New Owner with Exhaust Sound Questions

13801 Views 32 Replies 7 Participants Last post by standby, Jul 24, 2006

ebferro

Discussion Starter · Jul 4, 2006 (Edited)

I'm a new owner of an '05 XLR that I just bought used with 2100 miles on it. I must say that it's a beautiful automobile. Having driven a Corvette in an earlier life, this car is definitely more comfortable and quiet. I do have one question, though. I'm very disappointed in the exhaust sound. The exhaust note is that of an '85 Chevy Celebrity that I once drove. It's kind of tinny and not deep or throaty at all. It definitely doesn't sound like a Corvette. The car also seems to be a bit sluggish getting off the mark. Prior to buying this car, I hadn't driven another one so I'm not sure that the sound or sluggishness aren't normal. Anyone have an comments? Is there a problem with mine or do I need to look for aftermarket exhausts? I realize it's not a V but something that looks that fast and aggressive needs to sound that way, too.
TIA.

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

harrysxlr

· #2 · Jul 4, 2006

ebferro said:
I'm an new owner of an '05 XLR that I just bought used with 2100 miles on it. I must say that it's a beautiful automobile. Having driven a Corvette in an earlier life, this car is definitely more comfortable and quiet. I do have one question, though. I'm very disappointed in the exhaust sound. The exhaust note is that of an '85 Chevy Celebrity that I once drove. It's kind of tinny and not deep or throaty at all. It definitely doesn't sound like a Corvette. The car also seems to be a bit sluggish getting off the mark. Prior to buying this car, I hadn't driven another one so I'm not sure that the sound or sluggishness aren't normal. Anyone have an comments? Is there a problem with mine or do I need to look for aftermarket exhausts? I realize it's not a V but something that looks that fast and aggressive needs to sound that way, too.
TIA.

Ebferro, before my XLR I drove 3 cC5`s and had on all of them the Corsa system.

The standard XLR doesn`t sound bad when you push it but after my Corsa experience I ordered a Corsa for my XLR and it sounds great. It`s worth every dollar:thumbs :thumbs :thumbs

You wouldn`t beliefe what a sound you`ll get out of the Corsa in combination with this N* engine. Go to my gallery, I`ve posted some pics there and even the look is much better because the 4 outlets come out more.

The sound is at least as good as on the Vettes with aftermarked exhausts, if not even better.

Hans (from Germany) PS congrats to your new ride!!!!!!!!!!!

Jetboyphx

· #3 · Jul 4, 2006

Corsa and Lund are still the only two aftermarkets that are readily available. A few folks have fabricated Borla's. The Corsa and Lund will definately give you a fuller sound, you won't believe it is a Northstar. Here is a recent thread http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=1484 You can snap up Corsa's pretty cheap on Ebay from time to time, last one I saw was under $1,400 for a cat back system. The Lund will run you about $600 more but has the unique tip if that is the look you are going for.

The power delivery can be a bit deceiving on the XLR via seat of the pants. Volant has just come out with an airbox so with that and a good exhaust you should get a noticable bump.

harrysxlr

· #4 · Jul 4, 2006

Jetboyphx said:
Corsa and Lund are still the only two aftermarkets that are readily available. A few folks have fabricated Borla's. The Corsa and Lund will definately give you a fuller sound, you won't believe it is a Northstar. Here is a recent thread http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=1484 You can snap up Corsa's pretty cheap on Ebay from time to time, last one I saw was under $1,400 for a cat back system. The Lund will run you about $600 more but has the unique tip if that is the look you are going for.

The power delivery can be a bit deceiving on the XLR via seat of the pants. Volant has just come out with an airbox so with that and a good exhaust you should get a noticable bump.

Kent, you are right, the sound of your Lund system is similar to my Corsa when I got to hear it during our XLR-Rendezvous in ABQ.

Hans

pontooncrazy1

· #5 · Jul 6, 2006

hey everyone: i'm new here too. i have to agree with Ebferro with the sound of the exhaust. Can anyone tell me what an after market exhaust will do to my warranty ?
Incidentally i just turned over 10k on by '04 xlr this morning. Is there a "burn-out "chip on the car , or was it just a good drive into work this morning.
By the way Harry your right, it doesn't sound too bad when you push it.

frank

1_XLR

· #6 · Jul 6, 2006

welcome to the forum......
after market exhaust will not affect your warranty.

pontooncrazy1

· #7 · Jul 7, 2006

thanks xlr1.... i like to be stealthy but a little rumble would be nice

harrysxlr

· #8 · Jul 7, 2006

pontooncrazy1 said:
hey everyone: i'm new here too. i have to agree with Ebferro with the sound of the exhaust. Can anyone tell me what an after market exhaust will do to my warranty ?
Incidentally i just turned over 10k on by '04 xlr this morning. Is there a "burn-out "chip on the car , or was it just a good drive into work this morning.
By the way Harry your right, it doesn't sound too bad when you push it.

frank

Frank, the "burn out" chip is on your console:lol I`ll get about a car lenght of wheel-spin when TC is off.
Also in US mag tets the XLR got #s 0-60 of about 5.8 seconds - I tested mine from 0-100 pkh (62 mph) in 5.5 what wold be a 0-60 time of about 5.2 sec.

Harry Hans

pontooncrazy1

· #9 · Jul 7, 2006

ha ha ... i like humor in the morning - in my time zone anyway

harrysxlr

· #10 · Jul 7, 2006

pontooncrazy1 said:
ha ha ... i like humor in the morning - in my time zone anyway

humor in the morning s always good:glol

I see you are in Canada, so you have the kph speedo too like mine with 260 kph!

Do you know if your XLR is speed limited to 250 kph (155 mph) - mine isn`t.

Harry Hans

ebferro

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 7, 2006

Harry:
I presume you know yours isn't speed limited to 155 mph through first hand experience. Am I right?

harrysxlr

· #12 · Jul 8, 2006

ebferro said:
Harry:
I presume you know yours isn't speed limited to 155 mph through first hand experience. Am I right?

You are absolutely right, had several posts already here but just for you.

I have the 260 kph speedo in mine and when I reach the 260 kph (161 mph) the analog speedo just stops but on my HUD it goes up.
fastest I`ve had it was 292 kph ( 181 mph).

Last month when I was for the XLR-Rendezvous in the states we checked out Bob`s (standby on this forum) XLR V and we both had it up to 158 mph when the limiter cuts in very soft. I hope the export model isn`t limited, if not I guarantee an easy 300 kph + (186+) will be possible then.

Hans Harry

xlrjunkie

· #13 · Jul 8, 2006

exaust

I just put on Corsa exausts and they are awesome! I also came from a vette, so I know what you meen.

harrysxlr

· #14 · Jul 8, 2006

xlrjunkie said:
I just put on Corsa exausts and they are awesome! I also came from a vette, so I know what you meen.

:thumbs :thumbs :thumbs yes. awesome is the right word! And don`t forget the look of this four Corsa-outlets, closing up on mine with the rear bumper.

Hans

pontooncrazy1

· #15 · Jul 9, 2006

hey harrysxlr : yes i am KPH , i've had the car for about for months and have had it up to 238 when i ran out of road. It's nice to know that the limiter feathers in. when i've pushed my other vehicles its almost like getting slaped in the back of the head when they kick in.
About your Corsa's; i do want some "rumble" but i am concerned about excessive cabin noise. I use the car to commute to work ( about 140 k , 60 - 70 min. ) and don't want my head pounded by the drone.
Can you tell me more about your exhaust please.
thanks frank

harrysxlr

· #16 · Jul 9, 2006 (Edited)

pontooncrazy1 said:
hey harrysxlr : yes i am KPH , i've had the car for about for months and have had it up to 238 when i ran out of road. It's nice to know that the limiter feathers in. when i've pushed my other vehicles its almost like getting slaped in the back of the head when they kick in.
About your Corsa's; i do want some "rumble" but i am concerned about excessive cabin noise. I use the car to commute to work ( about 140 k , 60 - 70 min. ) and don't want my head pounded by the drone.
Can you tell me more about your exhaust please.
thanks frank

Hi Frank, yes I know when the limiter kicks in at 132 mph (213 kph) on my DTS, it`s very hard because the engine has power to do a lot more. Bob`s XLR V I drove last month, the limiter goes in very smooth. If a limiter is required that`s the way to do it.

Now to my Corsa, sure it`s louder than the stock system but I wont miss it anymore, special now in summer with top down it`s a great sound. I do about 2-3 times a month a bigger day trip of 300-500 miles ( 500 - 800 km) and the sound is not disturbing me. Now don`t forget I drive alot in the 100 - 170 mph (160 - 275 kph) range.

Frank, get it, you`ll love it:cheers
Hans
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/harrysxlr/P1010001.jpg

how do you like my red brake calipers?
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/harrysxlr/P4300004.jpg

pontooncrazy1

· #17 · Jul 14, 2006

hey harry : love the red calipers ; especially the V emblem to left of them. I also like the look of your exhaust tips. Are they stock XLR V 's or are they your Corsa's tips ?:thumbs
By the way is that a turn signal I see above the XLR badge ?
frank

harrysxlr

· #18 · Jul 14, 2006

pontooncrazy1 said:
hey harry : love the red calipers ; especially the V emblem to left of them. I also like the look of your exhaust tips. Are they stock XLR V 's or are they your Corsa's tips ?:thumbs
By the way is that a turn signal I see above the XLR badge ?
frank

:cheers thank you Frank! The tips are from the Corsa-exhaust and you right, they look good and this system got an excellent sound.

Over the XLR badge it`s the turn-signal light what all GM cars in Europe must have on, any STS or SRX or even the Vette.

Have a nice weekend

Harry Hans

pontooncrazy1

· #19 · Jul 14, 2006

thank you for wishing me well for the weekend, however 30 + degrees all weekend and i'll be at work.
The turn signal light looks good. An interesting note : i have seen in other threads that the '06 and european XLR's have a three blink lane change mode on the turn signal stalk.
I have had stability control problems that put the on board computer into a defalt mode which included a three blink lane change mode.
Since the stability control problem has been , no more three blinks ..and i miss it.

harrysxlr

· #20 · Jul 14, 2006

pontooncrazy1 said:
thank you for wishing me well for the weekend, however 30 + degrees all weekend and i'll be at work.
The turn signal light looks good. An interesting note : i have seen in other threads that the '06 and european XLR's have a three blink lane change mode on the turn signal stalk.
I have had stability control problems that put the on board computer into a defalt mode which included a three blink lane change mode.
Since the stability control problem has been , no more three blinks ..and i miss it.

Same weather over here, till Mai it was cold but sine 6 weeks it?s hot, yesterday 37° (105° Fahrenheit).
My 04 XLR doesn`t have the 3 blink lane change but my wifes Opel Vectra GTS, also an 04 model got it.
Cornering lights of the XLR V is a very nice feature!

Don`t work too hard this weekend:nono :lol

Harry Hans

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