I think I'll just leave it all standard.
I initially thought the same thing when I got my Clubsport however they really don't sound like a V8 should... Exhaust fixes that!
How much would the exhaust work cost, roughly?
Mate I didn't get a full (headers to tips) exhaust just yet for two reasons, cost & because frankly this 307kw LS2 engine really does pump out **** loads of power in stock form. However like I have said, I wanted a better note than the factory pea shooter exhaust gives. I ended up going with a full custom, mild steel, dual 3 inch, cat back system from some local blokes (City Custom Exhaust) here in Canberra. $1500 cash (or $1750 credit card) supplied, cut, fitted, painted including quad 3 inch chrome tips, cross pipe, high flow ressies and high flow sports mufflers.
Sound is AWESOME!!! Zero drone and well worth the money. Haven't had the car on a dyno yet but am going to get a Cold Air Induction and tune done at the same time. So for around $3,000 you should be able to get a dual 3 inch cat back, Cold Air Induction and dyno tune. Not a lot to spend for MUCH better sound and increased power. I'm expecting around 250 - 260 rwkw after the CAI and tune. If I went for some HPC coated headers and high flow cats, 270rwkw is EASILY achieved and I have seen people getting 280rwkw. All from simple and relatively cheap mods.
If you haven't already, check out the LS1 forums. PLENTY of info regarding mods there.
I'm also considering a CAM but mostly cause I like how lumpy they sound.
Oh, the other thing I am getting is a Billet Rip Shifter... Maybe as early as this week! Also a cheap mod (around $500) and makes shifting SOOOO much better.
Pics of my exhaust are in My Ride thread:
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/ve-wm/67177-my-own-personal-stinger-missile.html