Where is the best place to buy a complete and correct exhaust for our '69?

Also, I saw one online today that said it was for the 427 and 350 4 speed High Performance. We have a 350/350 4 speed with a quadrajet carb (if that matters). I guess I never realized there was a difference in the exhaust. Is it just a matter of preference or does the 350/350 4 speed need the HP exhaust?

Anyway, we need one so......any recommendations?

Thanks

 

Not sure which engine you have, but if you're looking for more of an NCRS type accurate exhaust, Gardner Exhaust is probably the closest, then Allen Exhaust after that. Otherwise any 2.5" system with off-road mufflers will work fine.

The 350/300hp, 350/350hp, and 427/390hp cars originally used 2" exhaust. The other higher HP cars used 2.5 exhaust.

Unless you're trying to get the most NCRS points, I would use 2.5" for all of them.

 

Hi CA,
The Gardner exhaust IS very NICE.
The welded aluminized exhaust systems from Corvette Central are an option too. They fit very well, go on easily, and there's even free shipping on occasion!
I'm happy with the system I bought for my 71 sb.
Regards,
Alan

 

Thank you Revi. We have the 350/350hp 4 speed. It's a nice 'survivor' that we're just going to have as a fun car. We're keeping everything as close to stock as we can but not looking to show or anything like that. I'll see if I can find a website for the 2 companies you mentioned.

 

Thank you Alan. My husband actually had me look at a system on ebay that is listed by Corvette Central. It's good to know a member has ordered from them as I'm not too familiar with most of the Corvette parts companies anymore.

 

Our 69 L46 was born with the standard exhaust. Bought the factory sides from Zip corvette in richmond, VA. Don't know where you are but they are always great to work with. The actual exhaust pipes were manufactured by Sweet Thunder and sound wonderful, real head-turners. Just something else for you to check out.

 

Corvette central is a very good supplier. I order from them often. I used the intermediate pipes and magnafow mufflers from cc. Fit was real good. But the magnaflow muffler is loud, nice sounding, but loud. I don't how their stock replacement muffler sounds, but it's a bit cheaper.

 

Thank you 69Pman and Sunstroked. Our L46 wasn't born with side pipes so we are looking to replace our system as close to original as we can. I can appreciate the healthy rumble of an exhaust as long as it isn't on my car We like a quiet ride, boring to some I know but that's what we like We have a local business to check out in the morning, they can bend just about anything that others can't, but they can be pricey so we'll see how that goes. If they're too high I think I'll give Corvette Central a call.

 

I have a 1970 L46 and installed a Corvette Central 2.5" system last year. I opted for the N11 mufflers, welded. The 2.5" seemed to wake the car up a little, it sounds great, and it went on the car fairly easily. I would order the same system again without hesitation.

 

Thank you......

 

I had a corvette central system. It fit perfectly. If you go up to a 2.5", you'll need the larger center exhaust hanger.

 

Oh, thank you, I'll put that in my notes and make sure my husband knows.

 

Hi 69,
What's quite nice about the CC welded system is the fact that the secondary pipes are welded to the mufflers as the originals were. This eliminates the clamps that you often see right in front of the mufflers.
If you want to be especially good to your car you should at least check out the Gardner system.... I'd have chosen it, but it requires welding and that's beyond my capabilities.
Regards,
Alan

 

Thanks Alan. I just checked their site (Gardner) but didn't see any prices so I called and left them a message.

 

I've heard lots of good things about the Corvette Central system. Sometimes, they run a special for free shipping, so maybe there's a good cost savings if exhaust systems qualify.

I have the Gardner system on my car and love it! The entire system fit together like a glove and it sounds nice - not loud/not silent. As Alan states, the tail pipe can be either clamped to the mufflers or they can be welded. I welded mine to better-simulate an original appearance. I "dry fit" mine, making reference points (hash marks) on the muffler inlet and tailpipe joint to mark the right position. I took the system down, tack welded it per the hash marks, and put it back on the car, making sure it was right, one more time. Once I was sure I had it right, I took it down again and welded around the circumference complete. If you don't want to weld, know that clamps come with the system. I also baked the blackout on my Gardner mufflers prior to assembly/installation. Original cars had mufflers blacked out at the factory. I've driven a couple thousand miles since and have experienced only minor paint discoloration at the rear of the mufflers. You can't see the discoloration unless you climb under the car.

As I recall, the Gardner system was more costly than the CC system. The people at Gardner were fantastic to deal with and they follow up to make sure all goes right on your install. I'd buy again from Gardner without hesitation!

 

I can vouch for the CC dual 2 1/2 in system to stock like mufflers!
Installed mine last summer, very straight forward install...sounds much better and seems like a little more get up and go!
CC I believe has a free shipping promo on now (US only)
I'm waiting for them to extend that to Canada for my new carpet set among many other things!
Hopefully in the spring CORVETTE CENTRAL??

JJ

 

Quite a few years ago, I replaced the pipes on my '72 with a stainless steel set of pipes from Allen's. Price was right on and they fit perfectly. I stayed with the 2" pipes like it originally had to keep things the same, and the pipes still look new to this day. I don't remember when I did the switch, but it was way before the days of the internet. I got their info from a magazine advertisement. Haven't had to touch the exhaust system since and probably won't have to in my lifetime.
Duane

 

Thank you. I haven't heard from Gardner yet, I left a message this morning but maybe they aren't open on Saturdays? We would purchase a new system and then have it installed at a shop here, we have a couple of good ones and one in particular who does a lot of antique/vintage cars.

 

Thank you JJvette73.....looks like another thumbs up for CC!

Thank you too Duane4238......does Allen's have a website? Right now I'm checking all avenues.

 

I got the 2 1/2 welded system for my 69 427 on their last free shipping to Canada deal. It is very well made and fits perfectly. In previous years their next free shipping to Canada was Valentines Day so look for it just before then.