New guy exhaust question C3
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3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
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New guy exhaust question C3
Hey all, I'm new on here and I'm also a first time Corvette owner! I just purchased a 1981 L-81 Corvette in 2 tone autumn red and dark Claret. It's all original and has a 4 speed and 61000 miles. I'm planning on replacing the exhaust on it and was wondering if anyone here has put on the Mid-America Motorworks true dual exhaust on their 80-82? I'd like to put a new set of the Flowmaster Super 44 mufflers on it too. Has anyone had any problems or anything with the fitment on the mamotorworks system? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Do you not have a local exhuast shop? It would be cheaper & a guaranteed fit as all the bends are done for YOUR car.
I've done the exhaust with several changes over the years on my '76 and each time the local muffler shop has done a GREAT job at very affordable prices.
I'm running Hedman headers, 2.5" pipes with a crossover behind the transmission, and then true duals behind the crossmember. Runs & sounds great. They put breaks in the pipes forward of rear wheels, so that I can take it apart to work on the car when I need to get the exhaust system out of the way.
I've done the exhaust with several changes over the years on my '76 and each time the local muffler shop has done a GREAT job at very affordable prices.
I'm running Hedman headers, 2.5" pipes with a crossover behind the transmission, and then true duals behind the crossmember. Runs & sounds great. They put breaks in the pipes forward of rear wheels, so that I can take it apart to work on the car when I need to get the exhaust system out of the way.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Le Roy NY
I used the mid-america pipes on my 1980, and they fit like a glove. I also put on "shorty" headers which required cutting the manifold ends down and welding on an elbow. Not a bad job though. I would highly recommend installing a balance tube between the two pipes. They're only about an inch apart as they pass under the passenger seat area. I'm in process of doing this now. I bought a balance tube kit from Summit ($32) and cut the crossover length to fit and welded them together. The sound from true duals with Flowmasters may be a little choppy, which is where the balance tube, so I am told, will help. I used Summit welded turbo mufflers on mine, which sound similar.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
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Thanks for the info on your '80. That does sound like a good idea with the cross-over pipe. I am planning on leaving on my stock manifold/headers, so it shouldn't be a bad job at all then. I was just concerned with the fitment of the pipes and I'm glad you are happy with them. I'll surely get that exhaust from mid-America now. Thanks again.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 29
From: vancouver washington
I bought that system for my 81. Fit was good. I did have to modify for long tube dynamax headers. One side note, Couldnt find a muffler shop to install the mid america system or any dual system with no cats. Shops here just wont take a chance getting busted by the smog police
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Hickam AFB Hawaii
I bought that system for my 81. Fit was good. I did have to modify for long tube dynamax headers. One side note, Couldnt find a muffler shop to install the mid america system or any dual system with no cats. Shops here just wont take a chance getting busted by the smog police
Do you have the original transmission crossmember? I have been told you can't mount dual exhaust with long tube headers on a 1980 because the bend won't make it over to the passenger side to run under the cross member. Did you have any problems with that?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
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From: vancouver washington
VRGSVET, The mid america system routes both pipes down the right side. There is a raised area in the cross member for the pipes to pass by. The pipe from the left side crosses just behind the trany then turns down the right side. I cut the pipes off about 2 feet before the header collector. I then used a stiff wire for a angle pattern and took the wire to the muffler shop. They bent 2 pipes at that angle. I used a wire welder for the connections at the collector. The system turned out real good. I'll try to post some pics but I'm not too handy with uploading pics.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Bridgewater nj
I purchased the true duals for my 82. CC called me because the 80-81 front pipes are different than the 82 CFire. The 82 pipes were received and they didn't even ask for the 80-81s back. It shows that they are doing their homework and selling a good exhaust. Now I have to wait for the body shop to finish before I can install them.
I'm pretty sure they use the stock hangers.
I'm pretty sure they use the stock hangers.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
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From: vancouver washington
My exhaust was in pretty bad shape. Did not use the factory hanger that bolts to the trany mount. Installed new hangers in the mid section area and new hangers on the mufflers. I bought universal rubber mount hangers and cut to fit. Spend the money for band style clamps instead of u-bolt type. Much easier to take apart exhaust for repairs.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Hickam AFB Hawaii
Thanks, guys. I have one more exhaust shop I will try. If they won't do it, I'll be ordering a kit.
hugie82 - Did you get your kit from Corvette Central then? Do you still have the 80-81 kit or did you have to send it back?
hugie82 - Did you get your kit from Corvette Central then? Do you still have the 80-81 kit or did you have to send it back?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Taylor Michigan
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