LQ9 "VortecMax" Exhaust Options

hdfat2002 · Nov 7, 2006

Greetings all,

I'm new to the forum, and to GMC truck ownership.

I recently took posession of an '06 Sierra Crew Cab with LQ9 (VortecMax) motor.

Bad-ass truck. Big upgrade from my 4.3L S10!

I'd like advice as to cat-back systems for this truck. I want a bolt-on exhaust with some good tone, but minimal interior drone. I do not want to saw-cut my muffler/tailpipe for a weld-in muffler. I want to have the option of easy go-back-to-stock should I choose to do that.

Seems to be a lot on offer for the 5.3L and 4.8L, but I am not finding much for the bad mama-jama 6.0L 350-horse bad boy!

For now, I have pretty much settled on a Gibson exhaust system for my truck. I like the Corsa systems, but they only seem to offer a system for the 6.0L Denali (which is an LQ4 6.0L vs. my LQ9), not to mention they are really PRICEY.

Tell me this:

I have heard people bad-mouth Gibson for corroding & coming apart. Seems this wouldn't be an issue with a quality stainless system. What's up with their "aluminized" systems? What does that term even MEAN?

Is Gibson typically a quality piece? By "quality" what I am really asking is this: Can I install a Gibson cat-back and leave it place for the life of the truck without any problems?

Please share your experience. Mine is nil.

Thanks! Free drinks on me!

-Fat

spitfire2332 · Nov 7, 2006

If you goto gibsons website and look for your truck, right at the top of their list they have this...

6.0L Vortec Max 1500SS Extended & Crew Cab, Short Bed 2/4wd

thunder550 · Nov 7, 2006

Corsa is pricey but it's an all-stainless system that has zero drone while cruising, but it sounds badass when you get on it. If you can afford the $700-ish price tag I would recommend it heavily.

tonality · Nov 7, 2006

Hey, I went to listen to the Corsa website sounds for the 5.3l...it sounds ok, but does it have a slight rasp at really high RPM? Also, is it a bit higher-pitched than say a magnaflow would be? Or is that just me?

thunder550 · Nov 7, 2006

I don't think the sounds on the website are very good. I listened to them before I got my kit and it sounded different. I'd offer a clip from my truck but I have LT headers and no cats, so it's going to sound a lot nastier than Corsa on a stock pre-cat setup.

If you want to see one anyway, click here:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1049386925

Just keep in mind that on a stock pre-cat setup it's going to sound MUCH milder.

TheLlama · Nov 7, 2006

Magnaflow... I got their system on my crew and its badass.

ZebraSS · Nov 7, 2006

I can speak for the Corsa Sport. I have it and couldn't be more satisfied.

tonality · Nov 7, 2006

Zebra did you do the install yourself? Looks pretty straightforward...

EDIT: Thunder, that thing sounded BAAAAADDDDD...

ZebraSS · Nov 7, 2006

tonality said:
Zebra did you do the install yourself? Looks pretty straightforward...

Yes, getting the old one off was the hardest part and not all bad, had to cut the tailpipe because I did not use a lift. Installation is a breeze, everything fit well.

hdfat2002 · Nov 7, 2006

ZebraSS said:
Yes, getting the old one off was the hardest part and not all bad, had to cut the tailpipe because I did not use a lift. Installation is a breeze, everything fit well.

Is the sport system pretty loud? I heard they recommend the touring system for LQ9s like your SS and my VortecMax have...

I like loud...

=)

-Fat

Hit Man X · Nov 7, 2006

hdfat2002 said:
Is the sport system pretty loud? I heard they recommend the touring system for LQ9s like your SS and my VortecMax have...

I like loud...

=)

-Fat

Sport is pretty loud with stock cats/stock manifolds. It'll be REALLY loud with headers/no cats.

ZebraSS · Nov 7, 2006

Hit Man X said:
Sport is pretty loud with stock cats/stock manifolds. It'll be REALLY loud with headers/no cats.

:word: I like loud but not drone. The Sport is perfect for that. Some say the Touring is quieter than stock on this truck :wtf:

00Silverado · Nov 7, 2006

ZebraSS said:
:word: I like loud but not drone. The Sport is perfect for that. Some say the Touring is quieter than stock on this truck :wtf:

That'd be weird, my Touring is definitely louder than stock. I love my Corsa and the sound :drool:

Sambo · Nov 7, 2006

I have a magnaflow universal muffler on mine. Sounds deep, and somewhat quiet until you step on it. Works for me, beats paying $500 + for a cat back imo. I plan on buying some supermaxx long tubes with cats pretty soon also.

1White04 · Nov 7, 2006

Corsa Sport.......................................................................

DO IT!

Dub Silverado · Nov 8, 2006

Alright, i did not read past the first post but let me fill you in. I have a 06 Vmax crew cab 2wd. The exhaust sytem is in fact the system that comes on the denali crew cab. The denali has the lq9....but even so its the same as the lq4 systems would be. I have the corsa sport and would never look back. Make sure you dont order anything from a regular 5.3 as it will not fit.

blacktexasZ · Nov 8, 2006

Corsa Sport!
Questions? PM me.

hdfat2002 · Sep 6, 2007

Anyone here tried the Gibson system for the VortecMax?

-Fat

0chevy4 · Sep 6, 2007

Um....I love my Borla. Hardly any drone at all and it's sound is just kick ass and not too loud.

lethalyoyo · Sep 6, 2007

SPINTCH

kdubbz · Sep 6, 2007

My dad just put a Corsa Sport on his 2500HD with a 6.0l And it sounds badass. You can notice it a little at idle, but you really notice it when you nail it or rev it. best sounding exhaust IMO. We nabbed ours on ebay for a bit lower then retail. look around at who sells em first. He hates exhausts that drone, this one definitely does not drone at all.

LQ9 "VortecMax" Exhaust Options

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities