A Bad Review For Callaway Corvette Exhaust System
Callaway is to the Chevy Corvette what Roush is to the Ford Mustang – they both make a great thing just a little bit better.
In Callaway’s case, that means improving on the already excellent Vette. Some of these improvements are focused on comfort – like some incredibly comfortable new seats – but Callaway is also focused on performance.
Callaway doesn't make the Vette, they make the Vette better
The problem is, it’s hard to improve upon the performance of the already capable Corvette. It’s especially difficult to improve the exhaust system – which is probably why Car and Driver gave the latest generation Callaway Corvette exhaust system a bad review:
Unfortunately, the speed doesn’t come with much bombast from the so-called “double-D” exhaust. Above 3000 rpm, it’s eerily silent for a 606-hp V-8; so subdued that the blower’s light whine, normally concealed by engine noise, becomes the primary soundtrack. And despite the quietness at high revs, it drones significantly at about 2000 rpm, which is—annoyingly—right where the engine settles in during 80-mph highway cruising …read the full article
The double-D exhaust system looks great and has a humorous name, but Car and Driver’s comments strike at a concern a lot of people have about after-market exhaust systems…drone.
Drone is very much in the ear of the beholder, but it’s generally used to describe loud exhaust at fairly low (1500-2500) engine RPMs. Since these engine RPMs are associated with highway use, and since so many people are heavy highway users, drone is a big concern for a lot of people.
Corvette owners are particularly concerned about drone because they’ve paid for a luxurious performance vehicle. The Vette’ isn’t just fast – it’s classy too. But what’s classy about drone?
Callaway's double-D exhaust earns bad marks for excessive drone
There aren’t a lot of easy solutions when it comes to dealing with drone. In order to extract all available power from an engine while also keeping costs down, after-market exhaust manufacturers have to compromise somewhere. Factory exhaust systems, while not as powerful, rarely have the same issues with drone.
Is there a solution to drone? DynoMax has a relatively new VT muffler that promises to be drone-free. However, it’s not available for the Vette (at least not yet).
I own a 2011 C6 Callaway Corvette with the Double D exhaust.
I would like to get a deeper sound from the exhaust. I was told I could achieve this by changing the mufflers. However., I am concerned that this exhaust system is designed specifically for performance and changing the mufflers would impact the performance?
Richaard – It’s certainly possible that a muffler change could have a negative impact, which is why I always recommend purchasing a tuned cat back or axle back system from an established brand. Additionally, make sure that they provide dyno testing results so you can see where the horspower and torque is added…some systems increase top-end performance at the expense of off-the-line torque, and you’ll see that in a dyno chart.