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Corvette Exhaust Buying Guide
The Ultimate Borla Corvette Exhaust Buying Guide
C4 through C8: Everything You Need to Know Before Upgrading Your Corvette Exhaust
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Borla for Your Corvette?
- Understanding Borla Sound Levels
- Corvette Generation Guide
- C4 Corvette (1984-1991)
- C5 Corvette (1997-2004)
- C6 Corvette (2005-2008)
- C7 Corvette (2014-2019)
- C8 Corvette (2020-2026)
- C8 Z06 Corvette (2023-2026)
- C8 Technology: Polyphonic Harmonizers and SwitchFire
- Installation: What to Expect
- Common Questions and Concerns
- Where to Buy
- Conclusion
If you're looking to upgrade your Chevrolet Corvette exhaust system, Borla has engineered systems for C4 through the C8. Each system is built from T-304 stainless steel, backed by the Million Mile Warranty, and tuned specifically for the Corvette platform. This guide covers everything you need to select the right system for your generation, engine, and sound preference.
Why Choose Borla for Your Corvette?
Borla has been engineering exhaust systems for the Corvette platform across multiple generations. Here is what sets Borla apart:
- Million Mile Warranty: Every Borla system is backed by the Million Mile Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner.
- T-304 Stainless Steel: All systems are built from T-304 austenitic stainless steel for long-term corrosion resistance and durability.
- No Drone: Borla's patented No Drone technology and multi-core muffler design eliminate interior resonance at highway speeds across all sound levels.
- Generation-Specific Engineering: Each system is designed and tuned for the specific platform, engine, and factory exhaust configuration of its Corvette generation.
- Factory Valve Compatibility: On applicable generations, Borla systems include upgraded valves engineered to work with GM's cylinder deactivation and active exhaust systems.
- Made in the USA: Every Borla exhaust is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States.
Understanding Borla Sound Levels
Borla offers multiple sound levels across the Corvette lineup. All are engineered to eliminate drone at all RPMs, speeds, and gears.
S-Type Classic
Available on C5, C6
The original Borla S-Type tone, tuned for the classic Corvette platform. Aggressive under acceleration, composed at cruise.
S-Type & S-Type II · Most Popular
Aggressive · Versatile
The iconic Borla howl. Aggressive under hard acceleration, composed at cruise. Available on C4, C5, C6, C6 Z06/ZR1, C7, C7 Z06, and C8.
ATAK®
Maximum · Race-Inspired
Borla's loudest and most aggressive sound level. Stadium-level volume with full No Drone protection. Available on C5, C6, C6 Z06/ZR1, C7, C7 Z06, and C8.
2020-2026 Corvette C8 · 6.2L V8
Cat-Back system for the C8 Corvette Stingray. Video shows S-Type and ATAK sound levels.
2015-2019 Corvette C7 Z06 · 6.2L Supercharged V8
Exhaust system for the C7 Z06. Video shows S-Type and ATAK sound levels.
All Corvette Sound Clips
Browse the full library of Corvette exhaust sound comparisons across every generation.
View All Corvette Systems →Corvette Generation Guide
Borla offers exhaust systems for the following Corvette generations. Select your generation below to jump to detailed specifications.
C4
1984-1991
5.7L V8
C5
1997-2004
5.7L V8
C6
2005-2008
6.0L / 6.2L V8
C6 Z06 / ZR1
2006-2013
7.0L / 6.2L V8
C7
2014-2019
6.2L V8
C7 Z06 / GS
2015-2019
6.2L V8
C8
2020-2026
6.2L V8
C8 Z06
2023-2026
5.5L Flat-Plane V8
C4 Corvette (1984-1991)
Fitment
Part #11376 fits the 1984-1991 Chevrolet Corvette (C4) with the 5.7L V8 in Automatic or Manual Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe and Convertible body styles.
System Type and Specifications
The
Important Installation Note
Modification to the original equipment mid-pipe is required for installation. The stock mid-pipe outlets must be expanded to 2.5" before the Borla system can be installed. This is not a direct bolt-on installation and requires professional attention to the factory mid-pipe before fitting.
C5 Corvette (1997-2004)
Fitment
Part #140427 fits the 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette (C5) and Corvette Z06 (C5) with the 5.7L V8 in Automatic or Manual Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe and Convertible body styles.
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Cat-Back exhaust system
- Sound Level: S-Type II
- Pipe Diameter: 2.5" into mufflers, dual 2" out
- Tips: Dual 4.25" x 3.5" oval, polished T-304 stainless steel, rolled angle-cut
- Technology: Patented straight-through and multi-core muffler design eliminates sound frequencies associated with resonance and drone
Pricing
See borla.com for current pricing.
C6 Corvette (2005-2008)
Fitment
Part #140452 fits the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette (C6) with the 6.0L or 6.2L V8 in Automatic or Manual Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, 2-Door Coupe and Convertible. The system fits vehicles both with and without NPP (performance exhaust).
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Cat-Back exhaust system
- Sound Level: S-Type II
- Tips: Dual round rolled angle-cut
- X-Pipe: System contains a Merge X-Pipe
- NPP: System fits vehicles with and without NPP. The Borla system does NOT include NPP valves.
Pricing
See borla.com for current pricing.
C6 Z06 (2006-2013) and ZR1 (2009-2013)
Fitment
Part #11822 fits the 2006-2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6) with the 7.0L V8 and the Corvette ZR1 (C6) with the 6.2L V8. Manual Transmission ONLY. Rear Wheel Drive, 2-Door Coupe. Fits vehicles both with and without NPP. The Borla system does NOT include NPP valves.
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Axle-Back exhaust system
- Sound Level: ATAK
- Tips: Dual round rolled angle-cut, Intercooled
- Transmission: Manual ONLY
- NPP: Fits with and without NPP. Borla system does NOT include NPP valves.
Pricing
See borla.com for current pricing.
C7 Corvette (2014-2019)
Fitment
Part #11855 fits the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette (C7) with the 6.2L V8, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, with AFM Valves and with NPP Valves. Exception: does not fit the Grand Sport with Manual Transmission.
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Axle-Back exhaust system
- Sound Levels: S-Type
- Tips: Dual round rolled angle-cut, Intercooled
- Valves: System contains AFM and NPP valves
Expanding to a Cat-Back System
The C7 Axle-Back system (Part #11855) can be combined with the Borla X-Pipe (Part #60548) to create a full Cat-Back system. These two parts are sold separately.
Sound Comparison: 2015-2019 C7 Corvette Z06
Pricing
See borla.com for current pricing.
C7 Z06 (2015-2019) and Grand Sport (2017-2019)
Fitment
Part #11903 fits the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7) with the 6.2L V8, Automatic or Manual Transmission, and the 2017-2019 Corvette Grand Sport (C7) with the 6.2L V8. Grand Sport fits Manual Transmission ONLY. Rear Wheel Drive, 2-Door. WITHOUT AFM Valves, With NPP Valves.
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Axle-Back exhaust system
- Sound Level: ATAK
- Tips: Dual round rolled angle-cut, Intercooled
- Valves: Does NOT have AFM valves. Does have NPP valves.
- Grand Sport: Manual Transmission ONLY
Expanding to a Cat-Back System
Add Borla X-Pipe (Part #60548) to create a full Cat-Back system. Sold separately.
Pricing
See borla.com for current pricing.
C8 Corvette (2020-2026)
Fitment
Part #140838 fits the 2020-2026 Chevrolet Corvette (C8) Stingray with the 6.2L V8, Automatic Transmission, Rear Wheel Drive, with AFM ('20-'21) or DFM ('22-'26) Valves and with NPP Valves. The 2024-2026 fitment also includes the E-Ray.
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Cat-Back exhaust system
- Sound Levels: S-Type
- Valves: Includes AFM ('20-'21) and DFM ('22-'26) valves, plus NPP valves
- Technology: Polyphonic Harmonizer and SwitchFire™ X-Pipe
- Shipping: Ships in 2 boxes
Important: Do NOT install on vehicles without O.E. NPP. Valve actuator recalibration is required after installation. Click for recalibration details.
Sound Comparison: 2020-2026 C8 Corvette Stingray
Pricing
See borla.com for current pricing.
C8 Z06 Corvette (2023-2026)
Borla Cat-Back exhaust systems for the 2023-2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 are now available. Visit the C8 Z06 page on borla.com for full details.
System Type and Specifications
- Configuration: Cat-Back exhaust system
- Engine: 5.5L Flat-Plane Crank LT6 V8
- Sound Level: ATAK
- Tips: Optional tip assembly coming soon
- NPP: Systems feature NPP valves compatible with all factory exhaust modes
C8 Technology: Polyphonic Harmonizers and SwitchFire®
Polyphonic Harmonizers
Playing the right notes together on a pipe organ creates a satisfying, textured sound with dramatically greater acoustic depth than a single note. This is the basis for the patented technology of the twin Polyphonic Harmonizers within the C8 system. Using the same principles as an organ, pipes of different diameters and lengths within the Harmonizers are tuned to create Borla's signature ATAK or S-Type sounds for the C8. A straight-through design ensures zero performance loss.
SwitchFire™ X-Pipe
Within the C8 system is a patented crossover X-Pipe called SwitchFire™. Unlike a traditional X-Pipe where exhaust flow collides in the center, SwitchFire™ uses a patented crossover configuration to smoothly blend exhaust gas and combustion frequency waves from all cylinders.
Upgraded Valves Engineered for the C8
Borla designs and manufactures its C8 valves in-house. These upgraded valves are fully compatible with GM's cylinder deactivation (AFM/DFM) and active exhaust modes. They are tested through intensive heat simulations that exceed high-performance requirements over tens of thousands of cycles, ensuring they perform reliably through prolonged hard driving.
No Drone Technology
The C8 system includes Borla's No Drone technology, which ensures zero drone for any gear, speed, or RPM. This applies to both the S-Type and ATAK sound levels. Choose ATAK for stadium-level volume with clarity, or S-Type for a slightly more subdued note. Both eliminate drone entirely.
Installation: What to Expect
Most Borla Corvette systems are direct bolt-on installations. The C4 system is the exception and requires mid-pipe modification before installation. The C8 system requires valve actuator recalibration after installation.
Tools Required (General)
- Floor jack and jack stands or a vehicle lift
- Socket set (metric and SAE)
- Penetrating oil for stubborn fasteners
- Torque wrench
- Safety glasses and gloves
Generation-Specific Notes
- C4: Mid-pipe outlets must be expanded to 2.5" before installation. Professional installation recommended.
- C6: Made to order, allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
- C7: Axle-Back only. Add X-Pipe #60548 separately for a full Cat-Back.
- C8: Valve actuator recalibration required after installation. Do not install on vehicles without factory NPP.
Common Questions and Concerns
Yes. The Borla C8 system (Part #140838) includes AFM/DFM and NPP valves that are fully compatible with GM's active exhaust system. All factory exhaust modes are retained. Valve actuator recalibration is required after installation. Note that Part #140838 requires factory NPP. Borla also offers C8 exhaust systems for vehicles without NPP. Shop all C8 exhaust systems to find the right fit for your vehicle.
The Borla C6 system (Part #140128) fits vehicles both with and without NPP. However, the Borla system does not include NPP valves. Owners who want to retain active exhaust switching should be aware that the NPP functionality will not carry over to the Borla system.
Yes. The C7 Axle-Back system (Part #11855) can be combined with the Borla X-Pipe (Part #60548), sold separately, to create a full Cat-Back system.
Yes. The C4 system requires modification to the original equipment mid-pipe. The stock mid-pipe outlets must be expanded from 2.25" to 2.5" before the Borla system can be installed. This modification should be performed by a professional.
No. All Borla Corvette systems, with the exception of the original S-Type Classic, are engineered with No Drone technology, eliminating drone at any gear, speed, or RPM across all applicable sound levels.
The C6 system (Part #140128) is a factory direct part made to order. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery after placing your order.
All Borla exhaust systems are covered by the Million Mile Warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Where to Buy Borla Corvette Exhaust Systems
C4 (1984-1991)
C5 (1997-2004)
C6 (2005-2008)
C6 Z06 / ZR1
C7 (2014-2019)
C7 Z06 / Grand Sport
C8 (2020-2026)
C8 Z06
C8 E-Ray
Full Corvette Catalog →
Purchasing from Borla's website directly ensures a genuine product with full warranty coverage. Trusted Resellers, including Summit Racing, AmericanMuscle, and SS-Exhaust also carry Borla Corvette systems and often provide customer reviews and additional product details. Always verify you are purchasing from a Trusted Reseller and register your system with Borla to activate the warranty.
Conclusion
Borla has exhaust systems for C4 through C8 Corvettes. Each system is engineered specifically for the platform it fits, built from T-304 stainless steel, and backed by the Million Mile Warranty. Use the generation links above to find the correct system for your Corvette, confirm fitment using the vehicle compatibility tool on each product page, and verify any generation-specific installation requirements before ordering.