Dreaming60’s

I planned on installing new exhaust and off road mufflers sometime, but looks like sometime is coming sooner than I thought. Found a crack at the inlet pipe to the muffler on the passenger side so I might as well do it now. Several of the aftermarket parts houses offer "aluminized" kits, but not sure if all are created equal. Any thoughts on this?

One of the three ears is broken off on the L/H exhaust manifold, but it's not leaking. I'm a little concerned about trying to replace the forward manifold extension pipe for fear of developing a new leak and then having to replace the manifold. Biggest fear is snapping off one or more of the manifold attaching bolts and then having to remove the head to have the bolt drilled out, so I'll probably only install from the forward extension aft. Any secrets on removing exhaust manifold bolts?

Butch

wmf62

I've never heard of anyone breaking off an manifold bolt, but I guess it could happen. the chinese made exhaust manifolds are inexpensive (dorman is one brand) and the quality is usually good; especially considering the price; so get a new one(s).

and, a good muffler shop can make you as good an exhaust system as the original, and maybe even cheaper

Bill

Dreaming60’s

Thanks Bill,

My only experience with exhaust manifolds goes all the way back to the 60's, when I snapped off a manifold bolt on a 56 chevy. But, we didn't have the tools or finesse that I hope I possess these days. No Kroil or PB Blaster to loosen up the rust back then. Agree, manifolds are cheap for new.

My only reason for buying the kit was trying to stick with a stock looking system, but, that doesn't have to happen.

Butch

wmf62

chances are no one will ever see it but you... but if you only want to replace from the exhaust pipe back there is no reason to buy an aftermarket full 'kit', a GOOD muffler shop can certainly do the back half. check a few places and see what they have to offer. I used the oval turbo mufflers rather than the round off-road mufflers.

Bill
'

Dreaming60’s

Checked with one local custom exhaust fabricator, who does most of the custom and speciality cars installation in the area and their guessing at $500-600 total, which is less than a kit when you add hangers and clamps. It's never going to be a judged car so it really isn't that important. I would just like it to sound good. How do the turbo mufflers compare to flowmasters or the off road corvette mufflers?

Butch

wmf62

$500-$600 sounds (pun intended..) a bit steep, but it's been a while since I've had anything done

sound, like beauty, is up to the individual... here's what my turbo mufflers sound like

Dreaming60’s

Thanks Bill,

They sound good. I appreciate the tip.

Butch

jimh_1962

give them all call!

https://www.allencorvetteexhaustsystems.com/

jimh_1962

Used but still useable:

https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/p...607090490.html


No affiliation. You might be able to get just but the exhaust manifolds.

Dreaming60’s

Thanks for the link Bill. They're a chambered exhaust type muffler, not the turbo muffler put out by magnaflow or one of the others. I appreciate the link because I completely missed that. The 2nd link is interesting too. I'll need to think about this one.

Butch

tomy62

Dreaming60’s

Looks like a very complete system, from new exhaust manifold studs, to hangers and clamps. So far, it looks like complete kits are running about the same money as fabricated systems ($500-600) except you have to install the kits.

I guess the next question is "has anyone installed a Gardner, Corvette Central or other aftermarket kits and how did you like them?

Butch

Dreaming60’s

Gardner Exhaust seems to be a very quality and responsive shop. I sent an email an hour ago requesting pricing since it's not on their website and Mr. Gardner just call me back. The build "show quality" systems, which his good to know, but they are also more expensive (price is what you pay, but value is what you buy). I was very impressed with his customer service and this is the 1st time in my short corvette hobby life that anyone called me, rather than sending an email or totally ignoring my request.

Now, are there any real life experiences with installing other aftermarket exhaust kits?

Butch