1963 automatic exhaust
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
1963 automatic exhaust
I keep seeing online that the aftermarket exhaust systems are listed as 2” (base or auto) and 2.5” (manual). Can I not put a 2.5” exhaust on my 63 if it’s an automatic? I can’t see any clearance issues but then again I don’t have a lift to really get under it. I was hoping to upgrade to headers and the larger exhaust. Has anyone done this?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,468
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From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
I can't think of a reason that wouldn't work.
I've had a '63 with 2.5" exhaust and I have one now with 2" exhaust and I've been under both cars (altho not recently).
My memory is there is plenty of room.
I've had a '63 with 2.5" exhaust and I have one now with 2" exhaust and I've been under both cars (altho not recently).
My memory is there is plenty of room.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
any idea how much it would cost to have a shop do an exhaust system? I don’t have the ability to do any welding at home. I’m in California for reference. Just trying to get an idea of the best way to approach this (the car is new to me and my first older car/corvette)
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,124
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Buy the correct system and there is no welding needed Just bolt it up and go
Last edited by Nowhere Man; Jul 2, 2020 at 05:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2020
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 553
From: Sun Prairie WI
I keep seeing online that the aftermarket exhaust systems are listed as 2” (base or auto) and 2.5” (manual). Can I not put a 2.5” exhaust on my 63 if it’s an automatic? I can’t see any clearance issues but then again I don’t have a lift to really get under it. I was hoping to upgrade to headers and the larger exhaust. Has anyone done this?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by vark_wso; Jul 2, 2020 at 06:43 PM.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2020
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The passenger side exhaust pipe (manifold to & thru cross-member) made for a manual transmission -- either 2" or 2-1/2" dia -- will not have clearance around the Powerglide's bulky case & pan. The other 3 pieces could be accommodated with correct hanger ***'y, clamps and the like, but the RH pipe will have to be fabricated if you go this route. If you have a late '63 equipped with trans fluid cooler/heat exchanger, those two lines provide another obstacle to RH pipe routing.
I have an early 63. So would it be worth buying a kit and then taking it to be altered? Or just have an exhaust place do the entire thing?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Horsham Pa
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Unless you have a very high performance engine in your 63 going from 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch is not going to make any difference in the performance of your car. You can get mufflers that will sound great with the 2 inch exhaust system. As stated the pipe on the passenger side front gets too close to the oil pan of the automatic and heats up the transmission.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Michigan
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
I keep seeing online that the aftermarket exhaust systems are listed as 2” (base or auto) and 2.5” (manual). Can I not put a 2.5” exhaust on my 63 if it’s an automatic? I can’t see any clearance issues but then again I don’t have a lift to really get under it. I was hoping to upgrade to headers and the larger exhaust. Has anyone done this?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Get stainless steel pipes & mufflers.
Either the 400 series or 300 series stainless steel metal.
You will never have to replace them again.
The galvanized aluminum is stock grade and "junk" they used in the 1960'S-1980's and rust just sitting in the garage.
The only thing is stainless steel would not pass judging and lose points if that is what you are into.
Not me, I want modern stainless steel used in today's cars and trucks that usually outlast the rest of the vehicle.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 23
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Unless you have a very high performance engine in your 63 going from 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch is not going to make any difference in the performance of your car. You can get mufflers that will sound great with the 2 inch exhaust system. As stated the pipe on the passenger side front gets too close to the oil pan of the automatic and heats up the transmission.
do you have a recommendation for which muffler if I just keep the 2” pipe? It looks like it has the stock exhaust with the exception of headers that a previous owner installed on it. I’m not too concerned keeping things stock (it has a CE engine in it) but will obviously hold onto any stock parts.