Corvette's exterior

Contributor

An easy and effective way to upgrade your Corvette's exterior is by installing aftermarket exhaust tips. This is also a great way to restore some shine to an older car that has seen better days. There is a huge assortment of exhaust tips available for every generation of Corvette, whether it's a 1954 or 2004.

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Styles and Finishes

1. As with any model of car, there is a wide variety of exhaust tips available for Corvettes. The most popular is a simple rolled or beveled tip that terminates in a slight slant for an aggressive appearance. There are also square tips, rectangular tips and of course "bow-tie" shaped exhaust tips that mimic the distinctive appearance of the Chevrolet logo. As far as finishes, polished stainless steel is a great look, but there are also chrome, brushed stainless steel (for a more muted appearance) and even carbon fiber tips. Carbon fiber tips are a good choice for newer Corvettes like the C5 and C6, but may not look as good on older, classic models. For a really flashy look, there are even tips that have LED lights that light up around the opening of the tip.

Where to Buy Them

2. Because of the relatively high end nature of Corvette's, it's best to install high quality exhaust tips. West Coast Corvettes has a wide range of tips as does Corvette Exhaust Tips (see Resources). You can also find a wide range of Corvette as well as generic exhaust tips at large companies like Summit Racing. EBay is another sure bet. Simply type in what you are looking for in the search box and you will be presented with a huge array of options. You can also check out your local Corvette dealer, where they will have a selection of OEM (original equipment manufacturer). Another good bet are local muffler shops, that can also install them for you.

Installation and Care

3. Most exhaust tips are easy to install and require only a wrench. Simply slide the tips over the existing exhaust pipes and then tighten the bolts that clamp the tips to the pipe. Some tips will need to be welded on by an exhaust shop. To ensure that your new exhaust tips stay looking new for years to come, clean them regularly with soap and water and then polish them with a metal polish.