Sam Krahn 
On any performance vehicle, an aftermarket exhaust is a go-to upgrade. While the typical cat back upgrade may not give too much more performance from horsepower and torque gains, the more intoxicating noise is enough of an upgrade on its own. On the C8 Corvette, an exhaust is just about the only upgrade you can do with the ECM barriers guarding almost all tuning options. Thankfully, the aftermarket realizes this and has been launching a variety of systems over the past year. And the latest C8 Corvette exhaust comes from one of the biggest names in the business: Lingenfelter.
Their new system, called the Extreme-S, was developed with Corsa Performance, and sounds exactly like the name suggests: it gives the C8 Corvette some added aggression. Some have criticized the “GT” nature of the Corvette, but that’s part of what makes it such a daily drivable sports car. Still, some want their sports car to have little more edge, and an exhaust is a great way to get more aggression while keeping the same usability the C8 is known for. It sounds fantastic while revving and accelerating, but keeps the OEM valves, so there is no drone on the highway. The best of both worlds.
With the exhaust kit equipped, Lingenfelter Performance has also pulled some extra performance out of the C8 Corvette LT2 engine in addition to the noise. Lingenfelter claims a dyno tested gain of 19 hp and 15 lbs ft of torque. Lingenfelter also says it has a weight saving over stock, but doesn’t say how much. Visuals are also changed, with larger, round 4.5 inch black chrome tips that feature a laser etched logo. Lingenfelter also says the system is designed to work with future upgrades. That means, if they can get ahold of the ECM codes from General Motors, their system is prepped and ready
Lingenfelter’s C8 Corvette exhaust system, made in collaboration with Corsa Performance, is in stock now and available for ordering. It’s currently listed at a premium $3,599, but that’s the price you pay for expected quality. Overall, this seems like a compelling upgrade for the mid-engined Corvette.
