Hey guys. I e-mailed Corsa to see if they would either make a 3" exhaust just for me, or make one to offer the public. I explained that I was pretty modded, and that I would have a need for a 3" exhaust soon. Here is what they replied:


Thank you for your interest and inquiry.

However unless your vehicle exceeds 550hp to the wheels, the 2.5" system
is quite efficient.
This exhaust has been engineered for maximum performance gains based off
of vehicle dynamics.

Hopefully this proves to be of help, however do feel free to let us know
if other questions arise.

Enjoy those CORSA's!


Paul Santiago
Automotive Tech/Sales Rep.
CORSA Performance Exhausts
toll free: 800-486-0999 ext. 135
direct dial: 440-260-3135
fax: 440-891-1868
www.corsaperf.com


All I can say is interesting. I don't doubt that they flow great, in fact I think it works fine for even my setup. But if I had 550whp, I don't know that I'd want a 2.5" exhaust. Since I've yet to see any 3" exhaust that I'm happy with, looks like I'll have to stick with the Corsa or go custom. I really like the fact that this exhaust is quiet while cruising with NO DRONE, even though I have a long-tube header and no cat. So what are your thoughts on their response?

 

Thats why I bought it, its bad ass. It flows as much as 3 inch systems and keeps the torque. CORSA FTW!!!!!

 

after 300whp a 2.5 exhaust especially for a FI car is a straw.

 

i think we need some real proof of what is needed at what power mark. like actual provin test. when 3 inch can be used at and be affective. and when 2.5 starts becoming to small

 

Wow, wasn't it just last week that you were lobbing for 2.5" exhaust, and that there is no need for 3" blah blah blah. What changed your mind?

 

I cant say I totally agree with their response . Im not a exhaust expert by any means , but Ive been thru ALOT of different combo's over the years with my F-bodies . Back when the 4" mufflex exhaust systems came out for the F-bodies , the "expert " opinion was this is completely overkill for anything south of 500 hp and you would not make any more power , blah blah . I picked up 2 solid tenths and 2 mph jumping from a 3" magnaflow for to a 4" Mufflex on a car that had essentially minor bolt ons . I proved the same "to big" theory wrong again with a heads/cam combo I used 1 3/4 long tubes , no cats and 3" x-pipe and a shorty 3" true dual with dynomax bullets . Again , big gain over the Hooker 3" cat , off road 3" Y and 1 5/8" shorty headers that were supposedy more than adequate . On my Cobalt , I was told I'd lose bottom end if I went to a 3" offroad DP . I havent dynoed my car with to verify what I got from it ...but , coming from a 2.5 offroad to a 3" offroad I didnt lose a thing on the bottom and picked up a bit up top , and my car was repeatibly faster at the strip .

Maybe tuning an optimum exhaust for a higher HP/TQ 4 cyl engine is different that a V6 or V8 and same theories of pipe size vs. power levels dont apply . Thats a question I cant answer . If 2.5 piping was good to 550 hp like Corsa claims , why are all of Corsa's vette kits dual 3" pipe , all the F-bodies kits 3" pipe ect et .

I think it was probably a polite response saying their not interested in a 3" kit without actually saying it . I think your car right now would pick up a little bit with a 3" . But at the point your at now , the cost would most likely way outweigh the small gain . Start getting north of 300 wp , then its a different story IMO .

When I was building the current exhaust on my Cobalt , I talked in length to a tech rep at Borla about pipe sizing , resonators and mufflers . He was extemely helpful and actually knew what hell he was talking about . << Not to say Corsa doesnt .

 

I felt i was loosing alot on my old 3inch setup so i switched to a 2.5, iam very happy with the sound not being so loud, and i actually have my low end back, my friend with a 500wwhp lighting is runing 2.5" exhaust, i guess its all a matter of what you want, power wise, top/low end.

 

top end = 300 whp
low end = 12s in the 1/4 mile

 

Since I have almost the same exhaust setup you do Bad06ss, CTI header enroute, I'll let you know as soon as I receive the twinscrew kit how good the exhaust is. Corsa knows their stuff when it comes to exhausts, but I think after 350-400whp a 3" exhaust would help move more airflow.

 

Did he think you meant for a dual exhaust? Was he aware it is single? I am assuming he did know that but I had to ask.

 

Yeah thats what I was kinda thinking too. 550 whp on 4 cylinder at LEAST 3" exhaust is manditory. Now I could easily see a 550 hp V8 with dual 2.5" exhaust.

 

key word dual, that lightening would be dual so it shouldn't be a problem running 2.5. I think I would still stand by the 300-350 whp mark for a 3"

 

In all honesty, I just wanted to see if they would make one for me in the event I need one. I still don't think a 3" is NEEDED at my level, but down the road possibly. I'm thinking more long-term, with bigger plans. I personally don't see much need untill after 350whp, and how much more it's worth then-who knows. There isn't any issues with my exhaust now, the torque is great, and it doesn't feel restricted at all. However, I don't agree with the 550whp statement.

 

x2 ill be swapping this summer or next for whipple or turbo either way looking to make over 350 whp so 3" fo sho. We'll see what happens but i'd rather have more than less.

 

when i put my 3" custom cat back on i gained 12hp and loss 2ft pound torque over stock by the way 2.5>3.0 for daily driving, but when engine hp exceeds 300hp a 3" is almost mandatory especially on forced induction.