C3 exhaust query...
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Victoria
C3 exhaust query...
Hi all,
First up, sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area but I'm new to forums in general.
I am the proud owner of a '68 vette (a dream of mine since i was a child!) and am gradually tinkering with it. The only aspect I can't do is the exhaust, I'm in Australia, and had this beauty imported down here about 8 months ago. I've taken it to my usual exhaust place to get a set of hooker super comps fitted, and once they were I enquired, about getting the rest of the exhaust done, and he informed me that due to the centre crossmember where the exhausts go through (the cutout) I can only fit a max of 2-1/4in pipes through it, is that correct? I've had it up on stands at my place and it seems like I can fit larger through it.
My dilemma is I can't find anyone other then this place willing to touch it! I have no idea why as its not really any different to our old school holdens down here! (Other then being LHD)
So any suggestions? Have you had similar problems? How did you overcome them!?
I'm looking to go 2-1/2 minimum but preferably 3in!
Cheers;
Peter.
First up, sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area but I'm new to forums in general.
I am the proud owner of a '68 vette (a dream of mine since i was a child!) and am gradually tinkering with it. The only aspect I can't do is the exhaust, I'm in Australia, and had this beauty imported down here about 8 months ago. I've taken it to my usual exhaust place to get a set of hooker super comps fitted, and once they were I enquired, about getting the rest of the exhaust done, and he informed me that due to the centre crossmember where the exhausts go through (the cutout) I can only fit a max of 2-1/4in pipes through it, is that correct? I've had it up on stands at my place and it seems like I can fit larger through it.
My dilemma is I can't find anyone other then this place willing to touch it! I have no idea why as its not really any different to our old school holdens down here! (Other then being LHD)
So any suggestions? Have you had similar problems? How did you overcome them!?
I'm looking to go 2-1/2 minimum but preferably 3in!
Cheers;
Peter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 1,197
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Hi all,
First up, sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area but I'm new to forums in general.
I am the proud owner of a '68 vette (a dream of mine since i was a child!) and am gradually tinkering with it. The only aspect I can't do is the exhaust, I'm in Australia, and had this beauty imported down here about 8 months ago. I've taken it to my usual exhaust place to get a set of hooker super comps fitted, and once they were I enquired, about getting the rest of the exhaust done, and he informed me that due to the centre crossmember where the exhausts go through (the cutout) I can only fit a max of 2-1/4in pipes through it, is that correct? I've had it up on stands at my place and it seems like I can fit larger through it.
My dilemma is I can't find anyone other then this place willing to touch it! I have no idea why as its not really any different to our old school holdens down here! (Other then being LHD)
So any suggestions? Have you had similar problems? How did you overcome them!?
I'm looking to go 2-1/2 minimum but preferably 3in!
Cheers;
Peter.
First up, sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area but I'm new to forums in general.
I am the proud owner of a '68 vette (a dream of mine since i was a child!) and am gradually tinkering with it. The only aspect I can't do is the exhaust, I'm in Australia, and had this beauty imported down here about 8 months ago. I've taken it to my usual exhaust place to get a set of hooker super comps fitted, and once they were I enquired, about getting the rest of the exhaust done, and he informed me that due to the centre crossmember where the exhausts go through (the cutout) I can only fit a max of 2-1/4in pipes through it, is that correct? I've had it up on stands at my place and it seems like I can fit larger through it.
My dilemma is I can't find anyone other then this place willing to touch it! I have no idea why as its not really any different to our old school holdens down here! (Other then being LHD)
So any suggestions? Have you had similar problems? How did you overcome them!?
I'm looking to go 2-1/2 minimum but preferably 3in!
Cheers;
Peter.
I am in oz I can assure you 2.5" will fit through my 71 crossmember.
Covered here in more detail >. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ourney-22.html
2.5" mandrel bent with lukey mufflers at the rear.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The factory installed 2-1/2" pipes through those crossmember openings with no problem. You should obtain a copy of the 1968 Assembly Instruction Manual (A.I.M.). It will show all that detail and what parts are associated with that installation.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
You can order pre-bent factory style exhaust systems from the aftermarket providers. Unless you have made extensive engine mods, 3" is too big for your car and will serve no benefit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
You could order the factory hangers and parts for a BB car or make sure they say 2.5 inch. I got mine from Corvette Central...check out their exhaust kits/parts too, give you an idea of what you need..maybe show the pics to your exhaust guy.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
Yes, a 3" pipe will fit through the crossmember. Just barely. The only problem is getting it precisely dead nuts in the middle of the holes. Not much "fudge factor" there. Very little room for error.
Two and a half inch tubes are much easier to fit.
Two and a half inch tubes are much easier to fit.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Victoria
Thanks to everyone for their input! I'm going to the exhaust shop on Wednesday to have another chat with him. I'm not doing any major engine mods, just what's already done (and that was only dress up the bay) so 2-1/2 will do if he can't/won't do the 3in.
Cheers
Cheers
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,934
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Yes, 2 1/2 inch pipes are easier to install, but that's not the preferred option for some of us who are making some decent power numbers.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
Likes: 739
From: Youngstown Ohio
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Victoria
Thanks for the photos mate!
Ground clearance isn't a problem for me, and to be honest I like the look of the larger exhaust pipes sitting low and visible, as is the case with your car. Looks awesome!
Ground clearance isn't a problem for me, and to be honest I like the look of the larger exhaust pipes sitting low and visible, as is the case with your car. Looks awesome!