

[@bobbydsautorama2154]

You need an induction nut heater , it goes around the nut and makes it glowing orange.

[@kylemcweeny878]

500$

[@persrensen1157]

Yeah that's the sound of music. 👍👍

[@watsondna]

Nice header set-up!

[@lebushaw]

It's quieter than the stock exhaust~!

[@unstablebobgable]

If I could help Watch JR Goes install the exhaust on the Corvette I would drink the cold Bartle Skeets and puff on the Cannabis Cigars and get all schmoked up

[@rpavlik1]

I don't get the joke, why is this posted on every video?

[@unstablebobgable]

@@rpavlik1 It's what I would do if I could help Watch JR Goes. I would drink the cold Bartle Skeets and get all schmoked up.

[@gc3826]

The vette is starting to look very good…. 👍🏽😎👍🏽

[@sharonaultman8975]

Sounds respectable

[@kevinc31]

Love the c5 build

[@phillipgardner5836]

That thing sounds sweet now

[@PrincessTS01]

some get this man a plasma cutter

[@whollymindless]

You have to love sound system upgrades...

[@keithmabe6015]

Don't you have a cutting torch? that what I used when I did exhaust so much faster than that.