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Exhaust system recommendation

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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 08:27 AM
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Default Exhaust system recommendation

It looks like I may need a new exhaust system for my ’72.
What’s the preference these days in terms of aluminized vs. stainless steel? Also, is there a specific muffler spec I should be after if I’m trying to keep things close to stock?
Not for any judging purposes, I’m just trying to maintain the original intended sound of those exhaust systems.
I’m not interested in any “free flowing” option that is going to increase decibels.
Lastly, any recommended vendors in the Detroit area? Thanks much.
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 08:58 AM
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Check out Corvette Central. They offer complete replacement exhaust systems that are as close to original as I've ever seen. They also offer upgrade options such as true duals for cars that originally had single exhaust (you might need to change the crossmember), low profile mufflers for cars that originally had the big round cans, and aftermarket mufflers for more sound. There are undoubtedly other vendors with good systems, but I have had great luck with the Corvette Central stuff. They even offer a lifetime warranty on muffers - which I have collected on once. Sent them my rusted out muffler with a copy of the reciept, and they sent me two new ones!
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 09:01 AM
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Hi sc,
I'm very happy ithe the 2" welded aluminized system that I bought from Corvette Central for my 71 sb.
The system went on VERY easily, and fits up under the car like stock did..... (it doesn't 'droop'!)
The sound is very much like the original as I remember it. Certainly NOT muscular, but not TOO quiet either.
The price is very good, and the shipping -one BIG box, for $35 seems very reasonable.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 14, 2012 at 09:04 AM.
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 11:25 AM
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I just last week installed the 2 1/2" off road system with Magniflow mufflers from Corvette Central. Fit and finish was very good and easy to install. Sound is not very loud and has a nice tone even for these old ears.




Last edited by oledave60; Apr 14, 2012 at 11:32 AM.
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by drwet
They also offer upgrade options such as true duals for cars that originally had single exhaust (you might need to change the crossmember)
Its a 72 Im sure it has duals already.
Get the most stock mufflers you can specify, no big priced name brand fart can, fiberglass lined junk, just all stock.
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 09:16 AM
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I see that Corvette Central ships Magnaflows with their exhaust systems.
One other person had suggested these to me. What can be said about these in terms of increased performance and sound? I’m not having much luck finding anything that’s referred to as “stock”.
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by seacliffe301
I see that Corvette Central ships Magnaflows with their exhaust systems.
One other person had suggested these to me. What can be said about these in terms of increased performance and sound? I’m not having much luck finding anything that’s referred to as “stock”.
I would run nothing before I would run a magnaflaw.
I heard the exhaust may be a fire hazard.

Last edited by Tim H; Apr 21, 2012 at 10:22 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 11:27 AM
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I've got the same exhaust as oledave, fit perfect, sounds excellent
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 01:33 PM
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Hi sc301,
I can't tell what year car you're looking for exhaust for.
I'm not quite sure what you're asking when you refer to looking for "stock" mufflers.
The standard system that CC sells has a muffler that looks and sounds quite a bit like 'stock'. I'd think this is true for many/most (?) years.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 09:38 PM
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Tim H, I just installed the Magnaflows on my car and very pleased with the fit, finish and sound. Could you let me know where you found the information that they are fire hazards. Thanks, Dave.
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by oledave60
Tim H, I just installed the Magnaflows on my car and very pleased with the fit, finish and sound. Could you let me know where you found the information that they are fire hazards. Thanks, Dave.
On a Camaro fourm they thought it was the exhaust but turned out to be a loose gas cap.
I still wouldn't run then I hate the sound, I like Flowmasters.
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 10:28 PM
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i use the cc 2.5 aluminized with their stock mufflers and i am quite happy with it....i added an h pipe to it.
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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 01:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Tim H
I would run nothing before I would run a magnaflaw.
I heard the exhaust may be a fire hazard.
For those of you who haven't read Tim's past exhaust posts, FYI, he has a strong bias against MagnaFlows.

I switched from FlowMasters to MagnaFlows because they were too loud inside the car; a bad drone. I like the MagnaFlows MUCH better.

They're not as quiet as stock, but they're not too loud either.

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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 09:21 AM
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I install a complete Magnaflow system on my 73.
All stainless steel with a X-pipe.
2 2/4" from the stock manifolds to the X-pipe, 2 1/2" out the x-pipe out the back.
Magnaflow install
start up video

Last edited by redwingvette; Apr 22, 2012 at 09:28 AM.
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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi sc301,
I can't tell what year car you're looking for exhaust for.
I'm not quite sure what you're asking when you refer to looking for "stock" mufflers.
The standard system that CC sells has a muffler that looks and sounds quite a bit like 'stock'. I'd think this is true for many/most (?) years.
Regards,
Alan
1972. As far as the “stock” reference, I’m not looking for a free flowing type of muffler that’s going to increase the rumble or create any drone. This car is a very sedate cruiser in the broad scope of things, basically, a base motor 350.
It’s not a muscle car. I’m just trying to not make it sound like one. Thanks for the info.

ps. redwingvette: Nice video. Thanks for posting
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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Tim H
On a Camaro fourm they thought it was the exhaust but turned out to be a loose gas cap.
I still wouldn't run then I hate the sound, I like Flowmasters.
So you're saying that they start fires because someone thought they did but they were wrong?
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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 05:07 PM
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nice sound in the video and noticed no white smoke...haha
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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Shark Racer
So you're saying that they start fires because someone thought they did but they were wrong?
It doesn't quite add up does it Steve? I'd love to see him provide a link to that discussion but I'd be surprised if he could. If you look at his posts you'll see that most folks are learning to ignore him. In any case he seems damned proud that he can form an opinion even if it's not credible.

Last edited by Les; Apr 22, 2012 at 06:50 PM.
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