AWE C7 Corvette Z06, ZR1, GS Axle Back Exhaust Install + First Drive! How Much Louder Is It?

[@Team512]

What do you guys think of the sound of the AWE axle back?

[@frontxxrunner]

You know damn well it sounds awesome. 😁 I wouldn't worry about decibels as much. Definitely more of a quality vs quantity here. But maybe instead of a quick pedal push which can be a random variable, you establish a control, such as sound level at 4k rpm, if you're really looking to compare.

[@Team512]

That’s a great idea. I admit this test was not very scientific. 🤓 I agree even more that it’s really about quality rather than quantity. I just renewed my Sirius subscription. Don’t know why...I’ll never listen to the radio again. 😂

[@frontxxrunner]

@@Team512 LOL I find myself having to remember to not try to let my stereo compete with my exhaust because my ear drums pay the price

[@bombvoyage8207]

Ayt. I take it back after I saw this Vid.. AWE systems are Fire! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Team512]

Ha! AWE is killing it on the C7. We just put one on HPO’s ZR1.

[@carzguyz5142]

Had a blast helping you with the Axle Back bro. We're having way too much fun Scott. Holy Smokes !!! The car sounds amazing. Thanks man. 😉👍

[@Team512]

Thanks for your help bro! Way too much fun. 😂 Looking forward to getting you to 1000!

[@jameswalton8927]

carguy I got 1 problem you didn't have your seatbeat on

[@jameswalton8927]

i see you put it on after a few miles down the road

[@Team512]

He’s still learning...😂

[@PatsGarageOnline]

It's awesome to see JT on your channel! Such a great personality to have in the garage providing much needed assistance with the exhaust swap!

[@Team512]

JT is the best! It was great having an extra set of hands for this install. 👍

[@nocostingray7178]

As a new owner of an 18 Stingray, I have loved your content and have taken the AWE pill based off this vlog. What a difference it made! WOW.

[@Team512]

Awesome man! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel. I appreciate the kind words and the feedback. More AWE content coming soon. Stay healthy!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

That thing sounds SO mean! Wow! What an upgrade. And, I'm happy to hear you don't have drone. I hated that about the Borla on my old C5 with TPIS long tube headers, free flow cats and X pipe, to the point where I didn't want to drive it.

[@Team512]

Good point. I had billy boat bullets on the C5 when I first bought it. I had to swap in something with less drone. It was driving me crazy. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice the sound for my sanity on longer drives.

[@HorsePowerObsessed]

Sounds great, Scott! Those black tips are 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Team512]

Thanks! Can’t wait for you to take it for a rip! The sound is infectious. I don’t listen to the radio anymore. 😂

[@Steveleanr]

Had mine installed yesterday, holy moley, sounds even better in person!!!!!!!!!!

[@Team512]

Yezzzz!!!!

[@josephsanchez5351]

The absolute best sound anywhere any price !

[@Team512]

Agreed!

[@a.g.8343]

I just got my AWE Touring mufflers installed on my C7 corvette stingray that I purchased from FIVE 12 GARAGE. I am very satisfied. First, I had the catless Corsa long tube headers and x-pipe installed with the OEM mufflers. It definitely sounded more aggressive after that install. After I added the AWE Touring mufflers, my car sounds like a beast. I’m glad I chose the AWE mufflers over the Corsa mufflers. As he stated in the video, it definitely wakes up the car. I got heads turning at every intersection while I am driving. Crazy 😝!

[@a.g.8343]

Oh, and the black tips look so sexy on my C7. 😜

[@Team512]

Awesome man! Glad you like it. I love mine too! Can’t wait for the snow to melt so I can go for a rip.

[@JDM_MSK]

So glad I ordered my AWE from your store , cant wait to get it installed ! Nice thing is you can easily switch the touring exhaust to the track exhaust with the AWE conversion pipe, so from AWE you essentially have both types of exhaust. I'm definitely saving the stock exhaust bc if I ever go from my GS to the z06 I'm gonna put this exhaust in it.

[@petercarey6883]

And just when I thought every time JT would call and tell me he's got some market "tips" for me that I was getting black tips. I like yours better Scott because yours have reaped some dividends. 🤣 After just one after-install test ride with a "few" upshifts and downshifts, I know what's coming next for your GS. Here's the Thumbnail for same: "Thank you AWE, I now need a new clutch for my GS." 😉 Now THAT install would make for one helluva upload! As to the "Butt Dyno," I think it was really affecting JT during the ride and he's thinking, "please let my butt survive, I'm too young to die." Scott, are the tips fluted like the factory tips or straight? Great work guys and upload Scott. 👍👍 Save the Wave and remember to always, always release the e-brake first!😁

[@Team512]

JT’s facial expressions were certainly demonstrating some concern. Especially when we lost traction! He’s a good sport. Although I’m sure he’ll get his revenge the next time I ride in the might Zeus. The tips are straight, then narrow to slip fit the muffler exit pipes. They tighten down with individual band clamps. My garage is starting to look like a parts house!

[@jmrrogers]

My awe valve back is supposed to be showing up tomorrow for my c7 stingray. Waiting to see how it sounds I already have tsp long tube headers and x pipe. Great video!

[@Team512]

Thanks! You’re going to love the sound of the exhaust! Especially with headers and xpipe. There’s nothing like the first start with an exhaust mod. 👍

[@seansewell8489]

AWE and CORSA are the 2 best sounding exhaust system

[@johnglynn7795]

Very informative and thanks for sharing. With my 2019 ZO6 still under warranty; I will just have to wait and live with the stock exhaust! Blue skies, Jg

[@Team512]

Thanks! The scariest part was removing the lower rear fascia. The snaps and pops had me worried. 🥴I’m still under factory warranty too. But decided to go for it anyway.

[@sunnythomas4307]

I was told you can still change the x pipe and exhaust under the warranty as long as you don’t touch the cats up by the front. Have you heard that ?

[@Team512]

Technically a dealership can’t void a warranty if a particular modification doesn’t effect the warrantied part in question. For example, an exhaust mod can’t impact a leaky shock replacement.

[@frontxxrunner]

Sounds sweet, looks awesome. Good choice.

[@Team512]

Thanks! Yeah I’m loving the sound of this exhaust. They nailed the overall tone and fitment.

[@Matty.Garage]

Good job buddy! Clean instal and sounds great

[@Team512]

Thanks man! You need to drive the C7 next!👍

[@colemcmeans7809]

Sounds great on cam, love the pops. Can't wait to get some headers and cat delete.

[@Team512]

Thanks!

[@YellowVette04]

Sounds wicked bro. Decibels are logarithmic and not linear in value, so even a few dB is a big increase. I gotta get my car on your dB app so we can compare apples to apples.

[@Team512]

Thanks bro! The AWE exhaust is definitely louder than stock with xpipe, so that would make sense. Just ask my neighbors. 😂 Download the app for your phone and report the findings. It’s free.

[@YellowVette04]

@@Team512 you're phone might read different than mine, but I'll try it out and let you know if we need an official reading lol.

[@bmann792]

Cold tires . 18 hp cat back won’t make it all of a sudden spin the wheels. Sounds amazing

[@Team512]

I get excited easily. 😂

[@kylegrant6945]

Ok I got the AWE x-pipe and valveback installed and it sounds freaking amazing. I slipped in under the wife’s radar who is normally oblivious to mods and we went for a ride and she said this car sounds “Different” what did you do and I said “Nuttin” and she said yeah right....... the only question I have is I love the black tips but they don’t pop with shine especially after driving so I am wondering what do you do to polish them and hold a shine that pops? I was going to call Awe but hadn’t just yet.

[@Team512]

Haha! Nice work man! I just hit them with some simple green or waterless wash. They clean up nicely. I think AWE might be coming out with a product soon...

[@irvineoc4804]

wow great! that bubble!

[@Team512]

Haha! Yup!👍

[@robjordan204]

I have a 2015 Z51 ... Can someone PLEASE tell what exhaust is best for my car... I was stuck on the Corsa Extreme until I heard this AWE... HELP PLEASE

[@Team512]

Both are high quality systems, so you won’t go wrong with either choice. I’m partial to the AWE due to its construction in the US using USA steel, the no drone design, the appearance of the diamond black tips, and the overall sound. This thing sounds like a beast under acceleration!

[@killasmoke2142]

I got the awe for my camaro definitely deeper than the corsa which is raspy.

[@Team512]

I agree. I love the tone of the AWE! I bet it sounds awesome on your Camaro.

[@pedromarrero4199]

Great no question ask you guys are amazing 👍🏽

[@StreetProduction303]

Your officially the "Exhaust Man" on KZbin. Bigger tips.. thats what she said! 🤣

[@Team512]

😂😂😂How good does that exhaust sound tho! Loving this setup.

[@StreetProduction303]

@@Team512 sounds insane bro!!

[@Team512]

Street Production 303 Thanks bro!

[@josephsanchez5351]

Finally .Manly Exhaust !!

[@sunnythomas4307]

Do you recommend any shops they can put this on for me ? I’m from NY. Willing to travel to nj or even pa. Thank you

[@Team512]

You may want to reach directly to AWE. At one point they were doing installs at their HQ.

[@robjordan204]

Mannnnnnn.... i ordered the touring edition, Now you say the track is louder and has more pops.... Well, back to the drawing board...🤔

[@Team512]

IMO the Touring is the way to go.

[@dlang1009]

How long did the install take?

[@Steveleanr]

Is there much of a difference if you don't install the X pipe? I'm wondering if the sound is that much different than stock with only the AXLE back set up.......

[@Team512]

Realist Good question. I haven’t heard the exhaust without the xpipe but remember seeing a comment that said they were very similar sounding. You could reach out to AWE and ask. Cool guys over there.

[@stevengamble1550]

Is this with Factory X Pipe and Manifolds ? I was getting the touring edition for my C7 and wonder if the X Pipe and long tube headers would be worth the double cost of the project.

[@Team512]

Factory manifolds with the xpipe. I have a video with and without the factory xpipe. Not a huge difference in sound or volume.

[@JDM_MSK]

Damn man ur have me bout to get AWE over Corsa. Any idea of the HP gains with the AWE track edition and Xpipe ?

[@Team512]

I haven't dyno'd my car with either setup, but AWE claims something like 20hp +,- Hard for me to keep the AWE systems in stock over at my site, five12garage.com

[@JDM_MSK]

Five12 Garage Do you have the AWE Xpipe in stock ?

[@Team512]

Nope. I can’t sell them. Because of federal emissions regulations retailers are not permitted to sell the xpipes in the US. There are a few that skirt the regs, but I don’t want to deal with the potential headaches. I do sell the axle backs though. Hard to keep in stock!

[@JDM_MSK]

Five12 Garage wow so that should be the end of Xpipes nationwide from all manufacturers .

[@Team512]

@@JDM_MSK It's unfortunately heading that direction...

[@하드엔듀로흑형]

Do not connect variable valve wiring? Doesn't the warning light come on?

[@Team512]

Manual Grand Sports do not have AFM valves. So no need to worry about lights.

[@Steveleanr]

Will this work for CA emissions? This is just a cat back system, right?

[@Team512]

Yes correct. This is their Touring Axleback. You can leave all stock emissions devices in place.

[@robertcharette8022]

The AWE exhaust sounds great. I'm really thinking of getting the touring exhaust. Do I really need to change the X pipe to get the same sound as your car. I'm just not sure if I want to delete the lower cats with the new X pipe. Without the lower cats am I going to get a check engine light and will it pass emissions. I live in AZ

[@damianlopez6583]

The secondary cats are not monitored by car so they can be removed without CEL popping up after!

[@parboy183]

can you describe the process for removing the lower half of the bumper? I'm about to do this exhaust on my c7 and would love any tips you could share. Thanks!

[@Team512]

Sure! 1. Remove your license plate 2. Remove the 2 bolts behind it 3. Remove the 2 bolts above the exhaust tips 4. Remove the 10 bolts along the bottom of the valance 5. Reach inside the bumper from underneath and carefully pop out the vents on either side 6. Remove the reflectors by pushing out from the inside as well. This works best if you can let the car sit in the warm sun. Be careful tho. This step can be a little tricky 7. Remove the bolts from behind the reflectors 8. Now you're ready to remove the valance by carefully unclipping the top corners and pulling the entire thing away from the car Be careful. Take your time. Are you using a lift? The factory axleback might not clear the ground if you're using jack stands. Hit me up on Instagram or email me directly if you have anymore questions. Happy to help. [e-mail]

[@parboy183]

@@Team512 Thanks! Was planning on just using jack stands in my garage at home.

[@Team512]

Not saying it's impossible, but you will need to get the rear of the car pretty high in order for the exhaust tips to clear the ground when you angle them down. That, or you can cut the pipes. But that will effectively destroy the exhaust.

[@CorvetteFanMD]

During the video you mention that if you get the AWE X Pipe you retail the NPP functionality. Is that accurate? I purchased the AWE Touring exhaust and X Pipe (partly from your reviews!!). I am under the impression that I will be losing the stealth, touring, track sound options. Thoughts?

[@Team512]

Installing the xpipe will not remove NPP functionality. However, installing the Touring axle back will in fact disable NPP. Most consider it a worthy trade off as the driving experience is enhanced by a large margin. And you can really control the volume with your right foot.

[@CorvetteFanMD]

Five12 Garage thanks. That’s what’s I figured. I’ve had the exhaust in my garage for about 3 weeks now. Just waiting on the X pipe. Pretty crazy that this may be the last X Pipe I purchase. EPA cracking down. I guess they have nothing else to do. Let me know if you ever want to collaborate. I have a small start up channel also. I’m north of Baltimore.

[@Team512]

Sounds good man! Just checked out your channel. Nice work! Car looks great.

[@CorvetteFanMD]

Five12 Garage thanks Scott

[@alpha2047]

@@Team512 I was looking all over for an answer for this thx, not the answer I was hopeing for but atleast I know. Currently just have the x pipe, love the ability to open and close the valves.

[@CanadianSpeedster]

Any drone? I have the borla X-pipe. By far the best mod I’ve done. I could feel the better throttle response and power gain over stock. I think that’s where most of the power gain would come from between the x-pipe and axel back. I’m just curious how it will be paired with the AWE touring axel back for drone? Looking for a bit more sound but not too crazy…

[@Team512]

No drone on the touring. The track does drone tho. It’s been several years and I have both. Haven’t put the track back on because the touring sounds so good and does not drone.

[@CanadianSpeedster]

@@Team512good to hear there is no drone on the touring. Nothing worse that that. I had B&B bullet ob my C6Z06 and it was terrible for that lol.

[@sunnythomas4307]

I was debating between Corsa and Borla. After watching this video.... AWE CAN HAVE MY MONEY! I’m in Ny. Have any shops you recommend that can do the install?

[@ralphcruz8484]

What was the cost and why AWE didn’t install them

[@Team512]

I bought them directly from AWE and picked them up at their HQ. They don’t typically do installs and I like doing the work myself. So I tackled the install rather than paying someone.

[@keithvance3352]

What Lift are you using in your Garage?? And yes she sounds nice !

[@Team512]

Keith Vance Thanks! It’s a MaxJax M6. I have a video of the install on my channel as well. Best upgrade I’ve done to the garage hands down.

[@oswardg15]

Is there any difference in sound, installing the full catback on this instead the only axle-back?

[@Team512]

Very small difference.

[@BuildNMotion]

Hey man - so did you end up keeping the AWE? I just got it installed and really missing the NPP - thinking of changing it to the Borla Attack with Npp instead

[@Team512]

Yes. I actually still love the way it sounds. I never found myself using NPP. Sounds like you did tho. When did you use it most?

[@BuildNMotion]

@@Team512 starting up the car in the garage while others are asleep and when driving through my neighborhood late at night... also on long hwy cruises

[@Team512]

I’m with ya on the first one for sure. Cold starts are loud in the garage.

[@norge1956]

No go for me, Wouldnt have gave up the NPP.. Nice the have stealth when needed..

[@RelentlessDH]

Sounds great! What’s the set back on this system !!! I have a 17 GS as well !! I need to do the install with you lol

[@Team512]

lol! Thanks man! It's a killer exhaust! It makes the car feel completely different when driving. Best mod I've done by a long shot.

[@RelentlessDH]

@@Team512 also does your NPP still work this this set up? I'm so indecisive when it comes to deciding which exhaust set up. Its a HUGE commitment

[@Team512]

Ha! Yep. It’s definitely a huge commitment! You don’t want to mess this one up. 🤣 You lose the NPP functionality with this setup; however, I don’t miss it at all! Aside from louder cold starts, you have control over the volume using your right foot. And there’s no drone!

[@kylegrant6945]

Five12 Garage - you said on video to get the xpipe with axleback because it maintained NPP functionality. Your comments says just the opposite? Clarification?

[@Team512]

The AWE axle back eliminates the NPP functionality. There are a few aftermarket companies like Corsa and Akrapovic that have options to retain NPP.

[@drmayo10]

Hi I am looking to make a few upgrades on my 2018 Z06. I was considering the exhaust along with a cold air intake. And after this video I am also considering the AWE. I would like to keep the exhaust control function. What do you suggest.

[@JUNJUN-lw2vr]

That's the first time I've seen exhaust installed without taking the whole back bumper assembly off.

[@Team512]

Do you mean the upper part around the tail lights etc.? I’m glad we only had to do the lower fascia. Popping the panels off always makes me a bit nervous. Sounds like I’m breaking something! 🤣

[@JUNJUN-lw2vr]

@@Team512 I also have a grand sport, it has the borla x pipe. Would that touring exhaust bolt right on to the borla. I'm thinking it will cause it bolted on to the stock exhaust.

[@Team512]

Good question. The AWE xpipe bolted up to my factory axleback too. It’s a reasonable assumption that the borla would bolt to the AWE axle back. If I were you, I’d call support or shoot them an email before ordering. Is the Borla a full 3” xpipe? I thought it was 2.75” but I could be wrong.

[@JUNJUN-lw2vr]

@@Team512 yeah you are correct 2.75" diameter. Your exhaust sounds amazing. Do you have stock intake?

[@Team512]

Yes. Stock intake. AWE deserves the kuddos. They knocked this exhaust out of the park. It sounds even more amazing in person. I get compliments everywhere I go in this car.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Wow your Vette is barking. Maybe I should give it a go with my Vette.

[@Team512]

Ha! Thanks man. This AWE exhaust is unreal. Can't get enough of it. Totally changes the driving experience. And, no drone! Loud when you want it to be, quiet on the highway in 7th gear. 👍

[@americassportscar]

How do you clean and polish the black tips?

[@Team512]

I just spray them Simple Green and wipe with a microfiber towel. Others may have more sophisticated methods, but they don’t take much to shine right up.

[@keenanhairston212]

If you don't get x-pipe with it will it sound similar?

[@jimmywoods1906]

The touring vs track which one is louder and has more pops??

[@Team512]

The track edition is louder with more pops for sure. Do you have a C7? The AWE systems are top notch.

[@jimmywoods1906]

Team 512 I have a C7 Z06

[@Team512]

Nice! I was half asleep when I posted that comment...shoulda noticed your channel name. Lol.

[@jimmywoods1906]

@@Team512 i was going to go for Corsa but after hearing the touring the track will be insane paired with my borla x pipe. Plus this exhaust will save me over $1500 versus corsa.

[@Team512]

Jay ZO6 You will not be disappointed. I get compliments everywhere I go. Post up a video when you get it installed. 👍

[@pdrgaming3936]

Hey can anyone answer this, can you combine the AWE touring exhaust with a borla x pipe?

[@Cando79]

Do it drone??

[@jimmywoods1906]

What year GS?

[@Team512]

Jay ZO6 It’s a 2017.

[@jimmywoods1906]

Hmm questions how did you get the lower valence off without breaking the side end clips?

[@Team512]

I don’t quite remember. I followed the steps from the installation instructions and took my time. Did you remove your valence?

[@jimmywoods1906]

@@Team512 Not yet, i may get it installed from a local shop! just nervous and hope they don't brake any clips

[@Team512]

Yeah I hear ya. That’s the reason why I like to do all of my own work. I don’t remember those clips to be overly fragile like the interior ones. You should be ok either way. The biggest challenge is getting the rear of the car high enough to remove the stock axle back.

[@toddholfinger8644]

I like it...

[@Team512]

Thanks Todd. Me too!

[@colemcmeans7809]

Need more audio from exhaust, great lullaby.

[@Team512]

I’ll record 10 minutes of ripping around! 😂

[@colemcmeans7809]

@@Team512 well I got some audio of my car and was going to suggest a comparison, but upon review of said audio there is no comparison to that awe c7. Now I have to buy headers dammit.

[@Team512]

cole mcmeans just don’t send me the invoice for the headers 🤣 That AWE system just sounds amazing. I don’t even listen to the radio anymore. I filmed a comparison to a Corsa Extreme on a C7 Z06 today. Make sure you vote on which one you think sounds better when the video goes live next week.

[@MichaelRichterRealtor]

How about a cold start!!!

[@Team512]

Yeah buddy! Did u hear it this morning!

[@MichaelRichterRealtor]

@@Team512 heard you leave and return..lol

[@Team512]

Michael Richter Dang...I was trying to sneaky.

[@drmayo10]

Wish the axle back had NPP

[@williamjohnson6624]

Nothing beats a manual shift i mean NOTHING !

[@ChadWoodNC-PiedmontSkyCams]

Cool but you lost your NPP.

[@Team512]

You are correct. No more NPP. However, I’ve been running the AWE axle back for close to a year now, and I don’t really miss it. There’s absolutely no drone and you can really control the volume of the exhaust with your right foot. Cold starts are still kinda loud, so early morning start ups can be annoying to family and close neighbors. Overall, it’s worth the sacrifice to me.