My C5 had been stock since new and I finally decided to upgrade the exhaust system. I had performed a TPIS header and Random Technology cat & X-pipe install and wanted the mufflers to be less restrictive as well. Here are my detailed instructions for performing this upgrade on my 97 Vette. Later model C5s may have different components requiring different steps.

My source for the parts was LA Performance Division out of California.

Here's a sound clip after I completed the TPIS headers, Random Technology cat s and X-pipe, and Borla Stinger install: Sound clip

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Jack up the rear of the car.

My jack wouldn't go up high enough to put jackstands under the car, so I put blocks under the rear tires.

After lowering the car down to the blocks, I added more wooden blocks to get the car high enough to support it with jackstands.

Having the rear high enough is important so that the mufflers can be twisted out from around the rear axle. Additional jacking may be necessary as you attempt to remove the mufflers.

Identify the sway bar attachment points and remove the top bolt with a 19mm socket, and the bottom bolt with a 3/4" socket.

Do the same for the other side.

Then, swing the sway bar out of the way.

Using a 15mm socket, disconnect the mufflers just in front of the axle.

Then, identify the two hangar bolts behind the mufflers. Use a 10mm socket and extensions to get these off. The muffler assembly is about 25 lbs, so be sure to support the muffler so it doesn't fall on you.

Drop the muffler to the floor and work the over-axle section over the axle. If it will not go very far, you must jack the car up again with more wooden blocks. Put blocks around the front tires before attempting this as the car may roll. As soon as it is up high enough get the old muffler out of there, reposition the jackstands in order to provide support before extracting the muffler.

Here is the muffler's hanger. Remove it as it will be needed for the new mufflers.

Remove the other muffler as well.

Here is the Borla Stinger muffler kit that will be installed. It comes with two over-axle exhaust pipes, 2 muffler sections, 2 clamps and 2 exhaust gaskets.

Install the over-axle piece first.

It slides into place. Use the original 15mm bolts to attach them to the flanges of the exhaust. Do not tighten this connection yet.

Place the exhaust hanger on the new muffler and put the clamp around the end of the muffler.

Bolt the muffler hangar into place.

Slide the muffler section onto the over-axle section but do not tighten the clamp.

Do the same for the other side.

Remove the plastic protection fromt the tips to prepare yourself to adjust the tip position.

Position the tips where you would like them. Have a friend help you maintain the look you want while you are tightening the bolts..

Position the clamps so that the bolts are pointed down so they are not easily visible and tighten them along with the flange bolts while ensuring the tips remain in position. Lower the car and start it to check for leaks. Enjoy your new sound!


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