put a chambered system with glass packs on my base '72 for the same reason and it sounds fantastic. Looks cool too
Help me pick exhaust system for 74 base engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 31
From: Fishers Indiana
Help me pick exhaust system for 74 base engine
74 convertible. Base L48 , 198 HP engine.
Exhaust is tired and has leak where passenger side manifold meets exhaust pipe.
i realize that alot of a 'mean/lumpy' growl from an exhaust is not the exhaust itself but the engine - but i want the car to sound meaner that it really is.
I don't like exhausts that have a high pitched drone..that reminds me of the kids in their dropped foreign cars ala Fast and Furious, but rather a deeper, throatier sound.
i've been looking at Corvette Central's kit but have no idea who makes it to know what it even sounds like or what kind of reviews it gets.
Willcox also put up a couple of nice YouTube videos for him chambered exhaust and Stage II systems but both cars he had that on had modified cams so i know i won't get that full effect as the video showed/sounded, but nonetheless i'm leaning towards one of those.
i do expect to rebuilt the small block in the future and a new cam is part of those plans - so i'm okay putting in an exhaust that i know sounds good now, and will sound even better later.
that all said - any pointers or recommendations ?
TIA !
Exhaust is tired and has leak where passenger side manifold meets exhaust pipe.
i realize that alot of a 'mean/lumpy' growl from an exhaust is not the exhaust itself but the engine - but i want the car to sound meaner that it really is.
I don't like exhausts that have a high pitched drone..that reminds me of the kids in their dropped foreign cars ala Fast and Furious, but rather a deeper, throatier sound.
i've been looking at Corvette Central's kit but have no idea who makes it to know what it even sounds like or what kind of reviews it gets.
Willcox also put up a couple of nice YouTube videos for him chambered exhaust and Stage II systems but both cars he had that on had modified cams so i know i won't get that full effect as the video showed/sounded, but nonetheless i'm leaning towards one of those.
i do expect to rebuilt the small block in the future and a new cam is part of those plans - so i'm okay putting in an exhaust that i know sounds good now, and will sound even better later.
that all said - any pointers or recommendations ?
TIA !
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 69
Likes: 7
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
I've been reading all the post people make on the forums about this as well.
Also found this..
Header Guide 1
Header Guide 2
Also found this..
Header Guide 1
Header Guide 2
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,621
Likes: 555
From: Manchester
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '13
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
These are basically chambered pipes. From years of B52s, C141s and Harleys I'm 'bout deaf and they are still very loud. I'm pretty sure they are rusted out to a degree but plan on replacing in the near future with the same thing. Have a wonnerful week, Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Many years ago I replaced my rusted steel pipes with stainless steel pipes from Allen's. They still look brand new. I added Dynomax super turbo mufflers and it sounds awesome. When cruising, I just hear it a little, but step on it and it really growls and turns heads.
Duane
Duane
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
there's a margin of return you have to consider for stainless steel.. much more expensive and some think they are hard fitting and have different expansion rates as they heat up, and causes klanking and rubbing.
chambered are basically straight thru pipes, will be way too loud for a street application, except for the youngsters who want it loud.
I have aluminized from front to back. 8 years old and no sign of patina or age (maybe a couple of oil drips and stains)... lots cheaper.. I also have the stock sounding mufflers.. probably too quiet for what you are asking.
you probably might want those magna-flows. do a search, there are several sound bytes out there to chooses from to help you decide.
a front to back set of aluminized with magna flows would be sweet on your car. while you are at it, hit your exhaust manifolds with high temp paint in cast iron color.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...YmhRoC17fw_wcB
chambered are basically straight thru pipes, will be way too loud for a street application, except for the youngsters who want it loud.
I have aluminized from front to back. 8 years old and no sign of patina or age (maybe a couple of oil drips and stains)... lots cheaper.. I also have the stock sounding mufflers.. probably too quiet for what you are asking.
you probably might want those magna-flows. do a search, there are several sound bytes out there to chooses from to help you decide.
a front to back set of aluminized with magna flows would be sweet on your car. while you are at it, hit your exhaust manifolds with high temp paint in cast iron color.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...YmhRoC17fw_wcB
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 595
Likes: 84
From: Colonial Beach Virginia
there's a margin of return you have to consider for stainless steel.. much more expensive and some think they are hard fitting and have different expansion rates as they heat up, and causes klanking and rubbing.
chambered are basically straight thru pipes, will be way too loud for a street application, except for the youngsters who want it loud.
I have aluminized from front to back. 8 years old and no sign of patina or age (maybe a couple of oil drips and stains)... lots cheaper.. I also have the stock sounding mufflers.. probably too quiet for what you are asking.
you probably might want those magna-flows. do a search, there are several sound bytes out there to chooses from to help you decide.
a front to back set of aluminized with magna flows would be sweet on your car. while you are at it, hit your exhaust manifolds with high temp paint in cast iron color.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...YmhRoC17fw_wcB
chambered are basically straight thru pipes, will be way too loud for a street application, except for the youngsters who want it loud.
I have aluminized from front to back. 8 years old and no sign of patina or age (maybe a couple of oil drips and stains)... lots cheaper.. I also have the stock sounding mufflers.. probably too quiet for what you are asking.
you probably might want those magna-flows. do a search, there are several sound bytes out there to chooses from to help you decide.
a front to back set of aluminized with magna flows would be sweet on your car. while you are at it, hit your exhaust manifolds with high temp paint in cast iron color.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...YmhRoC17fw_wcB
I disagree. My chambered pipes are not loud at all. Nice deep tone that opens up a bit when under throttle. If you have a built motor with a cam and higher compression, then it may get noticeably louder. He has a stock 190HP motor though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 214
From: Sarasota Florida
I agree. I have chambered exhaust on my 71 350/270hp and it isn't too loud. I know this because my wife tolerates it.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 114
Likes: 18
From: McKinney TX
Personally I like the sound of Corvette Central's N11 muffler. I upgraded to the 2 1/2 inch exhaust with 2 1/2 inch RAMs Horn exhaust manifolds mainly because I want the car to appear stock to the casual observer. (You know, the one who can't tell aluminum from cast iron!) Anyway, to me they sound better than the more common 'loud' mufflers.