CORVETTE EXHAUST Review (Magnaflow Mufflers on a C4) Before/After Comparison

I wasted hundreds of dollars on Corvette Central's Magnaflow Mufflers for my C4 Corvette so you don't have to!
This is an overview of Corvette aftermarket exhaust options such as cat-back and muffler deletes/muffler eliminators, as well as my review on the Magnaflow Mufflers with LT1 Tips that fit C4 Chevrolet Corvettes made for 1992, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996 (LT1 and LT4 V8 engines).
Includes before and after, stock versus aftermarket mod sound clips including examples of drone, resonance, acceleration, passes, idle, rev, burnout, start-up, and more.
LINKS TO MAGNAFLOW MUFFLERS
Corvette Central:
www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-...
MY CAR
1996 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition LT4 6-speed Z51
OTHER CORVETTE VIDEOS I'VE MADE
Playlist: • CORVETTES Forever
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro/My Corvette
1:13 Corvette Exhaust Options
2:14 Drone! (Explanation and Sounds)
3:19 Muffler Delete Option (Sounds Examples)
3:49 Magnaflow Mufflers (Why I Bought Them)
4:55 Unboxing/What's Included
5:36 Muffler Installation
6:08 BEFORE/AFTER SOUND COMPARISONS (Magnaflows Vs Stock)
8:34 My Review
9:06 Why Do Magnaflows Drone?
11:13 Back To Stock
11:29 Important Lessons!
FOLLOW
Retro Cars Forever / Brad Hansen on Instagram-
/ bradhansenmedia
("Practical Car Guy" is now "Retro Cars Forever")
#c4 #corvette #magnaflow

[@onesound9344]

People like you are so much more relatable then all of the other "famous" car youtubers, with 2020 Supras, C8 Corvettes etc. Its way more fun to watch videos from you because you actually do things on a budget and motivate me to do car things myself. You definently deserve more subscribers, Ill do my best to share your channel out to others.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Wow, this is one of the nicest comments I've ever gotten. Hugely appreciated, especially because that's the entire goal of my channel. Thanks so much!

[@onesound9344]

@@RetroCarsForever Absolutely, keep up the good work!

[@RetroCarsForever]

UPDATE- I've been contacted by Rich Waitas who is the Senior Manager / Spokesman at Magnaflow. He wants to make it clear that the Corvette Central exhaust with MagnaFlow muffler that I used is not representative of a MagnaFlow-designed product, nor was it specifically tuned for the Corvette. Rather, it is an "off the shelf" generic MagnaFlow universal muffler that Corvette Central sells that can be used in a variety of vehicles. MagnaFlow DOES sell application-specific exhaust systems, but does not have a muffler solution for 1984-1985 C4, but does for later models in this generation designed to have the same on-throttle experience, but has a dual V core muffler to mitigate interior drone. They can be found at magnaflow/pages/chevrolet-corvette. Note that I have not been paid to share this information, but wanted to pass along what I was told for you to decide.

[@AB0BA_69]

Practical Car Guy excellent editing and content, my dude. You got yourself another fan!

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@AB0BA_69 Thanks a million! Appreciate it.

[@chriscaldeira7895]

@@RetroCarsForever what’s the parts number on dual v core muffler i don’t want drone lol

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@chriscaldeira7895 Afraid I'm not sure of the exact parts number but check out the website- magnaflow/pages/chevrolet-corvette

[@chriscaldeira7895]

@@RetroCarsForever I’ve heard getting muffler tips to extend the exhaust will help the drone, the dual core mufflers are coming in tomorrow I’ll get tips just in case, I’m replacing the interior soon as well so might as well wrap it with killmat a lot of people who make drag builds do that

[@nitroxide17]

Love the C4. Pop up up and down headlights.

[@RetroCarsForever]

You’ll love next weeks video then...stay tuned or subscribe, because it’s all about pop up headlights!

[@kmeddow2002]

Yes, I’m getting a bright yellow 95 c4 corvette pretty soon, I’ve always loved the c4s ever since I’ve been a kid.

[@donkontilt1]

Cleanest and best C4 version. I’m in awe of just how clean this thing is. I’d love to have this car. Dude you’ve done a phenomenal job with this vehicle. It’s beautiful and really makes me crave one.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! Although I really have to give credit to the car's previous caretakers, I've just kept it up as I've owned it.

[@jon6949]

I used Magnaflows on my C4 but I removed the resonator and added an X-pipe in its place. I am totally satisfied.

[@haveyourbestbodynow]

Dude THIS is the kind of information people like myself need. Sound levels before and after installation, sound levels at WOT, and sound levels at other various stages. I have a 1995 Corvette for which I want an full blown exhaust system. Thanks for all this information.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks so much! I wanted to make the video that I WISH existed before I guessed what system I wanted. Glad it could help ya.

[@mmmmcheese4850]

Thanks for that. Your straight forward approach and sound bites were appreciated.

[@RetroCarsForever]

You're welcome. I aim for well produced, to the point videos so that's nice to hear.

[@asherbyrn505]

Thanks for taking the time to share your learnings. I just purchased a full Cat Back MagFlow full exhaust kit for my 1992 C4 Corvette. I have drone issues with my current stock mufflers, so I am hoping for a better look and sound with minimal difference. I'll post the difference I hear after the install is complete.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Glad I could help. Hope the MagnaFlow Cat Backs work out for you (they should). What are the current mufflers you have on now?

[@StevenSheeran]

Great video Brad. Thanks for sharing the lessons. Even the costly ones.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you, least i could do! Just kept think I wish there was a video out there like this when I was trying to figure out what to do...so I made it!

[@HelloRoad]

Nice dood! Can't wait to see what else you have in store for the channel!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you! You have been an inspiration for sure. Now I gotta watch your Probe video!!

[@DominickNicolai]

Thank you for all the effort you put into these videos. Highly appreciated especially as an LA Local

[@RetroCarsForever]

You’re very welcome!

[@alexxxgrant]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing. I have an LT4 and couldn’t find any KZbin videos comparing exhaust tones on LT4s. So much appreciated.

[@RetroCarsForever]

You're welcome! Glad to hear this helped. Yeah hard to find LT4 content (considering how rare they are). More to come!

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

I imagine the LT4 sounds like an LT1 but a bit throatier. The LS' engines sound totally different due to the different firing order and exhaust. almost a cammy sound (slightly flatulent and syncopated) at idle, with a free-revving roar with throttle. It seems the LS1 had no problem with drone even without mufflers (a very different exhaust system). A deep roar, but sounds smooth even without mufflers.

[@gregleenyit]

You my friend have one of the Best C4s and the C4 is one of the Best Corvettes.Don't let anyone tell you different. That being said the Best exhaust for the C4 isthe Corsa! That's not just my opinion it's a fact. My advice is to never sell this car.If you do I'm a buyer

[@RetroCarsForever]

Hi Greg! Thanks for the kind words, I love my car and am enjoying it immensely (working on another video about it coming out next week). I've heard recommendations for the full Corsa system time and time again. Seems to be the system to beat for these cars.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

Your 'fact' about Corsa is simply opinion! I had a 95 Vette LT-1 6spd with Corsas already on it, and it sounded like a raspy, flatulent Dodge V10 with no depth. Very 'tinny' and boring. It's OK for those who hate drone (or any other sounds), I suppose. Nevertheless, I loved my first Corvette. One of my C5s had muffler deletes (I thought it was Borla when I bought it). It sounded way better. Opinions only... 😁

[@michaeljordan6008]

Wow, you really put a lot of effort into this. Great job.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@bobparr2123]

I recently bought a 93 red rag top and i friggin love it. awesome sound, power and handling that is superior to the c3 77 i had before. so comfortable of a ride, so glad i found it in awesome shape, LOV IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Right on, congrats!

[@rogerrose8220]

Your videos are all well done sir! Good honest reporting. Much appreciated.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks!

[@santacruze5648]

Your videos are absolutely excellent!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you very much!

[@danielreagoso7983]

Many questions answered and saved me lots of money and headache when I change over my system. You did my homework Thanks. Just have to decide what is best for me on my car . Looking forward to Carlisle Pa. Corvette weekend .

[@RetroCarsForever]

Glad I could help!

[@ayahdawanandito8096]

Great vid and thanks for sharing, man! Own '94 C4 with stick shift and almost do the same as you did. Now I would step up a bit with cat-back based on your experience.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

Pull that rear carpet out, clean down the surface, apply good quality sound deadening like Dynamat Xtreme, stick it on nice and firm and make sure you roll it in well. Problem will be significantly reduced if not gone altogether. I've done that on a lot of C4 coupes, the issue is the fibreglass floor amplifying the resonance.

[@jaysonmines7711]

I have a 94 vette with an automatic transmission and I had exactly the same experience with the exact same mufflers. The drone was so bad. It made the car not enjoyable to daily drive. I had to do something. I left my stock mufflers at the shop that did the swap for them to recycle. So I didn’t have the option to put the stock ones back on without buying some stock mufflers. I tried one more step. After exhaustive research I found one post that mentioned replacing the resonator with a cross flow muffler. So I decided to go down that road. I swapped out the resonator with a magnaflow cross flow muffler. It was a magnaflow part number 12468. It was the closest size that I could find that would fit. The shop had to drop the whole exhaust system to get it installed so paid a lot of labor for them to do that and it was not a direct fit on the size so they had to do extra welding to make it work, but I was desperate because the drone was mind numbing. Also the cross flow muffler hangs down a little so it reduces the already low ground clearance by almost an inch. But in the end I am happy to say that it worked. I have a Lt1 c4 that I can drive without getting headaches. And it has a little more throat than the stock system but not much. I came to the same conclusion as you. I should have spent the money on the corsa or stay stock.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Interesting to hear that this effects autos as bad as my manual. Sorry you had to go through that, but glad you found a solution that seems to have worked!

[@melissadunagan6596]

I wonder how this would like on a convable with a factory hard top?

[@frankpavan3044]

I have a stock 1996 corvette with automatic transmission. I was thinking of eliminating the mufflers to get a more sporty sound. Although your video persuaded me that eliminating drone is not an easy feat. So YES I will keep my exhaust stock as well. Thank you for the info !! Much appreciated !!

[@RetroCarsForever]

You’re very welcome! I’ve learned to love my stock exhaust, drone just isn’t worth it to me.

[@sinistersilverado965]

I had the Corvette Central full exhaust with highflow cat on my 87, and I loved it

[@RetroCarsForever]

Cool, what brand was it exactly? Any drone?

[@sinistersilverado965]

@@RetroCarsForever Magnaflow, no drone

[@declan2775]

I don't own a C4 (yet... import calculations seem promising though!), but I appreciate the amount of research, testing and all around effort that went into this really interesting video, all to help people.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks so much! That's the aim of all my C4 Corvette videos, to help guide potential new owners through these murky waters of these weird but wonderful cars.

[@iBrows1]

Great video! My '67 Mustang Coupe had horrible drone when I first got it. Even if it's not a daily driver, I will never understand how people can deal with drone. You still have to and back from the twisties with drone.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I'm with ya. Maybe when I was younger I woulda been able to deal with it. But nowadays, BIG NOPE

[@ligergames940]

You deserve way more subs man keep it up

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank ya, will do!

[@christophersmith9927]

I have stock mufflers on my Lt4 Vette, and one has a hole in it, I was going to do exactly what you`ve done, wow , thanks and Very Nice CE Lt4

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! Are you thinking of replacing the muffler with a hole in it with a stock one now?

[@DanielChristiansen]

I think its great the C4 are getting the attention it deserves. So many videos on KZbin as of late :)

[@RetroCarsForever]

Me too! Kind of a C4 renaissance goin on...Maybe because older owners are selling their Vettes to younger generation (like me) who have more online presence. Stay tuned tomorrow, you'll like the music video I'm uploading here!

[@gleitma1]

I had exactly the same issue. Mine came with Magnaflow mufflers from the previous owner. Gave me a terrible headaches. So I ordered stock mufflers from Texas. Problem solved. Quiet. Love my C4 1996. Awesome driving experience

[@RetroCarsForever]

Sounds like we had the same solution to the same problem too!

[@miguelmontenegro1646]

Had a 92 LT1 with an automatic. I cut off the resonator, put straight pipes, flowmasters at the back. With the stock rectangular tips, it was too loud, too much resonance, groning, etc. I did find some really beautiful one-to-two oval tips, from magnaflow, dual wall that tamed down the sound a lot. It gave it this really sweet low throaty growl sound and it was much quieter. Made it a pleasure to drive. It was also my daily driver. It was confortable to drive, pleasing to the ears. I did like the performance sound of the flowmaster with the open rectangular tips, but it was not pleasant on a daily use. At some RPMs, the tip themselves would vibrate and sound like a loose piece of sheetmetal, it was aweful. However, it was just a matter of the tips. It was beautiful sounding with the magnaflow dual outlet oval tips that were double walled. Night and day difference.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Great option, thanks for sharing!

[@theguy4615]

Appreciate the great video. I just bought a 93 convertible and wanted it louder, but after watching your video, going to keep it stock. I may move up to a c6 next year, and would probably do better on resale if it was stock. Update:. I did end up deleting the mufflers and had dual chrome tips welded on. It was just too quiet. Now it is just right. Not too loud, but comes alive when you punch it, sounds like a muscle car now. I kept the original mufflers so can easily have them put back on.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Yeah I’ve learned to love my stock exhaust. Kinda sucks that it has a few cutmarks in the pipes now!

[@IncomeWithEnergy]

Great vid... excellent production

[@z512345]

I have owned 4 C4 Corvettes, and I learned very early NOT to mess with the exhaust. The drone was deafening when I did.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Man I wish I would've known that a few months back! Would've saved me a few hundred bucks.

[@keithlane4343]

Very methodical experiment. Well done. I have a 1996 LT-1 C4, and I'd like to get better sound out of it. It currently has stock exhaust. This is my first Corvette. Later C4's are my favorite. Before the C4 I had a bunch of 1969 Camaros. I found the perfect sound on the Camaro. The model name was California Turbo mufflers. Unfortunately I don't recall who made them. I've asked around, but all the speed shops that used to be around have long gone out of business. Does anyone remember those mufflers, and who makes (made) them? I'd be surprised if they stopped making them. They had a great sound. No drone in Camaros, crisp sound, and when you let it rip it sounded beautiful. Excellent video. Looking forward to more.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you! New Corvette video coming next week, so subscribe to see that if you're a first time Corvette owner (it's everything I've learned that I was surprised about). As for your Camaro mufflers...Keep in mind, those can be a lot more aggressive without having droning issues, as their much further back/have more in the way between them and your ears!

[@therickychannel6545]

Picking up my lt4 collectors edition tomorrow! Psyched!!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Best of luck!

[@McFlyWalker]

5:04; Cat waiting for box to be vacant

[@RetroCarsForever]

HAHAH! That's literally what was going on. He LOVES big boxes. "Are you done yet?"

[@AndreThompson925]

Great video my dude.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks man! Appreciate it. Hope you liked the rad graphics.

[@johnmichael212009]

Excellent video man and you just saved me a bunch time. Keep it up buddy!!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks, that's great to hear! Were you considering these for your Corvette?

[@johnmichael212009]

Haha yea I was and now keeping stock. I myself use my C4 as a daily driver. Most underrated car for the money. Super reliable even in snow and rain. Glad to see I am not the only one. Keep these videos coming!! Not enough good content about C4’s on KZbin.

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@johnmichael212009 This is great to hear! More coming soon, thanks!

[@genericdenizen1]

Had same experience with my VW GTI and its VR6 motor. They drone with aftermarkets, until you buy an expensive one, then they sound great.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I love those VR6 GTIs...I could droning being an issue with them as their hatchbacks, if you're not careful with the right mods.

[@iflylo96]

I own a 1991 Corvette. My car had a terrible drone with the stock exhaust. I also had clogged cats. I gutted the cats and installed the same Corvette Central Magnaflow mufflers you feature in your video. The exhaust sounds great and the drone is minimal. I've taken this car on a 2,000 mile road trip and found the exhaust noise to be easily tolerable. I figured I'd share my experience with these mufflers.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I wonder if your emptied out cats helped with the drone. Or if it was an automatic.

[@iflylo96]

You make a good point about the cats. I wonder how that effects drone. My 1991 does have the ZF6 manual transmission.

[@RSAW73]

An L98 vs LT1/LT4 probably makes a difference in sound alone, maybe not a good comparison.

[@harleyguyinmilw]

when I replaced the mufflers on my 6spd roadster, I also bought the resonator eliminator pipes, with an X-pipe, and installed a set of polished bullets, it sounds great, and with the X-pipe, I have no drone. I wanted it to be on the louder side of the sound spectrum! BTW, I am still running the cat. converters, I just got rid of the resonator.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Awesome! Interesting solution.

[@samspace81]

Solid video! An LT4 Hot Cam kit will really wake it up

[@RetroCarsForever]

I want to keep my Vette as stock as possible, but tell me more. Doesn't the LT4 already have a hot cam? Or am I thinking of the roller lifters?

[@samspace81]

@@RetroCarsForever I can dig it, GM Performance Parts sells a kit, its a little more aggressive than the stock LT4 cam profile, night and day powerwise. I threw it a hot cam kit and a mail order tune on mine a few years ago. Makes them pull harder up high

[@brandonherrera2891]

@@samspace81 That's the cam I'll put in my lt4 ce. Not trying to make all the power. Just a slight bump.

[@bryansmith9979]

Nice video! I’ve got a 96 collector’s edition LT4 with a corsa cat back, stainlessworks longtube headers, and no cats. Absolutely zero drone.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Car twins! Well, except for the exhaust. Good to hear about your exhaust, seems like we came to the same conclusion.

[@andya857]

Corsas Rule, the best , Flow Masters are mediocre..

[@n8sh4de]

@@andya857 Corsa is awesome, with just catback its the best sound possible, no drone etc. With lt headers, and no/small cats, its just awesome, you'll be the best sounding car at any car event :D

[@michaelsanchez12334]

I have lt4 with corsa with long tubes and cam and dont have drone

[@hullinger]

Wow man, that was really great. The whole thing, every part - the editing, writing, b-roll, the flow, all of it. As for the mufflers, exhaust sound is such a personal thing and It’s lousy to spend the $$$ but I agree with what you did. Can’t wait to see more!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! Means a lot esp from someone like you who has been doing this for some time. And I agree the SOUND of a car is SO subjective, that's why I thought a video is really the only way to do it.

[@Z06-viper]

Very thorough video. Love it

[@RetroCarsForever]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching.

[@somejackball]

i put Borla's on my old 04 Z06, sound was amazing! for my SLP SS, i replaced it with a 3 chamber Flowmaster, sound was perfect, not too loud but a lot of growl, nice pops, when letting off the gas. same with the Borla, nice pops gearing down. i had Magnaflow on a Z28 long ago, didn't like it! anyway, i like the sound at 3:27 , nice setup

[@RetroCarsForever]

You like the "muffler delete" option best it seems (that's the timecode you mentioned). Why didn't you like the Magnaflows on your Camaro? Those should be a lot less susceptible to drone.

[@louislucatelli4844]

Very helpful. Was thinking of doing the same thing you did. I guess I'm staying with my Stock setup

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks, glad I could help save some dollars and aggravation like I did!

[@buntcake7213]

Awesome thumbnail and video👌

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank ya!

[@ricstiles298]

Love your videos and editing. You should have a C4 channel. My CE is an auto and personally, I love how quiet it is. That said, drop me a line when or if you ever decide to get rid of yours. Finding a low mileage CE/LT4 is not that easy. Thanks!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! I like to keep my channel open to C4s and often focus on them, there’s an entire playlist of Corvette videos on my homepage. Make sure to subscribe if you haven’t already, if I ever sell my c4 I’ll be making a video about it! Thanks for watching.

[@BostonJoe620]

Great sounding and cheapest mod I ever did to my C4 was removing the mufflers. Sounded amazing.

[@RetroCarsForever]

I've heard this sounds good but drones like crazy.

[@BostonJoe620]

@@RetroCarsForever Back when I had it, I don’t remember it being too bad but I’m sure that it did at certain RPM ranges somewhat.

[@thomasmills6835]

I went Dow this path and ended up with Dynomax super turbo mufflers, found it to be a great compromise, good sound minimal drone.

[@armandboisvenue2987]

Great video. Really didn't think there was that much difference between the two systems. I like to listen to music so I think I'll stick with my stock system.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Glad this helped! And thanks.

[@Skysmeller1]

Great video and really well done. Based on this I’ll get a full Borla Exhaust

[@RetroCarsForever]

Awesome, glad I could help! Hope you like the Borla system.

[@Skysmeller1]

Ok so I got a white 1987 a few weeks ago! It has a full Borla Exhaust and has no drone at all. The difference is that my 87 is an L 98 engine while yours is an LT1 so I can’t exactly say that yours will have no drone because it’s a different engine. But overall great exhaust, nice growl but not too loud.

[@johnnyb1776]

I got these same mufflers for my 95. Love them! I did a resonator delete with an X pipe. Gives them a little back pop. A few thousand miles they sound way better. *. *…..***UPDATE******Been awhile since my fist comment, but have thoroughly enjoyed all the informative comments. Nothing has changed with my exhaust, but I am looking for other options for a more throaty sound. Maybe some REAL Magnaflows? Still have cats, X pipe replacement for resonator, and generic mufflers that have Magnaflow on them. Still scratching my head on that one. Thanks for all the information, and your content!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Cool! Hows the drone?

[@johnnyb1776]

Practical Car Guy it’s not bad. After about 2500 miles they really sound good. Back pressure pop, but not too much. I’m 54 and my loud days are behind me lol

[@captvictor]

fantastic review. I think I've seen ya around town\, your car looks great

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! If you see my around LA feel free to say hi!

[@rubenlezcano8928]

Awesome video man, I just got my '95 last October cant wait for the weather to get warmer up here! (Canada) Your video was really informative keep it up? Also where did you get that sick model of the C4!?!? Cheers and hope to see more soon

[@RetroCarsForever]

Congrats, got my car around the same time! Very thankful that I can drive it all year round. I searched for my car for a solid month, took a short flight to San Fransisco area to get it and drove it home. And thanks, be sure to subscribe, more to come!

[@suspicioustree389]

I live in south Dakota with no emissions test or anything, so i just ripped the cat and the the mufflers off and just straight piped it with orily pipes. Sounds like a dream

[@RetroCarsForever]

Any drone?

[@suspicioustree389]

@@RetroCarsForever ima be honest, when im on the highway its a very very low bassy WHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. mines a 1990 with the l98 engine, idk how the sound would compare if it was straight piped with the lt4 like yours has

[@travfdy]

Great video. That muffler delete sounds awesome! We're actually opposite. I had a Ford Performance by Borla exhaust on my 2016 Mustang and switched to Magnaflow because I wanted to hear the exhaust more. The Borlas are quiet once you get up to 55. I love hearing the muscle car sound of the Magnaflow at any speed.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Mustangs are a way different beast. Closed off trunk and rear seats are going to do a lot to help with natural drone vs the open air hatch design of the c4, which amplifies it.

[@travfdy]

@@RetroCarsForever are you still stock or did you go with a different setup?

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@travfdy I swapped back to stock and learned to love it!

[@gladtoseeya986]

Wow! That was a super good vid and with so many different driving situations. I’m really impressed. Btw, I have a 1996 Corvette LT4 convertible with the same Magnaflow catback exhaust and I’ve experienced no drone whatsoever.Maybe because it’s a convertible? idk

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! Keep in mind you have a CATBACK exhaust, and I only had the Magnaflow MUFFLERS. Like I mention in the video, I regret not going with a full catback system, as I've heard good things about them.

[@nomakewan]

I've found my new favorite C4 Corvette channel. Great stuff! As for the drone, I've got a full magnaflow catback setup. On an automatic '94 it actually droned quite a bit, but oddly enough on a manual '95 it isn't nearly as bad. But it's the full setup including the center crossover resonator, not just mufflers, so that may play a part as well. One question though, since you have a manual as well. Do you have that whine/whirr in neutral while idling? All my years of owning manual cars tells me that's input shaft bearing wear, but stuff I read online says the ZF-6 just plain does that because it's German. You've got barely any miles on yours (jealous!), so I'm curious. Anyway, hope to see more C4 content from you going forward! And maybe see you in those canyons sometime!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks that's great to hear! Subscribe for more...Going to do some more Corvette videos (including a full review of this car), as well as a lot more general used-car tips and tricks and reviews.

[@RetroCarsForever]

(Didn't see your second part...) Yes, there's a bit of a whine/wirr in neutral. I understand it's the funky dual-mass flywheel that makes the sound, which is normal. All the Vettes I drove made that sound when I test drove. You can hear a bit of it in the idle comparisons in this vid, but it sounds a bit louder in person (because my mic was pointing at the gauges in the video).

[@nomakewan]

Wow, thanks for the reply! Good to know it's indeed a ZF thing. Looking forward to your full review video! Hopefully when this mess is over we can run into one another sometime.

[@mogensladefoged6329]

I had the exact same problem with my 1977 Corvette. I bought a Flowmaster cat back system designed to the C3. They sounded fine from outside the car, but there was so much drone in the cabin when driving around town 35 - 45 mph that it made me crazy. I tried everything to get rid of the drone without luck.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Makes sense, similar architecture for the C3 in regards to muffler placement.

[@nsturz]

Great video! Glad I found your channel and I am looking forward to watching your other videos. I just picked up a '95 6-speed w/ 64k miles just a couple of months ago. (2) random questions: Are you from Michigan by chance? Sounds like you have a midwest accent (like myself)...2nd question: Where's the shirt from?..I need one! Thanks again

[@RetroCarsForever]

Yo! I AM from the Midwest (and even lived in Chicago a little bit, I've been told I have a bit of that goin on too). But I live in California. Shirt was picked up from Etsy or Ebay, it's vintage. Thanks for watching, got some more vids coming up in the next few weeks (including a C4 music video filmed with my car).

[@anthonysaguin7347]

I daily a 96 CE A4. I also live in the LA area! Very clean example you've got here. First exhaust mod I did was cut the mufflers off and weld straight pipe in at a shop recommended by JD Corvette, kept the stock tips (best looking imo). Very minimal droning right now. An x pipe in place of the resonator seems to be the cure for the drone when going no mufflers. I'll do a before/after for this. Also stock pipe diameter everywhere

[@RetroCarsForever]

I agree stock tips look best. Id love to hear a before and after, and know more about the drone. Leave me a comment here when it's done so I (and others) can see it!

[@anthonysaguin7347]

@@RetroCarsForever sounds good man, I'll be sure to. Ironic that I bought this car because I thought it was the most practical sports car I could buy at the time (96 only haha). Good channel find 👍

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@anthonysaguin7347 Ill do a full review of my Corvette at some point in the near future (along with a few other Vette videos), but in some ways, it is a practical sports car. I daily mine and love it.

[@stevenhoehne2142]

Thanks! When I get new mufflers I'm keeping it stock! I have an 88' Corvette.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Glad I could help! Whats wrong with your stock mufflers?

[@stevenhoehne2142]

@@RetroCarsForever There a 2 inch rusty crack in the drivers side muffler and the rear y pipe has patched up rusty holes.

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@stevenhoehne2142 Ha, that would do it! I bet you can pick up a used muffler for next to nothing...Lots of Corvettes have aftermarket exhausts, so the OEM exhaust systems just arent worth that much. So could be a great deal for you.

[@stevenhoehne2142]

@@RetroCarsForever Thanks for doing the "CORVETTE EXHAUST Review". I was very helpful!

[@ahmedrahba4239]

Beautiful Corvette 👍

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! I am very fortunate.

[@Nokturn6]

I have a similar problem. 2 years ago I bought a manual 93 Corvette with Borla exhaust. It's sounds great in city traffic, but under 1500 RPM it drones so terribly, I don't go into 6th gear below 70 mph. It's a pain in the ass when traveling longer distances, but it pays off when accelerating. Your Vette is pristine btw.

[@MrLookShiny]

Great vid!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank ya Daniel!

[@genericdenizen1]

Beautiful Corvette C4.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you! I love how c4s look. Still get excited seeing it in my garage.

[@PaulKBisson]

Sorry it didn't work out. But the video is great. Narrative was smooth and easy to follow. Revealing the results at the start is a little risky; part of the fun is seeing if it worked. A tease might work better, "I spent 100s of $$ . . . but did it work?" At any rate, I'm not a car guy (although I lust the 1970 Chevelle SS) but I enjoyed this. Great launch, Practical Car Guy!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks Paul! That's a really good thought about the opener...Dang, time for a reshoot!

[@grantlamarche]

I did the "muffler deletes" on my '86 Z51...yes it drones at low rpm and then peters out. Once you're past that point the awesomeness kicks in. Also, it GROWLS when you start it up...

[@RetroCarsForever]

I'm glad you're digging it, but I daily my Corvette, and spend too much of my time at low RPMs in Los Angeles traffic to make it worth the tradeoff.

[@FowlkoreRacing]

I have a 88 with the l98. It's completely strait piped and it's still quite

[@chazwazzum]

thanks for the helpful info. and nice find of a very clean 96 Vette 😎👍 (side note: the street where you did the comparison drive by’s seems familiar to me, but can’t put my finger on it. it seems we’re both in L.A. - hope to see your car at our local car shows once things get back to normal 🤓)

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! The street is a super secret location somewhere in the Valley (it is SUPER hard to find quiet, safe streets around here!) What kind of car do you have? You go to Radwood?

[@chazwazzum]

@@RetroCarsForever up until recently I *was* the proud owner of a 1980 Vette, but it met its premature end one faithful night about a year ago. Ironically enough, it happened about less than a quarter mile from where you filmed your before/after drive-by shots (aka the SUPER secret location 😉 🤫) I wasn’t done with Corvette ownership so I’ve been considering getting the same year again at some point down the road. But i'm also thinking of trying a different generation, including perhaps a C4 (specifically, a ‘96 6-speed). For now, a 5-speed Fiat 500 Abarth gives me the kicks I need. I haven't made it to Radwood yet - i'm so spoiled with all the free top-notch car gatherings around here I've been lazy to attend Radwood. but i've been itching to check it out... as soon as life gets back to 'normal'

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@chazwazzum Hope to see you there! Radwood is by far my favorite car show. You see cars there you would NEVER see anywhere else. And I love the sound of those Abarths!

[@LuxuryRumble]

Nice! I’m considering to get magnaflow for my 1991 c4 corvette as well

[@RetroCarsForever]

Just beware of the drone!

[@LuxuryRumble]

@@RetroCarsForever yeah! I watched it till the end! Thanks for amazing video btw. No thanks to Magnaflow! maybe later a corsa but it’s very expensive

[@robertdevito5001]

I got a cheap Walker exhaust catback system on my 1987. It sounds quite a bit like a 2019 Corvette and not a lot of drone (as far as I can tell, the wind coming over the windshield and targa top is so loud the exhaust is quiet by comparison). The Y pipes are still in place so it’s not duel exhaust as far as I’m concerned, but it sounds pretty good, and the L98, unlike the LT4, doesn’t rev high enough that it would really even matter. The car has an auto, but I use it as a daily driver and the motor spends a lot of time cruising. I put the exhaust on because when I bought the car the exhaust was cut off just after the catalytic converter. It sounded good, but I wanted to daily the car, and I didn’t want to get pulled over for sound pollution, not to mention I still want to have my hearing in 40 years.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Sounds like a good solution. How does it sound with the targa top on/windows up? I noticed a big difference on mine depending on that. And the newer Corvettes sound SO awesome by comparison to older stock ones like ours!

[@bigggmustang73]

Great video bro. I subbed. - Isaiah

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank ya dude!

[@bradudell8949]

Great feedback. Same experience with my automatic - got worse as warmed up. Swapped back in 5 days.. Out $500 after welding less 125 from craigslist

[@RetroCarsForever]

Sounds like we both had similar stories (and both lost money from it). At least now I really appreciate how my car sounds (and doesn't drone). Curious that you had an automatic and it seemed to be an issue...Most complaints seems to be from manual owners. You had the Magnaflow mufflers as well?

[@jphillips360noscope]

LOVE the Corsa on the C4

[@RetroCarsForever]

Good to hear, another recommendation for the Corsa catback.

[@allenhanks7719]

I just put flomasters on my 96. Sounds great.

[@davedavis775]

It's going to be quiet with stock exhaust manifolds and the factory cats. I installed a 3" B&B on my 96 and the tone was slightly more throaty. You need long tube headers and a really good set of cats to get it louder . Or no cats at all if you dare.

[@johnmontauti7027]

Made this same mistake years ago on my 94. My happy medium was keeping the stock cats and mufflers but eliminating the resonator between. Aggressive tone, not any louder, and NO DRONE.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Cool, I'm surprised to hear that worked, considering how I figured the resonator was doing so much to eliminate drone in the first place.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

My first Vette was a 95 and I bought it with Corsa's already on. Was disappointed with the sound (like a flatulent Dodge V10 truck). No drone, but no soul. My 3rd Vette- 2003 C5 had muffler deletes and sounded really good. Oddly, it wasn't too loud, but reminded me of the least aggressive Borla. Lucky you for getting the rare LT-4 6 speed Collectors edition final-year C4! Me likey! The silver collector's edition isn't much more valuable, but with the LT4/6 speed, you have a desirable gem!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! I actually uploaded another video recently going over all the special editions and their values/rarity, including the LT4 and the Collector Edition- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIjLqIGBarGer8k

[@timbixbi9938]

Thanks for the video.

[@RetroCarsForever]

And thanks for watchin!

[@britishsecretagent0078]

I had Magnaflows on my early 2k performance truck for a little over a decade b4 they rusted and nearly fell off. Didn’t notice any drone from stock, but then again its not a vette. Did like the sound tho. Using Flowmaster now.

[@SafetyRey]

Man, those sound good

[@jonhill9564]

Good info!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks!

[@cinemawerks]

Love it!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you! I've been busy makin a ton more!

[@tomster7574]

If you ever try the system that you talked about, Corsa, i’d love to see that post video. I also want to change the exhaust on my Corvette away from the manufactured stock pipes. But I also did have a full exhaust done on another vehicle with headers all the way to the tips at the end and it had a drone always at exactly at the speed limit so I was always speeding up just a tad to get past the drone. It started long before the speed limit and then right up to it. So I was Always risking a ticket. Whether with in town at City speed or on the highway speeds. Or I was going to slow and blocking traffic

[@RetroCarsForever]

I can’t imagine I’ll ever want to mess with this exhaust again. I already spent enough money on it, and I’ve learned to love how it sounds stock! I can def relate to the drone you mentioned. Sort of a maddening to me to have to drive certain speeds just to avoid it.

[@tomster7574]

@@RetroCarsForever Thanks for responding but now I have to ask then about the vehicle you did have the corsa exhaust on that if it had that that V-8 or V6 roaring sound or The regurgitating splatter sound that so many people love these days but I can’t stand? My other car is a 64 Ford falcon 260 V-8 with Shorty headers and I’m not sure what the rest of the exhaust is because the previous owner had it all installed. It sounds awesome all the way up to the speed limit drone. And then it goes away a little bit above that and never comes back if you keep going faster. If it wasn’t for that drone I wouldnt be thinking about replacing it. a friend of mine has a newer Mustang with a really high-pitched splatter sound exhaust on it that I just can’t stand. I don’t know why people today seem to prefer that, I just don’t get it. It sounds like the car is barfing its way up the street

[@nitroxide17]

Cool video man. By the way where were you driving? I loved the scenery.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thank you! Los Angeles area, Mulholland was the canyon road.

[@Rob-dc8wi]

My auto with full magna flow cat back drones in 4th gear. I have daily driven it for a while and the drone is a little annoying but not bad, just hit the gas to downshift and it goes away. Also lock tire any loose interior screws that rattle because of it. I wouldn’t have paid the cost to put it in at almost $1500 in but I’d rather have it than not. I would of done what you did BUT with Cheap summit racing mufflers ($35) and experimented by using camp ons till I got the right mix.

[@RetroCarsForever]

That's a bad combo I should've mentioned in the video...The loose/rattly interior of the C4s gets EVEN WORSE with a droning exhaust!

[@jimcosgrove292]

I used Flowmaster on my 96 LT 4. Sounds great

[@RetroCarsForever]

Cat back or just mufflers? Any drone?

[@jeredhead6806]

@@RetroCarsForever I just put the Flowmaster Super 44 muffler on my Sierra (muffler only). It's just the lil 4.8 V8, but now it makes beautiful deep rumbles, burbles, and crackles. Louder, for sure, but certainly not obnoxious. I'd probably even go for the Super 10 if I had to do it all over again. Either one would sound great on your Corvette. I do have a teeny bit of drone around 1,900 ~ 2,200 rpm, but I could not be less bothered by it.

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@jeredhead6806 As I mention in the video, keep in mind how wildly different most cars' architectures are compared to the Corvette. In a big pickup like a Sierra, the mufflers are yards away, with plenty of metal and space between them and your ears. Whereas the Corvette is basically a "funnel" that directs all the reverb coming from just a few feet away right into your skull. That's what makes it more prone to droning than most other cars.

[@dustinguriel620]

Where you went wrong was trying to get all your sound after the resonators. You have to do the full job, I would even replace the cats with high flow versions at least. Keep the factory mid pipe to install once every two years... I don’t believe there are any axle back systems that don’t sound like shit sorry. EDIT: and you ended up giving that good advice in the end lol great video 👍🏼

[@RetroCarsForever]

Yep! And I was okay with a mild sound upgrade too, which is why I went with the mufflers. Would’ve been quite happy with them if they didn’t drone.

[@monroebass4606]

I love the sound of my 87 convertible with Magnaflow mufflers!

[@RetroCarsForever]

I'm glad to hear that! Do they drone like in this video?

[@monroebass2]

@@RetroCarsForever I don't notice any drone, the sound is more like an Indycar which is what I like. I'm wondering if the tip makes any difference since mine are just round on the end. Of course being a convertible might also change things. Nice job on the video, really like your comparisons.

[@RetroCarsForever]

@@monroebass2 thanks! Yeah a few factors might keep drone from being an issue for you, thankfully. I think the convertible version helps.

[@Torred_6.1]

Currently running a muffler delete and x pipe in place of the resonator. Mild amount of drone in 3rd but it doesn’t bother me, most drone is gone in overdrive. She absolutely screams when I get on it. Hoping to get some longtube headers soon.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Nice!

[@bobvasquez1846]

My 94 Corvette has Magnaflows after 4 years the sound is music to my ears. Corvette,s are not only meant to be " Seen " but also to be " Heard."

[@RetroCarsForever]

I agree, just couldn’t deal with the drone. Did you get the same Corvette Central magnaflows or something else? Mufflers or full cat back?

[@jamesfromal4825]

Hey Brad, great video! Question, do you have the bronze or blue targa top? I'm in the market for a new acrylic targa top. I can't tell from this video what you have.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Thanks! It's a blue top. You can see more of it in middle of this video here (Click the link directly and it'll go right to the part with the top...) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmOQYWl8l6qErqM

[@speedracerjeff]

Great Vid. I’m running no cats and no mufflers on my 92 lol. It’s not my daily though.

[@RetroCarsForever]

That's the key...If it's a "fun" car that you drive occasionally, you kinda want it be rowdy sounding. But during the daily grind...That's when drone gets really bothersome!

[@tomster7574]

I have a question that is sound related but not to the exhaust. My Corvette showed up yesterday and I’m looking over everything. it’s got an aftermarket stereo in the dashboard but it still has the original amp in the bucket behind the seat. Am I able to take out that amp and just use the stereo only for amplification? I don’t really need it that loud. Is it a lot of wiring work to make sure all the speakers are still hooked up or does the amp feed to and from the stereo only? If you know any and all that I’d be very grateful. Thanks.

[@budprice3775]

I use the Corsa exhaust- very nice sound and power...

[@RetroCarsForever]

Wish I would've gone with the Corsa catback instead! I've heard only good comments about it.

[@andrewjames6911]

One thing you can do is take those old clamps you have, put a rubber mount on it and attached so wights to it. This will change the resonance of the exhaust pipes and can actually remove “drone” the oem’s do this on cars today. Of course they have fancy math and computers to calculate this but I’m sure you could just do some trial and error. Great video cheers

[@RetroCarsForever]

Interesting idea, haven’t thought about that before. Too late for me now, but good comment for others to try!

[@lawrencecrivello2448]

We have the identical car! We installed full Borla exhaust eliminated Cats. Headers and 4.10 rear. Love the drown and we Dynoed at340 Hp. Bad ass results

[@RetroCarsForever]

Cool! I'm assuming 340 hp is rear wheel hp, or corrected for that? (Because that's only 10 more than stock) Did you say you LOVE the drone?

[@lawrencecrivello2448]

Retro Cars Forever the the car is rated stock 330 HP at the fly wheel. 340 at the rear wheels is 400+ HP . Picked up a lot of ponies

[@lawrencecrivello2448]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZSWfaWjqcaroLc