2001 - 2004 Corvette Z06 Titanium Exhaust System
A press release from ArvinMeritor that takes an in-depth look at the 2001 - 2004 Corvette Z06 titanium exhaust system.
The following information comes from a press release published by ArvinMeritor, the company that manufactures the Z06 Corvette's titanium exhaust system. This press release and photographs are copyright - ArvinMeritor Corporation
| Click on pictures for enlarged image. | ||||
 |
 |
 |
||
What helps the CORVETTE Z06 really fly?
A major automotive ADVANCE:
The FIRST mass-produced exhaust system in TITANIUM - the AEROSPACE metal.
INNOVATIVE engineering and an EXCEPTIONAL metal generate an automotive TRIUMPH.
THE CORVETTE Z06 CHALLENGE: MAKE IT LIGHTER, MAKE IT FASTER
For GM, pushing the performance envelope on the 2001 Z06 was essential.
To that end, GM issued Arvin the challenge: design and manufacture a
new exhaust solution that is lighter weight than stainless steel systems,
meets underbody packaging constraints and contributes to making this
car the highest performance Corvette ever.
THE CORPORATE COLLABORATION: A TITANIUM SYSTEM
Arvin, the leading global designer and producer of original equipment
exhaust systems, first began investigating the use of titanium in 1993
for its light weight, strength and corrosion resistance. For years Arvin worked
with TIMET, the largest titanium manufacturer and distributor in the
world, on projects exploring titanium automotive applications. In response
to the GM criteria, Arvin recognized an optimal new exhaust system could be
made from titanium and the firms partnered to deliver the solution.
THE AEROSPACE METAL: PROVIDING UNIQUE BENEFITS
Titanium is a staple of aerospace due to its high strength-to-weight
ratio
and is essential in many industrial processes due to its natural corrosion
resistance. It is the fourth most abundant structural element, occurring
as rutile ore in common black beach sand, which is frequently mined
in Australia. TIMET refines the ore and processes the metal at its
manufacturing facilities in the United States.
THE REMARKABLE RESULT: RACING TECHNOLOGY IN A STREET CAR
The 26-pound titanium muffler and tailpipe assembly replaces a 44-pound
stainless steel system. The 41% weight savings means improved performance:
faster acceleration, better handling, higher cornering speeds, shorter
braking distances and increased fuel economy. In addition, titanium's
natural corrosion resistance and durability give the system a virtually
unlimited life span. The achievements in titanium manufacturing, exhaust
design and testing will contribute to future advances in exhaust systems
and a broader use of titanium on mass-produced vehicles.
 |
INNOVATIVE DESIGN — FOR FUNCTION AND FABRICATION
The Arvin design addresses the differences between titanium and stainless
steel, including characteristics such as springback, vibration and resonance
frequency. New muffler components were custom developed for titanium
fabrication and a unique acoustic tone, to meet GM sound requirements.
A NEW GRADE OF TITANIUM — FOR MASS PRODUCTION
To meet both performance and production rate demands, TIMET and Arvin
collaborated to develop a new Exhaust Grade of commercially pure titanium.
Special surface conditioning allows efficient fabrication to help meet
the cost criteria set by GM for using titanium on a production car.
LIGHT WEIGHT AND STRENGTH — FOR Z06 PERFORMANCE
The titanium system is as strong as steel, but weighs just 26 pounds
– 41% less than a comparable stainless steel system. The reduced weight translates
to improved performance and increased fuel efficiency.
CORROSION IMMUNITY AND DURABILITY — FOR UNLIMITED LIFE
Titanium has a natural oxide layer that provides immunity to external
corrosion from road salts, as well as to internal corrosion from sulfur-rich
engine exhaust. The system will experience no pitting or rusting, even
at the welds. Corrosion immunity also means the exhaust is designed with no
corrosion allowance, permitting thinner gauges than steel, which contributes
to the weight savings. In a production vehicle, the system will far
outlast anything made of stainless, resulting in fewer warranty claims and increased
customer satisfaction.
Why a TITANIUM exhaust system for the CORVETTE Z06?
T-3TM — TITANIUM, TECHNOLOGY AND TESTING
When titanium emerged as the solution to the GM performance challenges,
the manufacturing technology to produce titanium mufflers in mass-market
quantities didn't exist. Working with TIMET to optimize an Exhaust Grade
of titanium, Arvin successfully adapted its stainless steel stamping, bending,
cold forming and welding methods to accommodate the structural differences
between stainless and titanium. New testing and computer models were
also developed to ensure GM durability requirements were met, determine optimum
material gauges and achieve desired acoustic tuning. Arvin has captured
this proprietary process development technology under the name T-3TM for
Titanium, Technology and Testing.
AESTHETIC APPEAL — FOR THE CORVETTE LOOK AND SOUND
To create the distinctive Z06 exhaust outlet scoop, Arvin developed
new technology to cut the metal on an angle and curl it on a tight radius.
Further showcasing the unique look, titanium's oxide film takes on shimmering
tones of blues, purples and golds as exhaust raises the temperature
of the pipes. These colors evidence and enhance titanium's natural corrosion
resistance. Finally, to generate the singular Corvette exhaust resonance,
Arvin designed a new internal muffler configuration and used advanced
acoustic
techniques to tune the muffler.
GREEN METAL — FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Titanium is environmentally sound. It is completely inert, non-toxic, 100% recyclable and its production leaves no harmful by-products. Titanium does not degrade or release anything into the air, water or ground.
MIKE DANIEL
30903 NORTHWESTERN HWY.
SUITE 203
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI
48334
www.arvin.com
KURT FALLER
1999 BROADWAY
SUITE 4300
DENVER, CO
80202
www.timet.com