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The LS7-powered C6 Z06 (2006-2013) already sounds good stock, but an aftermarket exhaust unlocks a louder, more aggressive tone and, with headers, real power gains. Here are ten well-known systems, from bolt-on axle-backs to full long-tube header setups.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corsa Xtreme 3.0″ Dual Rear Exit Axle-Back | $2,500-2,750 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Borla ATAK Axle-Back Exhaust | $1,700-1,900 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Borla S-Type Axle-Back Exhaust | verify at Borla | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | B&B Z06 Fusion Exhaust System | verify at B&B | Amazon |
| 5 | B&B Fusion Retro Exhaust System | verify at B&B | Amazon |
| 6 | Akrapovic Evolution/Slip-On Exhaust | $2,000+ | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Kooks 2″ x 3″ Long Tube Headers | $1,466-1,600 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | American Racing Headers C6/Z06/ZR1 Race Headers | verify at American Racing Headers | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Billy Boat Long Tube Headers | verify at Billy Boat | Amazon |
| 10 | Magnaflow Competition Series Axle-Back | $500-900 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Corsa Xtreme 3.0″ Dual Rear Exit Axle-Back
Corsa’s flagship system, known for an aggressive tone with zero drone.
- 3″ mandrel-bent dual rear-exit
- Twin 4.5″ tips
- Corsa RSC resonated tech
- Aggressive sound with minimal highway drone
- Very expensive
Borla ATAK Axle-Back Exhaust
Purpose-built for the 2006-2013 Z06, known for a loud, dialed-in tone.
- ATAK straight-through technology
- Stainless steel
- Direct-fit
- Cheaper than Corsa
- Strong reputation for sound quality
- Louder and less refined than Corsa on long trips
Borla S-Type Axle-Back Exhaust
A milder-toned alternative in the same Borla product line as ATAK.
- Same direct-fit platform
- Less aggressive S-Type tone tuning
- Quieter daily-driver option from a trusted line
- Less dramatic sound than ATAK
B&B Z06 Fusion Exhaust System
A well-known enthusiast-favorite full exhaust system.
- Fusion technology muffler design
- Stainless steel construction
- Strong reputation in Corvette forums
- Pricing varies by reseller
B&B Fusion Retro Exhaust System
Retrofits NPP-style dual-mode exhaust sound onto non-NPP C6s.
- Retrofits NPP-like function
- Fusion muffler tech
- Unique for adding factory-style dual-mode sound
- Pricing varies by reseller
Akrapovic Evolution/Slip-On Exhaust
A premium titanium option cited as the top build quality for those with the budget.
- Titanium construction
- Weight savings
- Premium fit and finish
- Superior construction quality
- Weight reduction
- Most expensive option by a wide margin
Kooks 2″ x 3″ Long Tube Headers
A popular header upgrade for real horsepower gains beyond axle-back-only systems.
- Stainless steel
- 2″x3″ primary tubes
- Direct-fit for LS7
- Real horsepower gains
- Well-known header brand
- Much more involved install than axle-back; needs a tune
American Racing Headers C6/Z06/ZR1 Race Headers
A competing premium header system for high-flow race applications.
- 2″ x 2-1/8″ primaries
- 3-1/2″ merge collectors
- X-pipe mid-section
- High-flow race-oriented design
- Premium-tier cost
Billy Boat Long Tube Headers
An established header brand offering a complete kit with mounting hardware.
- Full hardware and instructions included
- Fits Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport
- Reputable long-time Corvette exhaust brand
- Pricing varies by reseller
Magnaflow Competition Series Axle-Back
A more budget-accessible straight-through system versus the premium options above.
- Straight-through mandrel-bent design
- Deep, aggressive tone
- Most affordable name-brand option
- Easy bolt-on install
- Less refined sound character than Corsa or Borla
Buying tips
- Axle-back systems (Corsa, Borla, B&B, Magnaflow) are a straightforward bolt-on for tone changes; long-tube headers (Kooks, American Racing, Billy Boat) add real power but need a tune and more install time.
- If you want factory-style dual-mode quiet/loud switching and your Z06 doesn’t have NPP, the B&B Fusion Retro is the only system built specifically for that.
- Confirm current pricing directly with the manufacturer before buying — several premium systems don’t publish list prices.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.