When the '97 Corvettes burst upon the scene, few could find fault withthe newest offering from Chevrolet. In fact, the improved handling,styling, and performance were so overwhelming that it took a careful eyeto find where additional aftermarket components would make a difference.That is, except for one area: the exhaust system, which suffered from apoor exhaust note and restrictive, power-robbing plumbing.
Bassani, a performance exhaust product leader in both the automotive andmotorcycle arenas, has developed a system for '97 to '04 Corvettesequipped with LS1 and LS6 engines. Designed at its facility in Anaheim,California, recent independent testing by Roger Vinci of VinciHi-Performance, using a stock LS1-engined '02 Corvette featuring allstock components (automatic transmission and factory 3.15:1 reargearing) netted an amazing 30hp increase and 35 lb-ft of torque over thestock baseline numbers. In dragstrip testing, the Bassani-equippedCorvette improved overall quarter-mile e.t.'s from 13.83 and 101.45 mphto 13.33 and 104.50 mph, proving the power gains from the system areindeed very real. Best of all, at the time of this writing, Bassani haddecided to file for a California Air Resources Board Executive Ordermaking the system 50-state legal for '97-'99 LS1 and LS6 engines.
Subsequent testing by Superior Automotive with a manualtransmission-equipped car measured 342 hp on the dyno using the "421"headers, Aft-Cat, stock converters, and K&N air-filter kit.
The Bassani Xhaust system features either 13/4-inch or big-tube17/8-inch primary header tubing, making the latter perfect for big-inchengines like the 427ci, which is becoming popular with C5 Corvetteenthusiasts. The headers themselves are made from mild steel with aceramic coating. The multi-piece header system makes home installationnot only possible, but quite easy for the novice. Using the factorycatalytic converters, the system mounts the stock oxygen sensors in thefactory locations, making the system compatible with engine computeroperation. The exhaust system, from the catalytic converters back to thetailpipes, is made from stainless steel for long life and a great finallook. The Bassani Xhaust system includes all of the proper hangerattachment components and is a well-engineered system for the C5Corvette. The twin-outlet tailpipe system is unique, a signature Bassaniexhaust design.
The Bassani Xhaust system delivers tremendous real-world, streetablehorsepower. An excellent addition for the C5 enthusiast looking forenhanced performance and improved performance sound, the Bassani Xhaustsystem is competitively priced for the market.
Baseline vs. Bassani
Bassani Xhaust turned to an independent source, Vinci Hi-Performance inOrlando, Florida, for testing their system. Joe and Roger Vinciinstalled the system and conducted baseline and modified testing of theBassani 13/4-inch tri-Y headers, Bassani Metalicat System fitted withthe Bassani Z06 center-mount muffler on an '03 automatic-transmissionCorvette. No other modifications or tuning were conducted on thevehicle, which was in desperate need of an air-cleaner change as debriswas found in the silencer after the testing was conducted. After asimple air-cleaner replacement, 6 hp was found on average, which is notreflected on the dyno chart below.
All results are corrected to 29.92 in/Hg, with the vehicle tested inSecond gear.
 1 Clean and functional with...  1 Clean and functional with improved engine power and greatexhaust note--what more can you ask of an exhaust system? |
 2 This is where you start...  2 This is where you start on your LS1 or LS6 engine. With the oldexhaust system out and the engine disassembled enough to make room forthe header pipes, you're ready to begin. |
 3 The catalytic converters...  3 The catalytic converters from the original factory system areused with the Bassani X-pipe system. The flange of the catalyticconverter must be prepped in this manner to adapt to the Bassani system.This modification can be performed at your local muffler shop. |
 4 The headers are a multi-piece...  4 The headers are a multi-piece unit, making them easy toinstall. Both 13/4-inch and 17/8-inch primary tube headers areavailable. |
 5 (above & below) The header-to-engine...  5 (above & below) The header-to-engine block mating surface must be clean andsmooth to avoid engine-damaging exhaust leaks. These Bassani-designedinserts and header-flange system ensure a tight, leak-free seal. |
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 Click the picture above to...  Click the picture above to view the specs chart on a basline C5 vs. the Bassani-equipped C5. |
 Graphical interpretation of...  Graphical interpretation of the baseline C5 vs. Bassani-equipped C5. |