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Done some searching here on exhaust systems and I like the idea of stainless with an x-pipe. Looks like Pypes and Magnaflow are the two leaders in pre-bent, self-install systems. Anyone care to give their $.02 on either of these two systems. Curious to hear what you have to say.
I just used the Pypes Vilator mufflers on my 81. I REALLY love the sound and they were very well made. They will last a VERY long time, plus the price was fair.
The Pypes system is actually a 'Crossmember Back' system (even though most places call it 'Header Back') which explains why you needed extensions.
To me, that seems the better solution anyway since there is NO way they could provide a universal pipe from the header that would work for the dozens of header combinations available-
You'd end up having to fabricate a custom piece for your specific installation regardless.
What I prefer with the Pypes set-up is you can purchase the pipes only without mufflers. Without mufflers, you can get the Pypes pipes for like $425 at Summit while the Magnaflow set-up is close to $800 WITH mufflers. I'd rather select my own muffler anyway and the ones I'd buy would cost WAY less than the Magnaflow option.
Looks like Magnaflow uses a special muffler with tips and front pipe welded? If so you'd be a bit "locked in". If you don't like the sound you can't easily replace the mufflers. Pypes allows standard mufflers and stock tips.
I used the Pypes minus mufflers for $425. Had to do some cutting and welding but I was expecting that so no biggie.
Like ezobens said: Mine came up short also. Got 1.5 ft stainless pipe off ebay for $25 to make it work. Wish pypes would throw in an extra piece of straight pipe rather than all the clamps they included (most which I didn't use).
Has anyone tried the Pypes header and exhaust full system? It includes Stainless Works hugger headers. I'm thinking about this option instead of the CC full system.
Has anyone tried the Pypes header and exhaust full system? It includes Stainless Works hugger headers. I'm thinking about this option instead of the CC full system.
I didn't even know that existed. I certainly would have considered it.
I have the Magnaflow #16842 system from the stock manifolds back on my 73. Because I have the stock manifolds I bought the system that has 2 1/4" pipes to the x-pipe and changes to 2 1/2" from there. But I think the other #16841 systems would work for you if you are changing to headers anyway.
I like the fact that the Magnaflow system uses band clamps so I can remove it when needed. I do not know anything abut the Pypes systems. My install page
I put the Magnaflow 16841 on mine with the already installed Flowtech headers. I found every piece to be about an inch shorter than it needed to be and it leaked at every joint because of it. Switched to the wide sealing stainless band clamps and solved it though. The best part was that the head pipes had the perfect offset to line up with my headers so didn't have to have anything made or bent at the front.
As for the mufflers being permanent, no muffler installs on these cars without some welding, replacing these will be no different. But they won't need replacing for a long time anyway.
Either system will require more work than installing one on a newer car, go with what you like the sound of.
I have the Pypes system with the Race Pro mufflers and really like the sound. As others have said I had to bridge the gap from the headers to the Pypes.